Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Copycat

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Olive Garden Copycat (Better Than The Real Deal!)

Fancy a bowl of comfort without the Olive Garden queue? I get it! This olive garden gnocchi soup recipe is the answer.

It's like a warm hug in a bowl, packed with flavor.

What's the Deal With Gnocchi Soup, Anyway?

This creamy dream has Italian roots, obviously ! It's traditionally hearty and comforting, using readily available ingredients. Our version takes the Chicken Gnocchi experience to new heights, right in your kitchen.

It will take you about an hour, maybe a little more. This recipe makes enough for 6-8 hungry souls.

Why This Recipe Rocks

Honestly, this creamy gnocchi soup recipe is amazing. It's packed with protein from the chicken, plus it's a great way to sneak in some veggies.

Serve it up on a chilly evening or when you just need a bit of comfort food. I find it's the best way to beat the blues.

It's special because it's almost exactly like the Olive Garden version... some even say better !

Now, let's get down to the nitty gritty and talk about what you'll need...

Gather Your Goodies

You will need olive oil, yellow onion, carrots and celery. Don't forget the garlic, italian seasoning, thyme, red pepper flakes (optional), chicken broth, chicken breasts, potato gnocchi and heavy cream.

Finally add the spinach, salt, and pepper. Get a hold of some Parmesan cheese for garnish!

Time to Cook!

First, sauté the aromatics. Then, add broth and chicken to make a base. Cook the gnocchi until it floats. Add cream and spinach, then season and serve.

This easy Italian gnocchi soup is something you can quickly do yourself. The goal is to make this homemade gnocchi soup taste like a best gnocchi soup recipe .

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Soup Party Started!

So, you're ready to tackle my amazing copycat Olive Garden gnocchi soup recipe ? Fab! Honestly, this recipe is so good, it might just become your new weeknight staple.

Let's dive into what you'll need, eh?

Main Ingredients for the Best Gnocchi Soup Recipe

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Go for a good quality extra virgin. It makes a difference, trust me.
• Onion: 1 medium , diced (about 1 cup). Yellow onions are my go-to for soup.
• Carrots: 2 medium , peeled and diced (about 1 cup). Get the freshest you can find!
• Celery: 2 stalks , diced (about 1 cup). Make sure they're crisp, not floppy!
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, you know?
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon . The key to that authentic Italian flavour.
• Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon . Adds a lovely earthiness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a little kick , if you're feeling brave!
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) . Low sodium is key so you can control the salt.
• Chicken Breasts: 1 pound (450g) , cut into 1/2 inch cubes. Fresh, boneless, skinless.
• Potato Gnocchi: 1 (16-ounce/450g) package . Shelf stable or refrigerated works. Don't grab the frozen variety.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240 ml) . Makes it oh-so-creamy .
• Fresh Spinach: 4 ounces (115g) , roughly chopped. It wilts down, so don't worry if it looks like a lot!
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is everything , babes!
• Parmesan Cheese: For garnish (optional). Because who doesn't love cheese?

This creamy gnocchi soup recipe is a crowd pleaser and the exact measurements are important.

Seasoning Notes and Flavor Boosters for your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi

Okay, so the Italian seasoning is a must. Thyme adds a bit of depth, and the red pepper flakes give it a sneaky warmth.

If you’re not keen on spice, ditch the flakes. For an extra oomph , a bay leaf added to the broth while it simmers can be amazing! Don't forget fresh cracked pepper before serving.

Equipment You'll Actually Need

• A large stockpot or Dutch oven . Gotta have something to cook it in!
• Cutting board and Chef's knife . For prepping the veggies, obviously!
• Measuring cups and spoons . Precision is key, darling!
• A ladle . For serving up all that delicious chicken gnocchi soup .

If you don't have a Dutch oven, a big ol' pot will do just fine. Honestly, don't stress about having fancy gadgets.

This easy gnocchi soup recipe is all about comfort and simplicity. It's also very similar to a chicken gnocchi recipe.

I tried other recipes before this Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup copycat.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Olive Garden Copycat (Even Better!)

Oh my gosh, are you craving that Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup? Honestly, me too. But who wants to deal with the wait? Let’s make a Copycat Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup that is totally better at home! This recipe is packed with flavor and is incredibly comforting.

Trust me, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a game changer! It gives you all the creamy, savory goodness you want, plus it is so easy to make.

Prep Like a Pro

First, get everything ready. This is called mise en place . Dice 1 medium yellow onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks.

Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Cube 1 pound of chicken breasts. Chop 4 ounces of spinach. Having everything prepped saves time and makes cooking easier.

You know?

step-by-step to Soup Heaven

This Easy Gnocchi Soup Recipe is simple. Follow these steps.

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot.
2. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft. That takes about 5- 7 minutes .
3. Add garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning , and ½ teaspoon thyme . Cook for 1 minute .
4. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth . Add the chicken. Simmer for 8- 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.
5. Stir in 1 (16-ounce) package of gnocchi . Cook until they float which is about 2- 3 minutes . Don't overcook them!
6. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 4 ounces of spinach . Cook until the spinach wilts. That's just 1- 2 minutes .
7. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup

Want that Best Gnocchi Soup Recipe vibe? Here are some tips. Sauté the veggies slowly. It brings out their sweetness.

Use good quality chicken broth. It makes a big difference. Don't overcook the gnocchi! It gets gummy. Honestly, that's the worst.

And for even more flavor, add a rind of parmesan cheese to the soup while it simmers.

Italian Gnocchi Soup is something so many people crave when it is cold out. If you are looking to feed a crowd, this soup is the perfect way to do it.

This Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a crowd pleaser. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Right, so we've got the Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe all mapped out. Before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about some crucial bits and bobs.

These are my personal tips to nail that Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi vibe at home. I want to share my experience making this Copycat Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup .

Serving Suggestions: Ace Presentation!

Presentation is key, innit? Think about plating that soup like a pro. A swirl of cream on top does wonders.

Some freshly chopped parsley? Even better! For sides, grab a crusty baguette for dunking. Or, how about a light salad with a lemon vinaigrette? If you're feeling fancy, a chilled Pinot Grigio will elevate things.

Honestly, presentation can make or break a dish. You know?

Storage Savvy: Keep it Fresh, Keep it Safe!

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Transfer the soup to an airtight container as soon as it's cooled down . Pop it in the fridge.

It'll keep for 3-4 days . Freezing works too. Make sure it is properly sealed! When reheating, low and slow is the way to go.

A gentle simmer on the hob is perfect. Microwaves? Fine, but stir it every minute to avoid hot spots.

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is super adaptable. Want a vegetarian option? Easy peasy. Swap the chicken broth for veggie stock.

Skip the chicken and add cannellini beans. A pinch more red pepper flakes kicks things up a notch. Going dairy-free? Try full fat coconut milk for richness.

Although, honestly, it does change the flavor.

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bowl

Each serving is roughly 350-450 calories . It is packed with protein! Around 25-30 grams . There is also healthy fats from the cream.

The carbs are at 30-35 grams . Remember, these are estimates. They depend on your specific ingredients. Using low-sodium broth helps keep the sodium in check.

So, there you have it! All my secret tips to make this Easy Gnocchi Soup Recipe a total triumph. Get cooking, have fun, and enjoy every spoonful! You will be surprised with how good this Italian Gnocchi Soup taste.

Making the Best Gnocchi Soup Recipe is easier than you think!.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Olive Garden gnocchi soup recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is even better the next day as the flavors meld together. However, I would recommend cooking the gnocchi separately and adding them just before serving. This will prevent them from getting too mushy during storage.

Store the soup base in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and add freshly cooked gnocchi when you're ready to enjoy it, like reheating your favourite Sunday roast.

Help! My gnocchi turned to mush in the soup. What did I do wrong?

Overcooked gnocchi is a common culprit! Gnocchi only needs a few minutes to cook they're done when they float to the surface. Be sure to add them towards the end of the cooking process, and don't let them boil vigorously for too long. Like baking a good Yorkshire pudding, practice makes perfect.

You can always make a test batch of gnocchi separately to get the timing right, and keep them warm until ready to serve.

I'm watching my calories. Are there any lighter substitutions I can make to this Olive Garden gnocchi soup recipe?

Definitely! You can use skim milk or half and-half instead of heavy cream, though the soup won't be quite as rich. Also, be sure to use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.

Consider adding more vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to increase the nutritional value and bulk up the soup without adding extra calories, a bit like adding extra veg to your sunday roast. Always remember that portion control plays a big role too.

Can I freeze this gnocchi soup?

Freezing the soup is possible, but the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly and become a bit softer. To minimize this, undercook the gnocchi slightly before adding them to the soup. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags, portioned out for easy thawing.

Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. It's similar to freezing a lasagne; it works, but it's never quite the same as fresh.

What other proteins can I add to this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi soup: Olive Garden Copycat (Better Than The Real Deal!) recipe?

While chicken is classic, feel free to experiment! Cooked Italian sausage (removed from its casing), shredded rotisserie chicken, or even leftover turkey would be delicious additions. If you are trying a vegetarian or vegan version, cannellini beans, or other white beans provide a protein and nutritional boost.

My soup is too thick/thin! How can I adjust the consistency?

If the soup is too thick, simply add more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Alternatively, you can make a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and whisk it into the soup while it simmers to thicken it up. Its all about making the soup to your liking, a bit like getting the perfect pint!