Want a trust copycat recipe that everyone will love? This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easy, flavorful, and completely addicting. Perfect for chilly nights or gatherings, this comforting soup brings the taste of Olive Garden right to your kitchen. With tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh veggies in a creamy broth, it’s sure to become a favorite for family dinners and cozy get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – This recipe comes together quickly in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor – The combination of chicken, vegetables, and creamy broth delivers a hearty taste that warms the soul.
- Versatile Ingredients – You can easily customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings.
- Crowd-Pleasing – Ideal for serving guests or family; it’s a dish that appeals to all ages.
- Comfort Food Classic – This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large dutch oven or stock pot
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large dutch oven or stock pot – These provide ample space for simmering your soup without splattering.
- Whisk – A whisk helps to combine ingredients smoothly, especially when adding flour to thicken the soup.
- Wooden spoon – This is perfect for stirring without scratching your pots and ensuring everything cooks evenly.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to prepare your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup:
- 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 a large dutch oven or stock pot, melt butter and olive oil together over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add your chopped onions, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Cook until the onions become translucent.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup
Whisk in your flour and allow it to cook for one minute. Slowly stir in your chicken broth while simmering until it starts to thicken.
Step 4: Cook Gnocchi
Meanwhile, cook your gnocchi according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add the milk to your vegetable and chicken broth mixture. Bring it to a boil before stirring in your seasonings.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Once boiling, reduce heat and add the cooked gnocchi, chopped spinach, and shredded chicken. Simmer until heated through and thickened.
Now you’re ready to serve up this delicious Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup! Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Serving Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful experience. This comforting dish can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance its flavor and make it a complete meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping, garlic bread adds a savory crunch.
- French Baguette: Slice it thin for easy munching, and enjoy with butter.
With Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic pairing, this salad complements the creamy soup perfectly.
- Garden Salad: Fresh greens and veggies provide a refreshing contrast.
With Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melted mozzarella adds gooey goodness to each spoonful.
With Extra Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley enhances the soup’s presentation and freshness.
- Basil Leaves: Fresh basil can bring a new aroma to your serving bowl.
How to Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
To make your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup truly special, consider these simple tips that can elevate the dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will boost flavor significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer helps blend flavors beautifully.
- Add Cream for Richness: For an even creamier texture, stir in some heavy cream before serving.
- Gnocchi Cooking Tip: Cook gnocchi just until they float, ensuring they remain tender yet firm.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery sticks perfect for sopping up every last drop of soup.
- Antipasto Platter: A variety of meats, cheeses, and olives that offer diverse flavors.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add depth to the meal.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for an indulgent finger food option.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread is a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can lead to bland soup. Always taste your soup as it simmers and adjust seasonings accordingly.
Overcooking the gnocchi: Too much time in hot broth can make gnocchi mushy. Cook them just until they float and then remove them from heat.
Using low-quality chicken broth: A poor-quality broth affects the overall taste. Opt for a rich, flavorful chicken broth for the best results.
Neglecting to sauté vegetables properly: If you don’t cook onions and garlic until translucent, their flavors won’t develop fully. Make sure to sauté until they soften and become fragrant.
Forgetting about texture: The soup should be creamy yet not overly thick. Adding too much flour or cooking too long can change its desired consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup that might help you further with your recipe.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly! Just follow the package instructions for cooking time.
How do I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I freeze Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just be aware that gnocchi may change texture when thawed.
What if my Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is too thick?
If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is comforting, delicious, and easy to make at home. Its creamy texture paired with flavorful ingredients makes it a perfect meal any day of the week. Feel free to customize it by adding different vegetables or herbs according to your taste!
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a delightful copycat recipe that captures the essence of this beloved dish. Perfect for chilly nights or casual get-togethers, this creamy soup features tender shredded chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb 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 to taste
- 16 oz mini potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onions, shredded carrots, and minced garlic until onions are translucent.
- Whisk in flour and cook for one minute; gradually stir in chicken broth until thickened.
- Cook gnocchi according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Add milk to the broth mixture, bring to a boil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in cooked gnocchi, spinach, and shredded chicken; simmer until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 372
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
