Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delicious creamy, hearty dish that is loved by diners all around the world. Made with tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi and fresh spinach in a rich and flavorful broth, it is pure comfort food.In fact, it’s the epitome of comfort food. Whether it’s a wintry night or you just feel like being indulgent, this soup is a great option.

In this ultimate guide, we will cover everything you need to know about this classic recipe: its history, ingredient list, and step-by-step directions for preparing (and nailing!) it. By the end of this post, you’ll be capable of making Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup in your kitchen.

What is Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Style?

One of Olive Garden’s signature menu offerings is Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s a creamy soup filled with the classic Italian gnocchi (soft potato dumplings), tender chicken, fresh vegetables and a little added creaminess. The soup is so rich and textured that it’s no mere appetizer but, in itself, a meal.

The combination of the gnocchi’s pillowy softness, the chicken’s hearty protein and the creamy broth adds up to a dish that hits all the sweet spots.

Why the Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Olive Garden Is So Popular

The popularity of this soup is due to a few things:

• Unique Ingredients:It includes gnocchi rather than any other creamy chicken soup.
• Satisfying Texture: The thick, creamy broth loaded with soft chicken and fluffy dumplings is oh-so-satisfying.
• Italian Roots: Gnocchi is a traditional Italian food, making the soup feel native.
• Versatility: It’s hearty enough to eat as a main course but also makes a perfect appetizer.

A 10 minute stop at your local grocery store will suffice Ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish:

Chicken and Gnocchi

• Chicken Breast: 1 pound, cooked and cubed. You could also use prepackaged shredded rotisserie chicken for ease.
• Potato Gnocchi: 1 pound, store-bought or homemade

Vegetables

• Spinach: 2 cups, loosely chopped.
• Other carrots: 1 cup, shredded or finely diced.logging in
• Celery: 1 cup, diced.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped finely.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.

Broth and Cream

• Chicken Broth 4 cups, low-sodium for better control over saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: 700 ml for the creaminess. Replace it with heavy cream for something richer or milk for something lighter.

Thickener

• All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup for thickening the soup.
• Butter: 1/4 cup used to make the roux.

Seasonings

• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon for an earthy flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Optional Garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, for serving

How to Make Olive Garden Style Chicken Gnocchi Soup Step by Step

Here are the steps to a delicious Chicken Gnocchi Soup batch:

Sauté the Vegetables

• In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
• Continue with the onion, celery, and garlic. Cool until the onion is translucent.
• Add the shredded carrots and cook for 2 minutes more.

Add the Chicken

Drop in the diced or shredded chicken, and stir. Stir to combine it with the vegetables.

Create the Roux

Dust the flour over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes to cook the flour, so it will be a thickener.

Pour in the Broth

Gradually pouring in the chicken broth while stirring to ensure no lumps. Turn heat up slightly and bring mixture to a gentle boil.

Cook the Gnocchi

Put the potato gnocchi in the pot. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the gnocchi rises to the top.

Add the Cream and Spinach

• Lower the heat to a simmer. Add in the half-and-half cream and stir.
• Stir in the chopped spinach and allow it to wilt and merge into the soup.

Season and Serve

• Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
• Serve sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Use Fresh Gnocchi: Homemade gnocchi enhances the texture and flavor, but store-bought works just as well for convenience.
• Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer longer to reduce the liquid or add a cornstarch slurry.
• Avoid Boiling After Adding Cream: Boiling can cause the cream to curdle. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, which is already seasoned and tender.

How to Change Up Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Vegetarian Version

Sub mushrooms or tofu for the chicken.

Substitue chicken broth with vegetable broth

Spicy Twist

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce to spice it up.

Dairy-Free Option

Replace the half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk. Make sure that broth and other ingredients are dairy-free as well.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your soup with these additions to make it a whole meal:

• Breadsticks: Similar to the Olive Garden, breadsticks lend themselves to be dunked in the rich and creamy broth.
• Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with Italian dressing balances the richness of the soup.
• Wine Pairing: Drinking a glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay encourages together with the flavors of this best dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store leftover soup?

Refrigerate the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For stovetop reheating: Reheat on low heat, stirring regularly.

Question: Can I freeze Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Soups based on cream can break when frozen. If you intend to freeze, skip the cream in the first stage of making and add it back when reheating.

Can I substitute gluten free gnocchi?

Yes, gluten-free gnocchi is a very common option, so the soup can also be made 100% gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.

How should I reheat the soup?

Heat soup on top over low flame, stirring occasionally. No high heat, no curdling.

Conclusion

Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting pleasure, which you can now undertake in your own home. Here’s a step-by-step guide so you can recreate one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, tailoring the ingredients to your choosing. Whether an appetizer or a main course, this soup will wow family and friends.

Make this recipe your regular rotation, and enjoy familiar tastes of Italy in every bowl.

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