We all know the comfort of a warm bowl of Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup - it's creamy rich and absolutely irresistible. But what if we told you that you can https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1011269291328299382/ recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen? This copycat recipe brings all the flavors you love without having to leave your home.
Creating this beloved soup isn't as complicated as you might think. With tender chicken chunks soft potato gnocchi and fresh vegetables swimming in a velvety cream-based broth we'll show you how to master this Italian-inspired dish. Our homemade version tastes just like the original and costs a fraction of what you'd pay at the restaurant.
Why This Copycat Olive Garden Soup Is So Popular
This copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe attracts over 500,000 monthly searches across recipe websites for three key reasons:
Restaurant-Quality Results- Creates identical flavors to Olive Garden's signature soupMatches the creamy texture perfectlyProduces consistent restaurant-style results at home
- Serves 6-8 portions for under $15 totalSaves 75% compared to restaurant pricesUses readily available grocery store ingredients
- Accommodates dairy-free substitutions with coconut milkWorks with fresh or frozen gnocchi varietiesAllows adjusting vegetables based on preferences
- Freezes well for up to 3 monthsMakes excellent meal-prep portionsReheats without separation or texture changes
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Creating an authentic Olive Garden-style Chicken Gnocchi Soup requires specific ingredients that contribute to its signature creamy texture and rich flavor profile. Here's a detailed breakdown of the key components and ingredient selections.
Choosing the Right Gnocchi
Potato gnocchi forms the foundation of this classic soup, with several options available:
- Traditional Potato Gnocchi: Contains potato flour, wheat flour and eggs Fresh Refrigerated Gnocchi: Cooks in 2-3 minutes and maintains optimal texture Shelf-Stable Gnocchi: Offers 6-month storage life without refrigeration Mini Gnocchi: Provides better soup-spoon portion control Gluten-Free Options: Made from potato starch and rice flour
Fresh vs. Store-Bought Components
The soup's quality depends on strategic choices between fresh and prepared ingredients:
Base Vegetables:
- Fresh mirepoix (carrots, celery, onions) provides superior flavorPre-cut mirepoix saves 15 minutes of prep timeFresh garlic delivers 30% more flavor than jarred alternatives
Protein Options:
- Fresh chicken breast: $3.99/lbRotisserie chicken: $7.99/whole birdPre-cooked chicken strips: $6.99/lb
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Creating Olive Garden's signature Chicken Gnocchi Soup involves two main phases: establishing a creamy roux base and incorporating the vegetables and protein components. Each step builds layers of flavor that combine into a restaurant-quality soup.
Creating the Creamy Base
Melt 3-4 tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heatAdd 1 tablespoon olive oil to the melted butterSauté 1 cup diced onion, ½ cup celery and 2 minced garlic cloves for 5-6 minutes until translucentWhisk in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form the rouxPour in 4 cups chicken broth gradually while whisking continuouslyAdd 2 cups half-and-half cream or heavy creamStir in 1 teaspoon dried thyme and ½ teaspoon dried sageSimmer for 5 minutes until the mixture starts to thickenAdding Vegetables and Chicken
Add 2 cups diced cooked chicken to the creamy baseStir in 2 cups fresh spinach leavesAdd 2 medium shredded carrotsDrop in 16 ounces potato gnocchiSeason with:- 1 teaspoon salt½ teaspoon black pepper¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results
Create the Perfect Roux Base- Combine equal parts butter and olive oil for optimal flavor depthWhisk flour continuously for 3-4 minutes until golden brownAdd liquids gradually to prevent lumps from forming
- Use a 2:1 ratio of chicken broth to half-and-halfAdd cream slowly while stirring to maintain smooth consistencyAdjust thickness with additional broth if needed
- Dice onions celery into 1/4-inch pieces for uniform cookingShred carrots finely for better texture integrationMince garlic fresh rather than using pre-minced varieties
- Add mini potato gnocchi during the last 5 minutes of cookingTest one piece for doneness before servingAvoid overcooking to prevent mushy texture
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for enhanced flavorCut chicken into 1/2-inch cubes for ideal bite sizeAdd chicken after the vegetables are tender
- Maintain medium-low heat during cream additionSimmer at low temperature after all ingredients combineAvoid boiling to prevent cream separation
- Cool completely before refrigeratingStore in airtight containers for up to 5 daysReheat on low heat stirring frequently
- Add salt gradually throughout cookingTaste and adjust seasonings after gnocchi cooksConsider fresh herbs for garnish before serving
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Refrigerator Storage
Store this creamy chicken gnocchi soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers.
Freezer Storage
The soup maintains its quality in the freezer for up to 3 months when stored properly. Here's how to freeze it effectively:
- Remove the gnocchi before freezing to preserve its textureCool the soup completely to room temperaturePour into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1 inch of space for expansionLabel containers with the dateStore at 0°F (-18°C) or below
Reheating Methods
Stovetop Reheating
The stovetop method olive garden gnocchi soup no chicken preserves the creamy texture of the soup:
Transfer soup to a large potHeat on low, stirring every 2-3 minutesAdd fresh gnocchi if frozen separatelyHeat until temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)Microwave Reheating
Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowlHeat for 2 minutes on high powerStir thoroughlyContinue heating in 30-second intervals if neededStorage MethodMaximum Storage TimeTemperatureRefrigerator4 days40°F (4°C)Freezer3 months0°F (-18°C)Conclusion
We're confident you'll love making this copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home. This budget-friendly recipe delivers the same comforting flavors and creamy texture you enjoy at the restaurant but at a fraction of the cost.
Whether you're feeding a family or meal prepping for the week our detailed guide makes it easy to achieve restaurant-quality results. The flexibility to customize ingredients and convenient storage options make this soup a practical addition to your recipe collection.
Now it's time to head to the kitchen and create your own delicious bowl of homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup. We'd love to hear how your version turns out!