Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup: 12 Expert Hacks
Imagine sinking your spoon into a bowl of creamy, soul-warming Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup, where each spoonful delivers pillowy potato gnocchi, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables in a velvety broth. This beloved restaurant favorite has captured hearts nationwide, and today you’ll discover how to recreate this comfort classic right in your kitchen.
Fun fact: Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup became so popular after its 2008 debut that it inspired an entire fan culture, with dedicated food bloggers spending years perfecting copycat recipes. Our version takes just 45 minutes to prepare but tastes like it’s been simmering all day. If you’ve tried our Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, you’ll notice this recipe uses similar techniques but elevates the comfort factor with those irresistible Italian dumplings.
Table of Contents
What is Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Ever wondered what makes this soup so special? It’s all about those little potato pillows called gnocchi (pronounced “nyoh-kee”) swimming in a rich, creamy broth. Think of it as Italy’s answer to chicken and dumplings, but with a sophisticated twist. Like they say in Italian kitchens, “A good soup and warm hearts make the best medicine.” This recipe proves that sometimes the best restaurant secrets can be unlocked right at home. Ready to become your family’s soup master?
Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Create the exact same creamy, comforting flavors for a fraction of the cost
- Budget-Friendly: Make 6-8 servings for less than the price of two restaurant bowls
- Versatile Recipe: Easily customize with different vegetables or make it dairy-free
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this creamy, mild soup
How to Make Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Key Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Chicken breasts | 2 large | Diced |
Potato gnocchi | 16 oz | Fresh or frozen |
Heavy cream | 1 cup | Room temperature |
Chicken broth | 6 cups | Low sodium |
Carrots | 2 medium | Diced |
Celery | 3 stalks | Finely chopped |
Spinach | 2 cups | Fresh |
Garlic | 4 cloves | Minced |
Onion | 1 medium | Diced |
Flour | 1/3 cup | All-purpose |
Butter | 4 tbsp | Unsalted |
Italian seasoning | 1 tbsp | Dried |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt butter in large pot over medium heat
- Add onion, celery, carrots; cook 5 minutes
- Add garlic, cook 1 minute
- Stir in flour, cook 2 minutes
- Gradually add broth, stirring constantly
- Add chicken, bring to simmer
- Cook 15 minutes or until chicken is done
- Add gnocchi, cook 3-4 minutes
- Stir in cream and spinach
- Season to taste
What to Serve Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup With
- Breadsticks (try our copycat recipe!)
- Garden salad with Italian dressing
- Crusty garlic bread
- Parmesan crisps
- Fresh green salad
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
- Use room temperature cream to prevent curdling
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi
- Gradually add broth to prevent lumps
- Season throughout cooking process
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking
- Use freshly grated parmesan
- Don’t boil after adding cream
- Cook vegetables until tender-crisp
- Use quality chicken broth
- Let cream come to room temperature
- Don’t skip the flour roux
- Taste and adjust seasonings at the end
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Store in airtight container up to 4 days
- Freeze without cream for up to 3 months
- Reheat gently on stovetop
- Add splash of cream when reheating
- Stir occasionally while warming
- Don’t microwave – may separate
- Thin with broth if needed
- Store gnocchi separately if making ahead
This Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe brings restaurant luxury to your kitchen table. Share your creations with us using #SoupSuccess!
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