If you love Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’re going to be delighted! This creamy, comforting soup is one of the most popular dishes on their menu, and now you can recreate it in your own kitchen. With tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, this hearty soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home!
In this article, I’ll guide you step by step to create the perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. We’ll cover everything from ingredients to preparation and even offer some handy tips for making substitutions or storing leftovers. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade version of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup will become your go-to for so many reasons:
- Cost-Effective: Making this soup at home costs a fraction of what you’d spend dining out.
- Customizable: You can adjust ingredients to fit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: The creamy, hearty flavors are a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Comforting: It’s the ultimate cozy meal for chilly days or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
Ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this tasty soup:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 small onion, diced – Adds sweetness and flavor to the soup.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – For a fragrant, savory base.
- 1 cup carrots, shredded or thinly sliced – Adds color and texture.
- 1 cup celery, chopped – Balances the flavors with its mild bitterness.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced – Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi – You can find these in the pasta section of most grocery stores.
- 4 cups chicken broth – The base of the soup; use low-sodium if preferred.
- 2 cups heavy cream – For that creamy, rich texture.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped – Adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon thyme – For a subtle herby flavor.
- 1 teaspoon parsley – Fresh or dried works fine.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust according to your preference.
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Follow these instructions to recreate this classic soup at home:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Warm the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step! Sautéing the vegetables helps build the flavor base for your soup.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Stir in the cooked chicken. Let it heat through for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and mix thoroughly. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer.Add the chicken broth to the pot and stir well. Bring the aggregate to a boil, then lower the heat to keep a mild simmer. Allow it to cook for 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Helpful Hint: If you want a slightly thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the broth before simmering.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the potato gnocchi to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top. This means they are cooked and ready!
Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Spinach
Reduce the heat and gently mix in the heavy cream. Add the chopped spinach and season with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors together.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is heated through and the spinach is wilted, your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is ready! Ladle it into bowls and serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Nutrition and Calories (Per Serving)
This recipe makes approximately six servings. Here’s an estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the exact ingredients and brands you use.
Tips for Serving Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Make it a Meal: Pair this soup with Olive Garden-style breadsticks or garlic toast for a restaurant-worthy experience.
- Garnish It: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley on top for extra flavor and presentation.
- Best Enjoyed Fresh: While the soup can be reheated, it tastes best when served fresh and hot.
FAQs About Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
1. Can I use a substitute for heavy cream?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or even whole milk if you want a lighter version of the soup. Just keep in mind that it won’t be as rich and creamy.
2. What can I use instead of potato gnocchi?
If you can’t find potato gnocchi, small pasta shapes like mini shells or ditalini can work as substitutes. However, the gnocchi adds a unique texture that’s hard to beat.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing is possible, but the gnocchi and cream may change texture after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider leaving out the cream and gnocchi until reheating.
5. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the chicken. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home is not only rewarding but also deliciously satisfying. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy the creamy comfort of this popular dish anytime you like. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this soup is sure to impress.
Try this recipe today, and let me know how it turned out in the comments! Happy cooking! 🍲
