Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you’re craving the rich, creamy, and flavorful taste of Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll love this easy, homemade copycat version! Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh veggies, and a savory, creamy broth, this recipe is a perfect bowl of comfort. Not only does it satisfy that restaurant craving, but it’s also a simple and budget-friendly meal that you can whip up in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe, step-by-step.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This homemade version of Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup stands out because:

• Rich and Creamy Texture: The smooth, velvety broth is made with a blend of cream, chicken broth, and seasonings for that signature rich texture.
• Perfect for Cold Weather: This warm and hearty soup is ideal for chilly days, making it a cozy addition to any meal plan.
• Family-Friendly: With tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, it’s a filling dish that the whole family will enjoy.
• Budget-Saving: Create a restaurant-quality meal at home without breaking the bank!

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Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this satisfying, creamy soup:

• Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon, for sautéing
• Butter – 1 tablespoon, adds richness
• Chicken Breast – 1 cup, cooked and shredded or diced
• Gnocchi – 1 package (about 16 ounces), store-bought or homemade
• Onion – 1 small, finely diced
• Celery – 1 stalk, chopped
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Carrots – 1/2 cup, shredded
• Spinach – 1 cup, fresh and roughly chopped
• Chicken Broth – 4 cups, for the soup base
• Heavy Cream – 1 cup, for the creamy texture
• Flour – 1/4 cup, to thicken
• Salt and Pepper – To taste
• Italian Seasoning – 1/2 teaspoon, for added flavor

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and garlic, and cook until the onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the carrots and sauté for another 2 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Broth Base
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Gnocchi
Once the broth is simmering, add the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Allow the soup to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the top, signaling that it’s done.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Cream
Stir in the spinach and let it wilt slightly, then add the heavy cream. Continue to cook on low heat for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the soup from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

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Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth enhance the flavor and richness of the soup.
2. Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor.
3. Control the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream to reach your preferred consistency. For a lighter version, swap out some or all of the cream for half-and-half or milk.
4. Season to Taste: Italian seasoning adds an authentic touch, but you can customize with basil, oregano, or thyme for a unique flavor profile.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

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Conclusion

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is the perfect dish to make at home when you’re in the mood for something rich, creamy, and comforting. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple preparation process, you can recreate that restaurant experience in the comfort of your kitchen. This soup is perfect for cozy dinners, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Serving and Storage Tips for Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Serving Tips

1. Garnish with Extra Flavor: Top each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, or fresh parsley to enhance the flavor and presentation.
2. Serve with Bread: Pair this creamy soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for a complete Olive Garden-style experience. A side of Caesar salad can also make it feel like a restaurant meal at home.
3. Portion Carefully: This soup is rich, so a small-to-medium bowl per person is usually enough to satisfy.
4. Keep it Warm: If serving for a group, keep the soup warm on low heat and stir occasionally to prevent the cream from separating.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on low heat and stir often to keep the creamy texture smooth.
2. Freezing: Cream-based soups can separate when frozen, but if you’d like to freeze it, consider doing so before adding the cream. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and add cream just before serving.
3. Batch Cooking: If you plan to make a large batch for later use, cook everything except the gnocchi. Add the gnocchi only when reheating to avoid it becoming too soft.
4. Reheat Gently: Avoid microwaving, as the cream can sometimes curdle. Instead, reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.

These tips will help you enjoy your soup fresh and flavorful every time!

Q: Can I use a dairy-free substitute for the cream?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free option like coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened almond milk creamer. Just note that coconut milk may add a slightly different flavor, but it will still be deliciously creamy.

Q: What type of gnocchi works best for this soup?
Store-bought potato gnocchi works well and saves time. You can also use homemade gnocchi if you prefer. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free gnocchi options in the grocery store.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, this soup can be adapted for a slow cooker! Sauté the vegetables first, then add all ingredients except for the cream, spinach, and gnocchi to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the cream, spinach, and gnocchi in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q: How can I make this soup lighter?
To lighten up the soup, use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and consider using a smaller amount of gnocchi or even swapping it with a veggie-based gnocchi or diced potatoes for a lower-carb option.

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