Want a trust copycat recipe that everyone will love? This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easy, flavorful and completely addicting. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or as a comforting dish to share with friends, this soup captures the essence of the beloved restaurant version. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi, it’s a meal that warms the heart and delights the taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious soup ready to serve.
- Comfort Food Appeal: The creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it perfect for chilly evenings.
- Versatile: Great as a main course or as an appetizer; pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with chicken, vegetables, and spinach for a nutritious boost.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s loved by both kids and adults alike!
Tools and Preparation
To make this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup successfully, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or stock pot
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or stock pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning.
- Whisk: Ensures smooth incorporation of flour into the broth without lumps.
- Cutting board and knife: Essential for chopping your vegetables quickly and safely.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
– 1 Tbs olive oil
– 4 Tbs butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 small onion (chopped)
– 2 garlic cloves (minced)
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup carrots (shredded)
– 2 tsp parsley flakes
– Salt and pepper for seasoning
– 1 package (16 ounces mini potato gnocchi)
– 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
In large dutch oven or stock pot, melt butter and olive oil together.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Add your onions, carrots, and garlic.
- Cook until onions become translucent.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Whisk in your flour and let cook for one minute.
Step 4: Add Broth
Slowly stir in your chicken broth and simmer until it starts to thicken up.
Step 5: Cook Gnocchi
Meanwhile, cook your gnocchi according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Add your milk to your veggie and chicken broth mix. Bring to a boil, then stir in your seasonings.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once at a boil, reduce heat. Add your gnocchi, spinach, and shredded chicken. Simmer until heated through and thickened.
Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup!
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Serving Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is all about enhancing its delicious flavors. The creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it a perfect dish for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Freshly baked baguette – Slice it up and serve warm for dipping.
- Garlic bread – Adds a flavorful twist that complements the soup beautifully.
Add a Salad
- Caesar salad – Crisp romaine, parmesan, and croutons provide a refreshing contrast.
- Spinach salad – Light and nutritious, this salad brings a nice green element to the meal.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley – Sprinkle on top for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Fresh basil – A few leaves can enhance the aroma and taste significantly.
Serve in Bread Bowls
- Edible bread bowls – Make your meal fun by serving the soup in hollowed-out bread rolls.
Use Festive Bowls
- Colorful ceramic bowls – Brighten up your table setting with vibrant dishes that draw attention to the soup.
How to Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
For the best results when making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will help you achieve that restaurant-quality taste right at home.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor compared to dried or canned options.
- Adjust the thickness – If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Cook gnocchi separately – This prevents them from becoming soggy in the soup; add them just before serving.
- Experiment with seasonings – Feel free to adjust salt, pepper, or add Italian seasoning for a personal touch.
- Let it sit before serving – Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Store leftovers properly – Keep any remaining soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Complementing your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some side ideas that pair perfectly:
- Garlic Knots – Soft, buttery knots tossed in garlic make an irresistible addition.
- Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a fresh bite.
- Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until tender adds nutrition and color.
- Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables provides variety.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs create a delightful appetizer.
- Quinoa Salad – Nutty quinoa mixed with cucumbers and tomatoes provides a healthy alternative.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins are excellent for soaking up the delicious soup.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy wedges seasoned with herbs make for a comforting side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients: Start with room temperature chicken broth and milk to ensure even cooking and a smooth texture.
- Overcooking the gnocchi: Follow package instructions carefully; overcooked gnocchi can become mushy and lose their delightful texture.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup as you go! Always adjust salt and pepper to suit your preference for the best flavor.
- Not letting it simmer long enough: Give your soup time to thicken and develop flavor. A quick simmer won’t yield the same results as a longer cook time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion.
- The soup will maintain its quality for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering partially. Stir every minute until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Can I use frozen gnocchi for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Frozen gnocchi works great! Just add them directly into the soup without thawing.
How can I customize Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or switch out chicken for sausage for a different flavor.
Is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your gnocchi is gluten-free as well.
What can I serve with Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only comforting and flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Try this delightful recipe today, and enjoy the warm happiness it brings to your table!
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a delightful copycat recipe that promises to be a family favorite. This creamy, hearty soup features tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a savory broth that mimics the beloved restaurant version. Perfect for cozy dinners or sharing with friends, it’s an easy dish to whip up in just 30 minutes. With its rich texture and delicious taste, this soup will surely warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup carrots (shredded)
- 2 teaspoons parsley flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 ounces mini potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onions, carrots, and garlic until onions are translucent.
- Whisk in flour and cook for one minute.
- Stir in chicken broth slowly; simmer until thickened.
- Cook gnocchi according to package directions; drain.
- Add milk to the broth mixture; bring to a boil and season.
- Reduce heat; stir in gnocchi, spinach, and shredded chicken. Simmer until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
