If you love Olive Garden’s Chicken and Gnocchi Soup, you’re not alone! This creamy, comforting soup is a fan favorite, known for its tender roasted chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and rich broth. The good news? You can easily recreate this restaurant classic right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow guide to making Olive Garden’s Chicken and Gnocchi Soup at home.
What Makes Olive Garden’s Chicken and Gnocchi Soup So Special?
Olive Garden’s version is made fresh daily with whole ingredients, combining roasted chicken, Italian dumplings (gnocchi), spinach, and a creamy broth infused with herbs and spices. The soup balances creamy richness with fresh vegetables, making it hearty yet light enough for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Butter (4 tablespoons)
– Olive oil (optional, 1 tablespoon for extra flavor)
– Yellow onion, diced (1 small)
– Celery, diced (1 stalk)
– Carrots, shredded or diced (1/2 cup)
– Garlic, minced (2 teaspoons)
– All-purpose flour (1/4 cup)
– Chicken broth (4 cups)
– Half-and-half or a mix of milk and heavy cream (2 cups)
– Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon)
– Mustard powder (1/2 teaspoon)
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 2 cups cooked and diced)
– Potato gnocchi (16 ounces, store-bought)
– Fresh spinach, roughly chopped (1 cup)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Melt the butter (and olive oil if using) in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the flour turns a light golden color. This step thickens the soup base and removes the raw flour taste.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half (or milk and cream mix), adding a little at a time to avoid lumps and to keep the mixture smooth. Stir in thyme, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts to the simmering soup. Let them cook gently for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked but still tender. Remove the chicken, dice or shred it, and then return it to the pot.
5. Add Gnocchi and Spinach
Add the gnocchi to the soup and simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or according to package instructions, until the gnocchi are tender and pillowy. Finally, stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. If you like, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
6. Taste and Adjust
Season the soup with additional salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Tips for Making the Best Copycat Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
– Use rotisserie chicken for convenience: If you want to save time, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds great flavor.
– Choose store-bought gnocchi: Refrigerated gnocchi holds up well in soup and cooks quickly, making it ideal for this recipe.
– Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks fast and becomes mushy if simmered too long. Keep an eye on it and test for that perfect pillowy texture.
– Layer your seasoning: Add salt and pepper gradually as you cook to build depth of flavor throughout the soup.
– Customize your veggies: While the classic trio is onion, celery, and carrot, you can add mushrooms, kale, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
Why Make This Soup at Home?
Making Olive Garden’s Chicken and Gnocchi Soup at home lets you enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the wait or the price tag. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you want a warm bowl of comfort. Plus, it’s easy to customize and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
This homemade version of Olive Garden’s Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of your favorite restaurant into your own kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps. Enjoy every spoonful of this cozy classic!