Easy Olive Garden Chicken Soup (Rich And Creamy Delight)

Sometimes, you want a taste of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup without actually having to leave your house. All you want to do is cozy up with your favorite soup and watch a show on TV – and that’s okay!

We feel you, so we are bringing you this incredible copycat recipe for Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup!

This soup is beyond delicious and so easy to make. Anyone who knows where the kitchen is can make this, especially if you have store-bought gnocchi to use (yes, you could always try to make your own, too!). 

You would never know that this dish didn’t come straight out of the restaurant – it’s that good. So, if you would like to make this delightful dish, stick around. We will be going through everything you need to know right here.

What Is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich and creamy delight, harmoniously blending tender pieces of chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and carrots in a savory, velvety broth.

 This signature soup offers a heartwarming taste of Italian comfort. Renowned for its luscious texture and soul-soothing properties, it stands as a beloved choice among patrons, encapsulating the essence of homestyle cooking in every spoonful.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients? 

• Keto-Friendly Replace gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or keto-friendly gnocchi. Use heavy cream instead of milk and thicken with a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum.
• Paleo-Friendly Use cauliflower gnocchi or omit gnocchi altogether. Replace dairy with coconut milk or almond milk. Use arrowroot powder or tapioca flour as a thickener.
• Vegan-Friendly Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans. Use dairy-free milk and omit the cheese. Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or carrots.
• Gluten-Free Ensure all ingredients, including the broth and thickener, are gluten-free. Use gluten-free gnocchi or replace with a gluten-free pasta.
• Dairy-Free Use a dairy-free milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with hearty mushrooms or tofu.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat.

Add-Ons

• Proteins: Incorporate Italian sausage, turkey, or shrimp for added flavor.
• Veggies: Introduce bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for added texture and nutrition.
• Grains: Consider barley or rice for a more filling variation.

Toppings

• Cheese: Grated Parmesan or Romano adds a salty, umami kick.
• Herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, or rosemary for aromatic garnish.
• Crunch: Croutons or toasted bread crumbs for contrasting texture.
• Zest: Lemon zest can brighten the flavors with a tangy twist.

Can I Make Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot? 

Slow Cooker

• After sautéing your onions, celery, garlic, and carrots in a pan, transfer them to the slow cooker. 
• Add diced chicken, broth, and seasonings. 
• Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. 
• About 30 minutes before serving, add the gnocchi, heavy cream, and spinach, allowing them to cook through and meld flavors.

Instant Pot

• Use the ‘Sauté’ function for your veggies. 
• Add chicken, broth, and seasonings, then pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. 
• Quick release, then switch back to ‘Sauté,’ adding gnocchi until they float. 
• Stir in heavy cream and spinach, cooking just until wilted.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own? 

Both store-bought and homemade broths can be used in the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, and each has its advantages:

Store-Bought Broth

• Convenience: It’s quick and easy, especially when short on time.
• Consistency: Commercial broths offer a uniform flavor profile.
• Variety: Available in low-sodium, organic, or enhanced flavors.

Homemade Broth

• Flavor Depth: Customized ingredients can yield richer, more nuanced flavors.
• Control: You decide the salt content, seasoning, and overall profile.
• Nutrition: Often fresher with fewer preservatives or additives.

How To Serve ? 

• Temperature: Ensure the soup is served piping hot, maintaining its rich consistency and releasing its comforting aroma.
• Bowl Selection: Opt for deep, warm bowls, preheated briefly in the oven or microwave to keep the soup warm longer.
• Garnishing: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan can elevate its appearance and flavor.
• Accompaniments: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic sticks to complement its creamy texture.
• Olive Oil Drizzle: A slight drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving can intensify the richness.
• Wine Pairing: A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, can complement the soup’s depth of flavors.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery slices of garlic bread are a perfect complement to the creamy soup.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing adds freshness and balance.
• Caprese Salad: Slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze offer a light and refreshing side.
• Bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil provide a flavorful contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers roasted with olive oil and herbs adds depth and texture.
• Minestrone Soup: A cup of hearty minestrone soup packed with vegetables and beans complements the richness of the chicken gnocchi soup.
• Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables offers a variety of flavors and textures.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Refrigerate Promptly: After enjoying your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, refrigerate any leftovers promptly to keep them fresh and safe to eat.
• Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the soup into airtight containers to maintain its flavor and prevent any potential contamination.
• Consume Within 3-4 Days: For optimal taste and quality, consume the stored soup within 3-4 days of refrigeration.
• Freezing Option: You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Divide it into portions and store them in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Make Ahead: Plan ahead by preparing the soup in advance and storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply reheat when ready to serve for a convenient and delicious meal.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

• Casserole Base: Combine leftovers with cooked pasta, top with cheese, and bake until golden.
• Stew Transformation: Add diced potatoes, more vegetables, and perhaps some sausage to turn it into a hearty stew.
• Pot Pie Filling: Use the thick soup for a comforting pot pie, topped with a pastry or biscuit crust.
• Pasta Sauce: Reduce the soup on the stove until thicker and serve over your favorite pasta.
• Grain Bowl: Serve over cooked rice or quinoa, topped with fresh herbs and grated cheese.
• Enriched Broth: Thin the soup slightly as a flavorful broth for cooking grains or steaming vegetables.
• Frittata Base: Mix with beaten eggs and bake or pan-fry for a delicious frittata.

Tips

• Perfect Gnocchi: Ensure gnocchi perfection by cooking them separately. This prevents them from becoming mushy in the soup.
• Flavorful Broth: Enhance the soup’s flavor by using a combination of chicken broth and cream. This creates a rich and creamy base.
• Seasoning Balance: Strike the right balance of seasoning with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg for depth of flavor.
• Tender Chicken: Cook the chicken until tender and juicy, adding it to the soup just before serving to preserve its texture.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach for vibrant color and taste.

NUTRITION TABLE