Description
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is one of Olive Garden’s most beloved menu items, known for its creamy texture, pillowy gnocchi, and flavorful combination of chicken and vegetables. This hearty soup is a perfect comfort dish, whether you’re dining at the restaurant or making it at home. In this complete guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup, including its ingredients, nutritional information, a step-by-step homemade recipe, and expert tips to make it even better.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to remove the raw flour taste.
Add the Liquids & Seasonings:
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes until it starts to thicken.
Add Chicken & Gnocchi:
- Stir in the shredded chicken and potato gnocchi.
- Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes or until the gnocchi are soft and floating.
Add Spinach & Serve:
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Use Fresh Gnocchi:
- Fresh or refrigerated gnocchi will cook faster and have a better texture than shelf-stable gnocchi.
Adjust the Thickness:
- If the soup is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
Enhance the Flavor:
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper, restaurant-quality taste.
- A dash of red pepper flakes can give the soup a slight kick.
Make It Dairy-Free:
- Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~250-300 kcal
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 2-4g
- Protein: 12-15g