Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Want a trust copycat recipe that everyone will love? This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easy, flavorful, and completely addicting. It’s perfect for cozy nights at home, family gatherings, or even a comforting lunch. The creamy texture and hearty ingredients make this soup stand out as a favorite in any household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This soup takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich Flavor: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and seasonings creates a deliciously rich taste that warms the soul.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it alongside your favorite salad or bread for a complete meal.
Comfort Food: With its creamy base and tender gnocchi, this soup delivers all the comfort you crave.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the flavors in this dish, making it a hit at dinner time.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, having the right tools is essential. A few key pieces of equipment will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven or stock pot
Whisk
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven or stock pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly; it retains heat well ensuring proper cooking.
Whisk: Useful for blending ingredients smoothly; helps avoid lumps when adding flour to the broth.

Ingredients

Want a trust copycat recipe that everyone will love? This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easy, flavorful, and completely addicting.

For the Soup Base

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

For Vegetables and Seasonings

1 cup carrots (shredded)
2 tsp parsley flakes
Salt and pepper for seasoning

For Gnocchi

1 package (16 ounces mini potato gnocchi)
1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients on the countertop. This ensures you have everything ready before starting to cook.

Step 2: Cook the Base

In large dutch oven or stock pot:
1. Melt butter and olive oil together over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Cook until onions become translucent.

Step 3: Thicken the Broth

Whisk in flour and let cook for about one minute.
Slowly stir in chicken broth while continuing to whisk.
Simmer until the mixture starts to thicken up.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

While the soup base simmers:
1. In another pan, cook gnocchi according to package directions.
2. Drain gnocchi and set aside.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add milk to your vegetable and chicken broth mix.
Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring in seasonings of salt and pepper.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once boiling:
1. Reduce heat.
2. Stir in cooked gnocchi, chopped spinach, and shredded chicken.
3. Simmer until heated through and soup has thickened slightly.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup! It’s perfect for sharing with family or savoring alone after a long day.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

A slice of fresh, crusty bread pairs perfectly with the creamy soup. It’s great for dipping and soaking up every flavorful drop.

Topped with Parmesan Cheese

A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. It elevates the flavors, making each bite even more delicious.

Fresh Herbs Garnish

Adding a garnish of fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten the dish. The fresh notes complement the richness of the soup beautifully.

Side Salad

Serving the soup alongside a light salad adds freshness. Choose mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette to balance the meal.

With Garlic Knots

Garlic knots are a fun side choice. Their buttery, garlicky flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy soup.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

For an even better Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, consider these helpful tips for perfection.

Use quality chicken broth: A rich, homemade broth enhances flavor significantly over store-bought options.
Don’t overcook gnocchi: Follow package directions carefully; overcooked gnocchi can become mushy in the soup.
Add vegetables: Experiment with additional veggies like celery or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
Adjust seasoning: Taste as you cook and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper according to your preference.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and other veggies add vibrant color and taste to your soup.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup can enhance your meal’s overall satisfaction. Here are some top choices:

Garlic Bread
A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for mopping up soup. Bake or toast until golden brown for the best flavor.
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing create a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy option that complements the flavors of the soup nicely.
Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a light and flavorful side.
Cheesy Biscuit Bites
Soft, cheesy biscuits make for a delightful addition that everyone will enjoy alongside their bowl of soup.
Bruschetta
Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and herbs makes for a zesty side option that pairs wonderfully with the soup’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

Skipping the sautéing step: Failing to sauté the onions and garlic properly can result in a bland soup. Make sure to cook them until they are translucent for maximum flavor.
Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality chicken broth can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always use a good quality or homemade broth for the best results.
Overcooking the gnocchi: Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy and lose their texture. Follow package instructions carefully and add them to the soup just before serving.
Not adjusting seasoning: Every ingredient varies in flavor, so don’t forget to taste your soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Neglecting fresh ingredients: Using wilted or stale spinach will affect the freshness of your soup. Always opt for fresh spinach for vibrant color and taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Place cooled soup in a freezer-safe container.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm throughout, about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between, until heated through.
Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken with more vegetables or beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How long does it take to make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

The total time is about 30 minutes, including prep and cooking.

Can I use frozen gnocchi in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just cook them according to package instructions before adding them to your soup.

What can I serve with Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

This soup pairs well with a fresh salad or crusty bread for dipping.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different vegetables or proteins based on your preference. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness!