Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Warm bowls of creamy olive garden chicken gnocchi soup have been my comfort companion during chilly evenings.

My grandmother’s Italian roots sparked my love for hearty recipes like this.

Soft potato dumplings nestled amid tender chicken pieces create magic in every spoonful.

Comfort doesn’t get more delicious than recreating restaurant favorites at home.

Kitchen experiments reveal surprising culinary secrets waiting to be explored.

Fragrant herbs and rich cream transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll find this recipe surprisingly easy to master with just a few strategic techniques.

One taste will transport you straight to a cozy Italian trattoria.

Why Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Is a Favorite

• Prepare this delicious soup in just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights when time is short.
• Packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and nutritious spinach, this recipe satisfies both kids and adults with its creamy, comforting flavors.
• Recreate the beloved Olive Garden soup in your own kitchen, saving money while enjoying a gourmet-style meal without leaving home.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping vegetables, adjusting seasonings, or adding extra protein to match your family's taste preferences.

Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup Ingredient Essentials

• Chicken Broth: The foundation of the soup, providing rich, savory flavor and liquid base.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smoothness to the soup.

• Onions, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Classic vegetable blend for depth of flavor and texture.
• Spinach: Fresh green element that adds nutrition and color to the soup.

• Shredded Chicken: Lean protein that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that provide a comforting, filling texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that gives authentic Italian flavor profile.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich base for sautéing and add depth to the soup.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.

• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping for extra flavor and richness.

How to Recreate Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Kickstart the Veggie Magic

• Onions
• Celery
• Garlic

Cook until onions turn translucent and glassy, about 3-4 minutes. Welcome the carrots to the party and saute for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 2: Craft the Liquid Gold

Dust flour over the sauteed vegetables, whisking frantically to dodge any lumpy rebels. Slowly pour chicken broth, stirring consistently. Bring the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer.

Step 3: Welcome Protein and Pillowy Dumplings

Drop shredded chicken and gnocchi into the simmering broth. Let them dance and mingle for 5-7 minutes until gnocchi float to the surface, signaling their readiness.

Step 4: Green Goodness and Creamy Embrace

Toss spinach into the soup, watching it wilt softly. Pour in heavy cream, transforming the liquid into a luxurious landscape. Simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 5: Plate and Celebrate

Remove from heat and let the soup settle. Optional finale: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese or crack some black pepper on top. Dive in and savor every spoonful!

Tips for Making Your Gnocchi Soup and Delicious

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select crisp celery, vibrant carrots, and fragrant garlic for the most flavorful soup base.
• Control Gnocchi Texture: Cook gnocchi just until they float to prevent a mushy consistency and maintain their delicate potato dumpling quality.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter versions; use gluten-free flour and gluten-free gnocchi for celiac-friendly options.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let the soup simmer on low heat to allow ingredients to meld together, creating a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Boost Protein Variety: Experiment with rotisserie chicken, shredded turkey, or white beans as alternative protein sources for different dietary preferences.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Gnocchi Soup Leftovers

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi, as texture becomes mushy.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency. Heat until temperature reaches 165°F.
• Reheat in short intervals, stirring between each 30-second burst. Gnocchi may become tough, so gentle reheating prevents overcooking.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Gnocchi Soup Nights

• Grab a warm, rustic Italian bread to dip into the creamy soup, soaking up all those delicious flavors and adding a satisfying crunch.
• Select a chilled, unoaked Chardonnay that complements the soup's creamy texture and balances its rich, savory profile without overpowering the delicate chicken and gnocchi.
• Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide a fresh, peppery contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Bake homemade or store-bought garlic Parmesan breadsticks as a perfect side, offering a complementary cheesy and garlicky element that echoes the Italian-inspired soup.

Twist Up the Classic: Gnocchi Soup Variations

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Soup: Replace regular gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi and use gluten-free flour to thicken the broth. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Swap chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian meal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use dairy-free butter or olive oil for sautéing vegetables to maintain a creamy texture without dairy.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower to bulk up the soup.

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s legendary Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with creamy, hearty goodness. Rich potato dumplings and tender chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 cup cooked, diced chicken breast
• 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup diced white onion
• ½ cup diced celery
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Liquids, Fats, and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, creating a fragrant base for the soup’s foundation.
2. Introduce chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced celery into the pot, allowing them to become translucent and release their aromatic essence, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Incorporate julienned carrots into the vegetable medley, continuing to sauté until they soften and develop a subtle caramelized edge.
4. Delicately dust the sautéed vegetables with flour, whisking continuously to create a smooth, lump-free roux that will thicken the soup’s consistency.
5. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring methodically to integrate the liquid with the vegetable and flour mixture, creating a silky, flavorful base.
6. Bring the developing broth to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to harmonize and the liquid to slightly thicken.
7. Fold in tender shredded chicken and pillowy gnocchi, letting them nestle into the simmering broth and cook until the gnocchi gracefully rises to the surface.
8. Gently cascade fresh spinach leaves into the soup, watching them wilt and infuse the liquid with their vibrant green color and earthy flavor.
9. Stream in luxurious heavy cream, transforming the soup into a rich, velvety concoction that coats the palate with warmth.
10. Season the soup with a delicate balance of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and aromatic Italian seasoning, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
11. Allow the soup to rest momentarily, enabling the flavors to intermingle and deepen.
12. Ladle the soup into warm bowls, optionally garnishing with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a twist of black pepper for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap gnocchi for zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi to create a low-carb version that’s equally delicious and satisfying.
• Use gluten-free flour and ensure chicken broth is gluten-free to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Quickly shred rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut that adds extra flavor and reduces overall cooking preparation time.
• Opt for milk alternatives like coconut or almond milk to create a dairy-free adaptation while maintaining the soup’s creamy texture and rich profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg