Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth, this homemade version of Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a budget-friendly and simple dish you can prepare in your own kitchen.

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1. Rich and Creamy Texture: The velvety broth combines cream, chicken stock, and seasoning for an irresistibly smooth finish.

2. Perfect for Cold Days: This hearty soup is ideal for cozying up on chilly evenings.

3. Family-Approved: With tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh veggies, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

4. Budget-Friendly: A restaurant-quality meal at home without spending a fortune.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing

• Butter: 1 tablespoon, for richness

• Cooked Chicken Breast: 1 cup, shredded or diced

• Gnocchi: 1 (16-ounce) package, store-bought or homemade

• Onion: 1 small, finely diced

• Celery: 1 stalk, chopped

• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

• Carrots: ½ cup, shredded

• Spinach: 1 cup, fresh and roughly chopped

• Chicken Broth: 4 cups

• Heavy Cream: 1 cup

• Flour: ¼ cup, for thickening

• Salt and Pepper: To taste

• Italian Seasoning: ½ teaspoon

How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in shredded carrots and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Broth

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking as you go. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

Add the shredded chicken and gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the top, signaling it’s fully cooked.

Step 4: Stir in Spinach and Cream

Add fresh spinach, letting it wilt slightly. Stir in the heavy cream, reduce the heat to low, and cook for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and let the soup cool slightly before serving. Garnish with cracked black pepper or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Soup:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality chicken broth and fresh vegetables elevate the flavor.

• Customize: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra texture and taste.

• Control Creaminess: Adjust the heavy cream to suit your preference, or use half-and-half for a lighter version.

• Season to Taste: Enhance the soup with your favorite herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.

Enjoy this warm, creamy delight that’s just as good (if not better!) than the restaurant version!

Variations for Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

1. Protein Substitutes:

• Replace chicken with turkey, Italian sausage, or even bacon for a different twist.

• For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add mushrooms, chickpeas, or tofu.

2. Gnocchi Alternatives:

• Swap traditional gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or even mini potato dumplings for a lower-carb option.

3. Veggie Boost:

• Add veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, kale, bell peppers, or peas for added flavor and nutrients.

4. Spice It Up:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for some heat.

5. Herb Variations:

• Customize the seasoning with fresh basil, thyme, parsley, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Avoid adding the gnocchi before freezing, as it can become mushy when reheated. Instead, cook and add fresh gnocchi after thawing. Soup can be frozen for 2-3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free gnocchi (widely available in stores) and replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup.

2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred it and add it to the soup during Step 3.

3. What’s the best way to keep the soup creamy when reheating?

Reheat the soup gently over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Adding a splash of milk, cream, or broth during reheating can help maintain the creamy texture.