Try olive garden chicken gnocchi soup, the best homemade copycat recipe for a thick, creamy soup with gnocchi, chicken, and spinach. Here is how to make it at home, along with tips on ingredients, technique, and other variations.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Olive Garden. Its name alone evokes warm, hearty meals that nourish the soul and put a smile on everyone’s face. One of your favorites is the Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s a soup that you take to bed with you, and I mean that in the best possible way. With its thick broth, melt-in-your-mouth chicken, and pillowy gnocchi, it’s comfort in a bowl. It’s precisely the kind of meal that suits after a long day, or even to give you a little lift.
This post will cover the ingredients, how to mix them, and THREE tell-all versions of Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup, and why it is such a hit. We’ll also provide an easy recipe so you can do this classic dish at home.
What is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, delicious dinner option full of flavor, for an at-home version that tastes just like the restaurant classic. The soup is comforting and light, but a bit rich. It used to be an appetizer at their restaurant, but it’s a meal.
How this soup was developed is a mystery, but it has quickly become one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. It’s the gnocchi, a small, doughy dumpling that absorbs the flavors of the broth and has a fine texture. The spinach also adds color and a touch of lightness to balance the richness of the creamy base.
Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Are Olive Garden Soups good for you? Yes, the soups at OG are really healthy; however, they do add that little extra with the heavy cream and all. This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is easy to make and pairs well around this time of year with a side of warm Loaf Bread for dipping. Here is what you will need:
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken – I typically use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this soup. Boil them until they are al dente, then shred them into small bite-sized pieces.
- Gnocchi: The little potato dumplings are the texture of this soup. You can either use store-bought gnocchi or make your own, if you are feeling up to it.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds both flavor and colour to the soup.
- Carrots, Celery, and Onion: These are classic members of the start-anything-that-tastes-good gang. They give the soup some oomph.
- Garlic: I use fresh garlic as the base for my soup’s flavor and aroma.
- Heavy Cream – It’s where the soup’s creaminess comes from.
- Chicken Broth – We begin with the foundation for the soup, chicken broth, to add all that yumminess and savory flavor.
- Butter: For sautéing the veggies and creating a rich, flavorful base for the soup.
- Flour: I add flour to the liquid base (broth) to make it smooth.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, thyme, sage – you must season this dish well for the flavors to come alive.
Optional Ingredients:
- Parmesan Cheese – A light dusting of Parmesan over the top of the soup adds an excellent savory touch.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley can serve as a garnish, adding a bit of color and a layer of freshness.
With the ingredients exposed, let’s get into how to make that comforting soup at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken. The chicken breast can be fried in a pan or boiled in water. When the chicken is done, shred it with two forks or chop it into small pieces. Set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, until the onions are see-through. See-through cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Soup Base
After the vegetables are browned, add the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook off the flour. Gradually whisking the chicken broth to prevent lumps. Stir and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the soup base thickens.
Step 4: Chicken and Gnocchi are added
Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package directions (approximately 2-4 minutes). Once the gnocchi is done, stir in the shredded chicken.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Cream
Lower the heat; stir in fresh spinach into the soup. Stir until the spinach wilts. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until mixed. Leave the soup to bubble for a few more minutes to let the flavors mingle and reach perfect harmony.
Step 6: Season the Soup
Season the soup with salt, pepper, thyme, and sage. Season to taste with more or less of this seasoning. If the soup is too thick for your preference, pour in any remaining 1-2 cups of chicken broth.
Step 7: Serve
Once the soup has finished cooking, use a ladle to transfer it into bowls. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley for taste and aesthetic appeal. Spoon the soup with chunks of crusty bread for a meal all its own.
But what makes Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup so popular?
It’s no secret that Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup has quite the following. But what makes it so popular?
48,000BC Creamy and indulgent: This soup tastes like a little bit of decadence thanks to its rich texture and the dream duo of gnocchi and chicken—the perfect dish for snuggle-up nights or a little comfort.
Great Flavor: Th is soup is tasty all right, creamy with the sharp taste of spinach. The chicken and broth are salty, but most are delicious.
Customizable: While I absolutely adore this soup as is, it can be customized to fit a range of dietary needs. You can substitute chicken for turkey, add gluten-free gnocchi, or toss in extra vegetables, making it even more hearty.
Easy to Prepare at Home: While the soup is famous on Olive Garden’s menu, you can make your own large bowls at home, just as you would there. Easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward instructions make it possible for you to have this delicious soup anytime.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Flavor Options. In today’s Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi soup, I am using poultry seasoning.
And as delicious as the classic version is, there are SO many different versions you can make to make it work for YOU (diet or taste-wise) when it comes to Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Veggie-friendly: Vegetarians may omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or peas, for extra flavor.
Low-Carb: For a low-carb version of this soup, look for cauliflower gnocchi or another low-carb alternative. You can also opt for lower-fat cream (to keep calories in check).
Spicy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: If you like things a little on the spicy side, add a dash of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for some heat.
Slow Cooker: If you’d like to make this dish in your slow cooker, combine everything (excluding kale and parsley) in the bowl. Throw everything into the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours (minus cream and spinach). Stir in the cream and spinach during the last 30 minutes.
Instant Pot Adaptation: If you’d like to make an even quicker version of this soup, feel free to cook it in the Instant Pot. Sauté the vegetables, then brown the chicken in the Instant Pot. Add the broth and gnocchi. Cook under high pressure for 4 to 5 minutes, then quickly release the pressure. Cream and spinach go in at the end.
5 Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup FAQs And Answers
Is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Thick and Creamy?
Mimi, yes, it is possible to use something lighter than heavy cream, such as half-and-half or milk, or for a dairy-free alternative, like coconut milk or almond milk. Keep in mind the soup may not be quite as tender.
How do you store Chicken Gnocchi Soup after it’s made?
Soup left (if you have any) will last for 3-4 days in a closed container in the fridge. If the soup is a bit too thick after it’s been in the refrigerator, you can reheat it on the stovetop with some chicken broth to thin it out.
Can you freeze Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Gnocchi does not freeze well, but you can freeze the soup base itself (without the gnocchi and cream). When it’s time to eat, defrost the soup, cut up some fresh gnocchi, and stir in the cream. This will prevent the soup from getting murky.
What Do you Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
What goes with Chicken Gnocchi Soup? It’s hearty enough to eat on its own, but a side dish adds variation.
Can I use cooked chicken in the soup?
Sure, rotisserie chicken works, along with any other precooked variety of chicken. You can shred or chop it into bite-size pieces and stir it directly into the soup a few minutes before you’re ready to eat, to warm through.
Conclusion
Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup…comfort food closest you will ever get! What it has is the luscious, silky feel of a cream sauce, the stuffing quality of chicken, and some tender gnocchi to buoy it all up so you’re able to tell yourself that maybe this isn’t just too good to be real. Whether you’re looking to recreate this at home or want a taste at the restaurant, I’d say Chicken Gnocchi Soup is definitely something you won’t want to miss. It is that perfect, open-ended, and quick-to-make meal you will want to make again and again. So what are you waiting for? Choose your ingredients and steam a hot cup of tasty, warm soup now!