Want a trust copycat recipe that everyone will love? This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easy, flavorful, and completely addicting. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, this soup brings the beloved restaurant dish to your home kitchen. With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, it combines comfort and taste in every bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of chicken broth, butter, and spices creates a deliciously rich taste that warms you up.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it as a starter for your dinner parties.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with chicken and veggies, this soup offers a balance of protein and nutrients without compromising on flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish — it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather all necessary tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything on hand will help you create your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup effortlessly.
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: Essential for cooking the soup evenly without burning. It retains heat well and provides ample space for all ingredients.
- Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, especially when mixing flour into the broth for thickening.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and efficient prep work.
Ingredients
Want a trust copycat recipe that everyone will love? This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easy, flavorful, and completely addicting.
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 the 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: Thicken the Soup
Whisk in your flour. Let cook for one minute while slowly stirring in your chicken broth. Simmer until it starts to thicken.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Meanwhile, cook your gnocchi according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Add Dairy and Seasoning
Add your milk to the veggie and chicken broth mix. Bring to a boil while stirring in your seasonings.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Once at a boil, reduce heat. Add your gnocchi, spinach, and shredded chicken. Simmer until heated through and thickened.
With these steps completed, you’ll have a delightful Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Serving Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few thoughtful touches. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Garlic Bread – A classic choice, garlic bread complements the soup’s flavors perfectly.
- Crusty French Baguette – Ideal for dipping, it adds a crunchy texture to your meal.
Top with Grated Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan adds richness and a savory finish to each bowl.
- Mozzarella Cheese – For a gooey texture, sprinkle mozzarella on top before serving.
Garnish with Herbs
- Fresh Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds color.
- Chopped Green Onions – Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of green for presentation.
Serve in Individual Bowls
- Personalized Serving – Using individual bowls makes each guest feel special and enhances the dining experience.
How to Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Perfecting your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup takes just a few tweaks. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Homemade Broth – For deeper flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go; salt and pepper can be adjusted based on personal preference.
- Cook Gnocchi Al Dente – Follow package instructions closely to avoid mushy gnocchi; they should have a slight bite.
- Add More Veggies – Incorporate other vegetables like celery or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
- Let it Rest – Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Complementing your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with the right side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some fantastic options.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing makes for a refreshing contrast.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add brightness alongside the rich soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized enhance the meal’s overall flavor profile.
- Pasta Salad – A light pasta salad offers an additional starch option without overwhelming the palate.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory stuffed mushrooms provide an elegant touch and are perfect finger food.
- Antipasto Platter – An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and olives pairs beautifully with the creamy soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
Using cold ingredients: Make sure your chicken broth and milk are at room temperature. This helps the soup heat evenly and improves texture.
Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your soup well. A pinch of salt and pepper can elevate the flavors dramatically.
Overcooking the gnocchi: Follow package instructions closely. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy, ruining the soup’s texture.
Neglecting the vegetables: Ensure you chop your onions and carrots uniformly. This helps them cook evenly and enhances the overall taste.
Not allowing enough time to simmer: Simmer the soup long enough for all flavors to meld together. Rushing this step can lead to a bland dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to leave some space as it expands when frozen.
Reheating Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, heating until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions related to Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup:
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, using store-bought gnocchi saves time and still delivers great flavor!
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Substitute chicken with cooked mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What is the best way to serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal experience.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition and color!
How can I make this soup creamy without using milk?
You can use coconut milk or cashew cream as alternatives for a creamy texture without dairy.
Final Thoughts
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this delightful recipe a try, and enjoy its rich flavors that everyone will love!
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a beloved dish that you can easily replicate at home. This creamy soup features tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, making it the perfect meal for cozy evenings or gatherings. With its rich broth and delightful texture, this copycat recipe guarantees satisfaction for family and friends alike. In just a few simple steps, you can bring the essence of Olive Garden right to your kitchen!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- 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
- 1 package (16 ounces) mini potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic; sauté until onions are translucent.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute before slowly adding chicken broth while stirring until thickened.
- Cook gnocchi according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Stir in the milk and seasonings; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and add gnocchi, spinach, and shredded chicken; simmer until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
