Cozy Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Comfort embraces you with this hearty Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Memories of cozy Italian restaurants dance through this creamy recipe.

Tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi create a rich, satisfying blend of flavors.

Home kitchens can easily recreate this beloved restaurant classic with simple ingredients.

Fragrant herbs and velvety texture make this soup a standout dish for chilly evenings.

Preparing this soup feels like wrapping yourself in a delicious culinary hug.

One taste transports you straight to a charming trattoria, promising pure deliciousness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• What are gnocchi, and how are they made?

Gnocchi are soft, pillowy Italian dumplings typically made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. They’re rolled and cut into small, bite-sized pieces before being boiled until they float to the surface.

• Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi work perfectly in this soup. Simply add them directly from the freezer and cook until they float, which usually takes 3-5 minutes.

• Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just reheat gently to maintain the soup’s creamy texture.

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Hearty And Comforting

Boost Comfort Levels: Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this creamy, soul-warming soup that hugs you from the inside out. Every spoonful brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen.

Simplify Cooking Process: Master this recipe with easy-to-follow steps that require minimal cooking skills. No fancy techniques needed – just basic chopping, sauteing, and stirring create a stunning restaurant-inspired dish.

Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients to match your preferences or pantry contents. Swap chicken for turkey, use different greens instead of spinach, or adjust seasonings to create your unique soup version.

Quick Family Pleaser: Gather everyone around the table with this crowd-pleasing recipe that satisfies diverse taste buds. Kids and adults will love the rich, creamy texture and hearty ingredients packed into one delicious bowl.

Ingredients Needed For Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that serve as the hearty base of this comforting soup.
• Chicken: Tender, shredded cooked chicken that adds protein and rich flavor to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: The essential liquid foundation that creates the soup's savory depth.

• Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: A classic vegetable mix that builds a flavorful base and provides texture to the soup.

• Heavy Cream, Spinach: Cream creates a luxurious, silky texture while spinach adds a fresh, green element to the soup.
• Dried Thyme, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: These herbs and spices enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Garnishes that add a finishing touch of flavor and visual appeal.

• Flour: Helps create a roux to thicken the soup and provide a smooth consistency.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding richness to the soup.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sizzle the Aromatics

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium warmth. Toss in onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.

Let these veggies dance and soften, releasing their incredible fragrance for about 5 minutes. They’ll become tender and fill your kitchen with mouthwatering scents.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

Dust your sautéed vegetables with flour, stirring constantly to create a silky base. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking smoothly to prevent any annoying lumps.

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Introduce Protein and Pillowy Gnocchi

• Dried thyme
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Drop in soft gnocchi and let them simmer until they float and become perfectly plump, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Creamy Spinach Finale

• Heavy cream
• Fresh spinach leaves

Cook until spinach wilts and soup reaches luxurious, velvety consistency, roughly 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve With Flair

• Freshly grated Parmesan
• Chopped parsley

Accompany with crusty bread for an authentic Olive Garden experience that’ll transport you straight to Italy.

Tips To Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Use pre-cut frozen mirepoix mix to save time and maintain consistent vegetable sizes for even cooking.
• Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to enhance the soup's depth and give it a subtle kick.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lower-calorie version without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Pat store-bought or homemade gnocchi dry before adding to the soup to prevent excess water and ensure a better consistency.
• Store leftover soup without spinach, adding fresh greens when reheating to maintain their bright color and crisp texture.

Flavor Variations To Refresh Chicken Gnocchi Soups

• Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like white beans or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use certified gluten-free gnocchi to maintain the recipe's integrity.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Choose dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for similar cheesy flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles. Reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining soup's creamy texture and rich flavor.

Pairings That Complement Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Select a medium-bodied white wine with subtle oak notes that complements the creamy soup's richness without overpowering the delicate chicken and vegetable flavors.
• Bake a warm, herbal Italian bread with rosemary and sea salt to provide a perfect crunchy contrast to the soup's smooth texture and soak up the delicious broth.
• Create a light, zesty side salad with fresh arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan to balance the soup's creamy profile and add a refreshing element to the meal.

Storage Tips To Keep Chicken Gnocchi Soup Fresh

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi separately as they may become mushy when thawed.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s beloved chicken gnocchi soup brings comfort and warmth straight to your kitchen. Rich potato dumplings and tender chicken swim in a creamy broth that feels like a culinary hug from Italy. You’ll savor each spoonful of homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (16 oz) package gnocchi
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. In a spacious pot, warm olive oil or butter over medium heat. Introduce diced onion, minced garlic, shredded carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables become tender and aromatic.
2. Dust vegetables with flour, continuously stirring for 1-2 minutes to develop a smooth roux. Slowly incorporate chicken broth, whisking diligently to prevent lumps. Allow mixture to reach a gentle simmer.
3. Integrate shredded cooked chicken, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the simmering liquid. Carefully add gnocchi and cook for 3-5 minutes until they float and become fully tender.
4. Lower heat and blend heavy cream and fresh spinach into the soup. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, ensuring spinach wilts and soup reaches optimal temperature.
5. Transfer soup into serving bowls. Enhance with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Complement the dish with crusty bread or traditional breadsticks for an authentic Olive Garden-inspired dining experience.

Notes

• Swap vegetables easily by using frozen mixed vegetables or seasonal produce for a quick and flexible soup preparation.
• Choose gluten-free gnocchi and replace wheat flour with cornstarch to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
• Quickly boost protein by adding extra shredded rotisserie chicken or white beans for more substantial meal options.
• Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheating gently to prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy and maintaining creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg