Want a trust copycat recipe that everyone will love? This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easy, flavorful and completely addicting. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this soup brings together tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh veggies in a creamy broth that warms the soul. It’s sure to impress family and friends alike with its rich flavors and comforting texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of chicken and gnocchi in a creamy broth makes every spoonful delightful.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this warm, hearty soup, making it great for all ages.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust seasoning to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or stock pot
- Whisk
- Chopping knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or stock pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly and maintaining heat.
- Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, especially when adding flour to avoid lumps.
- Chopping knife: Ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables like onions and carrots.
Ingredients
For this delicious Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, gather the following ingredients:
Poultry
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
Fats
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 4 Tbs butter
Vegetables
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup carrots (shredded)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
Liquids
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
Seasonings
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp parsley flakes
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
Pasta
- 1 package (16 ounces mini potato gnocchi
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Melt the Fats
In a large dutch oven or stock pot, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add your chopped onions, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Cook until the onions become translucent.
Step 3: Create the Base
Whisk in your flour and let it cook for about one minute. Slowly stir in your chicken broth while simmering until it starts to thicken up.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Meanwhile, cook your gnocchi according to package directions. Drain them once done and set aside.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add your milk into the vegetable and chicken broth mixture. Bring it to a boil while stirring in your seasonings.
Step 6: Add Final Ingredients
Once boiling, reduce heat and add your cooked gnocchi, chopped spinach, and shredded chicken. Simmer until everything is heated through and thickened.
With these simple steps, you’ll have a comforting bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup ready to serve!
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Serving Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup can elevate the dining experience for you and your guests. Here are some delightful suggestions to enjoy this creamy, comforting soup.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: This classic choice adds a flavorful crunch that complements the soup perfectly.
- French Baguette: Slice it up and serve with butter for a simple yet satisfying addition.
Add a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing balance the richness of the soup.
- Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a refreshing contrast.
Top with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan on top for an added layer of flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melted mozzarella gives a gooey texture that enhances each bite.
Enjoy with a Beverage
- White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the flavors in the soup.
- Sparkling Water: For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water adds a refreshing touch.
How to Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
To get the most out of your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor profile of your soup.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more flour.
- Include Varieties of Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Enhance your meal by pairing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a light and tasty side.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites filled with cheese and herbs offer a fun appetizer option.
- Pasta Primavera: A colorful medley of vegetables tossed in olive oil complements the creamy soup well.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies makes for an exciting spread.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil brings freshness to the meal.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus spears provide a healthy crunch that pairs nicely with the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.
Using uncooked chicken: Always ensure your chicken is cooked and shredded before adding it to the soup. This step guarantees the chicken infuses its flavor into the broth.
Overcooking the gnocchi: Follow package instructions for cooking gnocchi carefully. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy and lose their delightful texture.
Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup as you cook! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your preference, ensuring every bowl has balanced flavor.
Skipping the vegetables: Don’t omit onions, carrots, or spinach. These ingredients add depth and nutrition to your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Not simmering long enough: Allow your soup to simmer adequately after adding milk. This helps thicken the soup and meld flavors together beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container.
- It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- The soup will maintain its quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until hot.
Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, using store-bought gnocchi saves time and still delivers great flavor in your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
How can I customize my Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Feel free to add more vegetables or swap out spinach for kale. You could even use different protein like turkey or leftovers from a rotisserie chicken!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup stores well, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
What can I serve with Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
This comforting soup pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal experience.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients or spices based on your taste preferences. It’s a comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy anyone’s cravings, so give it a try!
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 the beloved restaurant dish. This creamy, hearty soup combines tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and vibrant vegetables in a rich broth that warms the soul. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this quick-to-make soup can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. Impress your family and friends with its flavorful depth and satisfying texture, creating a meal everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup carrots (shredded)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons parsley flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 ounces mini potato gnocchi
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, shredded carrots, and minced garlic; sauté until onions are translucent.
- Whisk in flour and cook for one minute before slowly stirring in chicken broth until thickened.
- Cook gnocchi per package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Add milk to the soup mixture, bringing it to a boil while stirring in seasonings.
- Reduce heat and add cooked gnocchi, spinach, and shredded chicken; simmer until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
