Taste the Familiar Comfort at Home: Our Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

 

Who doesn't love a warm, comforting bowl of Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup? That creamy broth, tender shredded chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach—it's the perfect antidote to a chilly day or simply a craving for something satisfying. But what if you could bring that beloved flavor right into your own kitchen?

 

Well, get ready, soup lovers! We've cracked the code (or at least come incredibly close!) with our delicious and surprisingly easy copycat recipe for Olive Garden's famous Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Now you can enjoy that familiar, comforting taste whenever the craving strikes, and maybe even impress your family and friends in the process.

 

 Yields: Approximately 6-8 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

 

Ingredients:

 

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced

2 celery stalks, thinly sliced

6 cups chicken broth

1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)

1 (16 ounce) package potato gnocchi

5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup heavy cream

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

 

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.

Pour in the Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the shredded cooked chicken and Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Cook the Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 2-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are tender.

Stir in the Spinach and Cream: Once the gnocchi are cooked, stir in the chopped fresh spinach. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.

Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the soup is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream.

Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Tips and Variations for Your Home Kitchen:

 

Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: While dried Italian seasoning works well, feel free to use fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary if you have them on hand for an even brighter flavor. Add them towards the end of the cooking process.

Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold broth before adding it to the simmering soup in the last few minutes of cooking.

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You could add cannellini beans or other hearty vegetables like mushrooms or diced potatoes for added substance.

Make Ahead: The soup can be made ahead of time, but it's best to add the gnocchi and spinach just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a little extra heat.

We hope you enjoy making and savoring this comforting copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in your own home. It's the perfect way to enjoy a restaurant favorite.