Name: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup - Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 1 cup sliced celery; 1 cup matchstick carrots; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning blend; 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 pound potato gnocchi; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar; Kosher salt, to taste

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl, a culinary hug that warms you from the inside out. If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about that creamy, savory broth studded with tender pillowy gnocchi and succulent chicken, then you’re in for a treat. This beloved soup has captured the hearts (and stomachs!) of many, becoming a go-to comfort food for chilly evenings or any time you need a little bit of edible sunshine. What makes this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup so incredibly special? It’s the perfect harmony of rich, velvety texture, the satisfying chew of the gnocchi, and the flavorful bursts of seasoned chicken, all brought together with a delicate blend of herbs and vegetables. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down, savor each spoonful, and feel utterly content.

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
1 cup sliced celery (about 2 medium stalks)
1 cup matchstick carrots (you can buy these pre-cut or julienne them yourself)
6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning blend
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (this makes it so quick!)
1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt, to taste

Making the Savory Base

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics

Let’s start by building a really flavorful foundation for our Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering and slightly foamy, add your finely diced yellow onion. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This process, called sautéing, gently cooks the onion and brings out its natural sweetness without browning it. Next, add the sliced celery and matchstick carrots to the pot. Continue to cook and stir for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.

Step 2: Infusing with Garlic and Herbs

Now it’s time to add the garlic and dried herbs. Add the 6 minced garlic cloves to the pot with the softened vegetables. Cook for just about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. Immediately after the garlic is fragrant, stir in the 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and the 1/2 teaspoon of rubbed sage. Cook for another 30 seconds, stirring, to toast the spices and release their aromatic oils. This step really wakes up the flavors of the herbs and complements the vegetables beautifully.

Thickening and Developing the Creamy Broth

Step 3: Creating the Roux and Adding Broth

We need to thicken our soup, and we’ll do that by creating a roux. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables and spices. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the 4 cups of chicken broth, a little at a time, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate all the browned bits, which add extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking occasionally, until it starts to thicken. This is where the base of our creamy soup truly begin extracts to form.

Step 4: Introducing Creaminess and Gnocchi

Once the broth mixture has thickened slightly and is simmering gently, it’s time to add the richness. Pour in the 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream. Stir well to combine everything until it’s smooth and creamy. Now, add the 1 pound of potato gnocchi to the simmering soup. Make sure the gnocchi are submerged in the liquid. Cook according to your gnocchi package directions, usually about 2-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface. The gnocchi will absorb some of the broth and become wonderfully tender. Don’t overcook them, or they might become mushy.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Step 5: Incorporating Chicken, Spinach, and Final Seasoning

With the gnocchi cooked and floating, it’s time to add our protein and greens. Stir in the 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. We’re just warming it through, so it doesn’t need long to cook. Then, add the 1 1/2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. The heat of the soup will wilt the spinach quickly, usually within a minute or two. This adds a lovely pop of color and some healthy greens. Finally, stir in the 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. This might seem like an unusual ingredient, but it adds a subtle tang that brightens all the flavors and rounds out the soup beautifully. Taste the soup and season generously with Kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper if you like, until the flavors are just right. You might be surprised how much salt it needs to really make everything sing. Serve hot, perhaps with some crusty bread for dipping.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a step-by-step guide to creating the incredibly comforting and flavorful Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup right in your own kitchen! This hearty soup, packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy, herbaceous broth, is sure to become a family favorite. We hope you enjoyed learning how to recreate this beloved dish. Remember, cooking should be a joy, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Serve this delightful soup piping hot with crusty bread for dipping, or pair it with a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

We encourage you to give this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe a try. It’s a rewarding culinary adventure that delivers on both taste and comfort. Enjoy the process, savor the aromas filling your kitchen, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The base of the soup can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add the gnocchi and spinach just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

What other vegetables can I add to the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

This soup is quite versatile! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, peas, or even some finely chopped broccoli florets along with the other aromatics. Just ensure they are cooked through before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.