Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Recipe

If you’ve ever visited Olive Garden, you’ve likely had the pleasure of tasting their famous Gnocchi Soup, a warm, comforting bowl of creamy goodness that has become a fan favorite over the years. This dish is a heartwarming combination of soft potato gnocchi, savory chicken, and a luscious cream-based broth, all topped with fresh spinach. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night in.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its flavor, but in its simplicity. With a few key ingredients, you can easily recreate this delicious soup in your own kitchen. Imagine a bowl of rich, velvety soup, the gnocchi melting perfectly with every bite, all seasoned to perfection. Sounds amazing, right?

Well, you’re in luck because I’m going to break it down for you-step by step-so you can make the Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup from scratch. Not only will I share the recipe, but I’ll also give you some pro tips to ensure your soup is as close to the original as possible. Let’s dive in!

Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Before you start, here’s a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry, nothing too fancy or hard to find here!

• Chicken Breasts (or Rotisserie Chicken): About 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless. This is the protein base of the soup.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
• Garlic (3-4 cloves): Fresh garlic will give the soup an aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor.
• Yellow Onion: A mild, slightly sweet onion that will blend beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots, finely diced, add sweetness and a touch of texture to the soup.
• Potato Gnocchi: The heart and soul of the dish. Store-bought works perfectly, but you can make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Chicken Broth: This forms the liquid base of the soup. Choose low-sodium to control the salt content.
• Heavy Cream: This will give your soup that rich, creamy texture.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds both color and nutrition. It wilts perfectly into the broth, giving you that earthy flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key for adding depth and a slightly salty finish to the soup.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. These simple spices bring everything together.

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook The Chicken

   • Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside to rest.
   • Once the chicken has cooled slightly, shred it using two forks (or chop it into bite-sized pieces). Set aside.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add a little more olive oil, then toss in the diced onion and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add The Broth And Cream

   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir to combine.
   • Season the soup with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.

4. Cook The Gnocchi

   • Bring the soup back to a gentle boil, then add the gnocchi. Stir occasionally, allowing the gnocchi to cook in the broth. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the top.

5. Finish The Soup

   • Once the gnocchi is cooked, stir in the shredded chicken and fresh spinach. Let the spinach wilt into the soup (this only takes about 2 minutes).
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.

6. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a specific role, contributing to its distinct flavor and texture.

• Chicken: The chicken is essential for adding a hearty, savory element to the soup. Whether you use fresh chicken breasts or opt for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, it’s important to add that protein for balance.
• Gnocchi: These pillowy, soft potato dumplings provide the perfect base for the soup. They soak up the creamy broth, offering a satisfying bite that’s both filling and delicious.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a nutritional boost. It’s packed with vitamins, and when it wilts into the soup, it enhances the overall flavor profile, complementing the richness of the broth.
• Heavy Cream: This ingredient is key for making the soup luxurious and velvety. It balances out the acidity from the broth and adds a smooth, rich texture that makes each spoonful feel indulgent.
• Parmesan: A dash of freshly grated Parmesan gives a sharp, salty kick that rounds out the flavors. The cheese melts beautifully into the soup, adding umami and depth.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks very quickly. Once it starts floating, it’s ready! Overcooking them can result in a mushy texture, so keep an eye on them.
• Use Fresh Chicken for Better Flavor: While rotisserie chicken is convenient, fresh chicken breasts will give your soup a more natural, fresh flavor. Cooking the chicken yourself also allows you to control seasoning and texture.
• Sauté the Vegetables Well: This step is crucial for building flavor. Make sure the onions and carrots are softened, and the garlic is fragrant before adding liquids.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a less creamy soup, you can adjust the amount of cream or use half-and-half instead. For an even lighter version, opt for milk, but it won’t be as rich.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: While Parmesan is a must, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil can add a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: If you prefer a vegetarian soup, simply leave out the chicken. You can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth to maintain a rich, savory base. Add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to boost the flavor.
• Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño to the sautéed vegetables. This will give your soup a mild but noticeable kick.
• Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup: For a tangy twist, you can add a small can of crushed tomatoes to the broth. This adds an acidic brightness that complements the creamy base.
• Slow Cooker Method: You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients (except the cream and gnocchi) into the slow cooker in the morning. Let it cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add the gnocchi and cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Final Words

This Olive Garden-inspired Gnocchi Soup is one of those recipes that will leave you craving more, with its rich, creamy texture and comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a special gathering, it’s bound to be a hit. The combination of soft gnocchi, tender chicken, and savory broth is simply irresistible. Plus, with all the customization options, you can tweak it to suit any dietary preference or taste.

It’s a recipe that’s easy to make but feels luxurious, providing the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence.