Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Do you love the rich, creamy taste of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup? You’re in for a treat! This Italian soup has won the hearts of many in the United States. It brings the taste of a restaurant right to your home.

Picture a warm bowl filled with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh veggies in a creamy broth. Our recipe makes it easy to make this favorite at home. It’s perfect for anyone, whether you’re experienced in the kitchen or just starting out.

We’ll show you how to pick the best ingredients and cook it just right. You’ll learn to make a delicious bowl of soup that’s just like Olive Garden’s. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this amazing dish.

Introduction to Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken gnocchi soup is a comfort food that warms your heart and soul. It combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and rich broth for a perfect meal. This restaurant-inspired soup recipe is loved by many for its delicious flavors.

What Makes This Soup Special?

The magic of chicken gnocchi soup is in its mix of textures and tastes. Soft gnocchi float in a creamy broth, making it a luxurious meal. Every spoonful is a mix of:

• Tender, juicy chicken pieces
• Pillowy potato gnocchi dumplings
• Rich, creamy base
• Subtle herb and seasoning notes

A Brief History of Gnocchi Soup

Gnocchi has a long history in Italian cuisine, dating back to ancient Roman times. Originally made from semolina, squash, or breadcrumbs, today’s gnocchi use potatoes. This makes them soft and perfect for soup.

The idea of turning gnocchi into soup is a creative twist. It combines Italian traditions with American comfort food. Restaurants like Olive Garden made it popular, bringing it to more people.

Essential Ingredients for the Recipe

Making a creamy soup needs the right ingredients. The right mix can turn a simple dish into a memorable meal. Let’s look at what makes this chicken gnocchi soup stand out.

Selecting Your Core Ingredients

The base of a great creamy soup is top-notch ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Heavy cream for luxurious texture
• Fresh vegetables like spinach and carrots
• Aromatic herbs and spices
• High-quality chicken broth

Gnocchi: Homemade or Store-Bought?

Gnocchi is key to your soup’s success. Homemade gnocchi brings amazing flavor, but store-bought is quicker. Think about these points:

1. Homemade gnocchi: More time but fresher
2. Store-bought gnocchi: Quick and consistent
3. Skill level: Choose based on your cooking experience

Choosing the Perfect Chicken

The chicken is vital in this creamy soup. Choose tender, well-cooked chicken for depth and protein. A rotisserie chicken is great for a quick option, while fresh chicken breasts offer the best flavor.

“The secret to an amazing soup is using the best ingredients you can find.” – Professional Chef

Pro tip: Use both white and dark meat for a richer flavor in your chicken gnocchi soup.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a copycat version of Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup needs careful steps. This guide will help you make a soup that tastes just like the original.

Equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board & knife
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great!)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:

   • Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

2. Thicken the Soup:

   • Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir well. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

3. Add Broth & Simmer:

   • Slowly whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream.
   • Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
   • Bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Cook the Gnocchi:

   • Stir in the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (usually 3-4 minutes).
   • The gnocchi will float when done.

5. Finish & Serve:

   • Stir in chopped spinach and Parmesan cheese (if using). Cook for 2 more minutes until spinach wilts.
   • Serve hot with crusty bread or breadsticks!

Preparing the Ingredients

First, gather all your ingredients and prep them well. This is key for a great soup.

• Chop vegetables into uniform small pieces
• Dice chicken into bite-sized cubes
• Measure out all spices and seasonings
• Have gnocchi ready to add

Cooking the Soup

The cooking process is where the magic happens. Follow these steps to build layers of flavor:

1. Sauté vegetables in butter until softened
2. Add chicken and cook until golden
3. Sprinkle flour to create a roux
4. Slowly incorporate chicken broth and cream
5. Simmer until slightly thickened

Tips for the Perfect Consistency

Getting the soup texture right is an art. Low and slow is the secret to a creamy soup.

“The secret is patience and gradual heat control” – Professional Chef

• Stir frequently to prevent burning
• Use heavy cream for richness
• Add gnocchi last to prevent overcooking
• Let soup rest for 10 minutes before serving

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Enhancing your creamy soup experience is more than just the recipe. The right sides and drinks can turn a simple Italian soup into a memorable meal. It will delight all your senses.

Perfect Side Dishes

Here are some tasty sides to go with your creamy soup:

• Crusty garlic bread for dipping
• Fresh garden salad with light vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetable medley
• Parmesan cheese crisps

Beverage Recommendations

Choosing the perfect drink can really bring out the flavors of your Italian soup:

• Crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio
• Sparkling water with lemon
• Light amber ale
• Herbal iced tea

Flavor-Boosting Garnishes

Try these simple yet elegant garnishes to enhance your creamy soup:

• Fresh chopped basil
• Cracked black pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Try out these pairings to make your homemade Italian soup special. It’s a great way to personalize your dining experience.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Keeping your homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup fresh is important. Cool it down at room temperature first. Then, put it in a glass or plastic container with a tight lid.

Refrigeration is crucial for keeping the soup fresh. You can store it in the fridge for three to four days. When reheating, use the stovetop for the best results. Heat it gently over medium-low heat, stirring now and then.

Turning leftover soup into something new is fun. You can make it into a creamy pasta sauce. Or, use it as a base for a casserole or pot pie, adding more veggies or protein.

Freezing this soup isn’t recommended because of the gnocchi and cream. If you freeze it, the texture might change. Always reheat it to 165°F to keep it safe and tasty.