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As autumn’s chill arrives, a warm, creamy soup is perfect for soothing the soul. The Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a favorite for its tender gnocchi, juicy chicken, and fresh veggies. You can make this delicious dish at home, just like Olive Garden.
This guide will show you how to make a homemade version of Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup. You’ll learn about the best ingredients and cooking techniques. Soon, you’ll enjoy a cozy, restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
Understanding the Classic Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
The Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is loved by many. It’s a mix of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh veggies. This creates a perfect blend of flavors.
What Makes This Soup Special
The rich flavor and comforting texture of this soup make it unique. Garlic, celery, and onions are sautéed first. Herbs like parsley and thyme then enhance its depth and scent.
Key Ingredients Overview
The soup’s greatness comes from its main ingredients. These include:
- Potato Gnocchi: These dumplings add a soft, pillowy texture.
- Shredded Chicken: The chicken makes the soup hearty and adds protein.
- Fresh Spinach: The spinach adds flavor and nutrients.
- Creamy Base: A mix of chicken broth, half-and-half, and a roux makes it creamy.
Nutritional Benefits
The Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is tasty and healthy. A serving has about 369 calories, 32g of carbs, 11g of protein, and 22g of fat. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great meal choice.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Version
Making Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup at home is a fun journey. Start with two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sauté them in butter and olive oil.
Add finely diced yellow onion, sliced celery, and shredded carrots. These ingredients create a rich base. For the broth, use 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Add a teaspoon of ground thyme and a touch of ground nutmeg for extra flavor.
Season the soup with kosher salt and black pepper. The main ingredient is a 16-ounce package of shelf-stable potato gnocchi. This is what makes the soup special.
Add two cups of heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup to make it creamy. To make it thicker, stir in a spoonful of cornstarch. Lastly, for color and nutrition, add 1 cup of freshly chopped spinach.
You may prepare a homemade version of Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup with these components. You are welcome to modify the recipe as you see fit. Savor the hearty flavors of this traditional dish.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 |
| Yellow onion, finely diced | 1 cup |
| Celery, finely sliced | 1 cup |
| Shredded carrots | 3/4 cup |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Ground thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Potato gnocchi | 16 ounces |
| Heavy cream | 2 cups |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh spinach, chopped | 1 cup |
Choosing and Preparing the Perfect Gnocchi
hoosing and cooking the gnocchi is essential when preparing your own chicken gnocchi soup with an Olive Garden theme. Italian dumplings called gnocchi are created from potatoes, flour, and eggs. For this gnocchi soup recipe, you can either cook your own or use store-bought ones.
Store-Bought vs Homemade Gnocchi
For a quick option, choose store-bought gnocchi from the pasta aisle or frozen food section. Brands like Rana, DeLallo, and Whole Foods’ 365 Everyday Value line are great for Italian soup recipes.
Where to Find Quality Gnocchi
- Walmart, Kroger, and some dollar stores have many gnocchi options.
- Find gnocchi in the refrigerated or frozen pasta sections of your store.
- Specialty Italian or Mediterranean food stores have more varieties.
Proper Gnocchi Cooking Techniques
Whether you choose store-bought or homemade gnocchi, cooking them the same way is best. Add the gnocchi to your soup and let them cook for 15-20 minutes. When they float, they’re done, giving a soft texture that matches the creamy broth.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken, cooked and diced | 1 lb. |
| Gnocchi | 1 package (16 oz.) |
| Half and half | 1 quart |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Spinach, chopped | 1 cup |
| Celery, finely diced | 1/2 cup |
| Onion, finely diced | 1 cup |
| Carrot, finely shredded | 1 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Pepper | 1 tsp |
| Thyme | 1/2 tsp |
| Parsley | 1/2 tsp |
| Flour | 4 tbsp |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | For topping |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making the chicken gnocchi soup recipe at home is easy and delicious. Start by cooking the vegetables in butter and olive oil. Once the onions, carrots, and celery are soft, add flour to make a roux.
Then, slowly add half-and-half and low-sodium chicken broth. Let it simmer until it thickens. Add cooked chicken and gnocchi, then season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
It is preferable to prepare all components ahead of time. This facilitates the procedure. It can also be prepared in a crockpot. For four hours, cook the chicken, veggies, and seasonings. After an additional hour, add the remainder.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Potato Gnocchi | 16 ounces |
| Chicken Breasts | 2 large |
| Water | 5 cups |
| Half and Half | 2 cups |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Spinach | 2 cups |
| Freshly Shredded Parmesan | 2 cups |
| Better Than Bouillon Organic Chicken Base | 3 Tablespoons |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh Parsley | 1/4 cup |
| Cracked Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sea Salt | to taste |
| Yellow Onion | 1 large |
| Carrots | 2 large |
| Celery Sticks | 2 |
| Garlic Cloves | 6 |
Follow these steps to make the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home. Enjoy the comforting flavors in your kitchen.
Making the Creamy Soup Base
You must get proficient with the roux in order to create the ideal creamy basis for your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. To achieve the ideal consistency and flavor, use this time-honored cooking method.
Creating the Perfect Roux
In a big saucepan over medium heat, start by melting two teaspoons of butter and two tablespoons of olive oil. Add one chopped onion, two celery stalks, and three minced garlic cloves after the butter has melted. Simmer these veggies for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the onion is transparent.
Then, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This step makes the roux, which thickens the soup base.
Achieving the Right Consistency
Slowly whisk in 2 cups of half-and-half and 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Simmer the mixture and stir occasionally until it’s the right thickness, about 10-15 minutes.
Seasoning Tips
To season the soup base, add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if you like.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Preparation
Creating your own olive garden copycat chicken gnocchi soup at home starts with the chicken. you can follow these tips:
- Choose a rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor. Just chop the breast meat into small pieces.
- If you’re using raw chicken, brown it first. Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts.
- Cook the chicken until it hits 165°F. This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Don’t forget to add the juices from the rotisserie chicken bag to your chicken gnocchi soup. It adds a lot of flavor.
By using these tips, you’ll make a chicken gnocchi soup that’s just as good as the Olive Garden copycat recipe.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rotisserie Chicken | 1 whole |
| Chicken Thighs/Breasts | 1 lb |
| Cooking Time for Chicken | 8-10 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 165°F |
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup: The Secret to Restaurant-Style Results
To make the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup just like the restaurant at home, you need to use professional cooking methods. Paying attention to temperature is also key. This way, you can make the soup rich, creamy, and full of flavor, just like everyone loves.
Professional Cooking Techniques
Begin by sautéing onions, celery, and carrots in olive oil and butter. This step brings out their natural flavors and makes them tender. Then, mix all-purpose flour with the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream to create a creamy base.
Temperature Control Tips
Heat the soup to a low boil, then lower the heat to simmer. This slow simmer blends the flavors without overcooking the ingredients. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds an authentic Olive Garden touch.
By using these professional techniques and controlling the temperature, you can make a restaurant-quality soup at home. The secret is to use fresh, quality ingredients and stick to the recipe. This ensures every part of the restaurant copycat soup comes together perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
You may continue to enjoy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home. With proper storage and warming, you can savor it for several days. It’s a pleasure to have this soothing, creamy soup on hand.
To store leftover chicken gnocchi soup recipe, put it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3-5 days. When reheating, use low heat on the stovetop to keep the broth creamy.
If you prefer the microwave, heat it in small portions. Stir often to warm it evenly. Remember, the soup will thicken in the fridge but will thin out when reheated.
Adding a bit of chicken broth can help achieve the right consistency if needed.
However, creamy soups like this one shouldn’t be frozen. The dairy can separate, making the soup less enjoyable.
| Refrigeration | Freezing |
|---|---|
| 3-5 days | Not recommended |
By following these tips, you can enjoy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup for days. Savor every spoonful!
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
The classic Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe can be easily adapted to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re looking to try a new protein, reduce the calories, or accommodate a gluten-free lifestyle, there are plenty of variations and substitutions to explore.
For a twist on the traditional chicken, you can use turkey or Italian sausage in place of the chicken. This adds a different flavor profile to the soup while still keeping it hearty and satisfying. Additionally, a lighter version can be achieved by using milk instead of the half-and-half cream, resulting in a less rich but equally creamy soup.
Vegetable additions can also enhance the soup, such as peas, zucchini, or extra spinach. These not only boost the nutritional value but also provide a pop of color and texture. For a gluten-free option, you can use cauliflower gnocchi or substitute small-cut pasta like orzo in place of the traditional gnocchi.
Lastly, you can adjust the spices by using individual herbs instead of Italian seasoning, giving you greater command over the flavor profile as a whole.. For a spicier version, simply add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to taste.
With these versatile options, you can easily customize the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup to suit your culinary preferences and dietary needs. This ensures that you can enjoy this comforting dish in a way that’s tailored to your taste buds.
Conclusion
Making olive garden chicken gnocchi soup at home is rewarding. It results in a delicious, comforting meal. This copycat recipe lets you enjoy a restaurant favorite at home.
The soup is versatile, so you can make it your own. It has a creamy texture, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi. It’s perfect for any season and will be a family favorite.
Whether you use store-bought or homemade gnocchi, follow the recipe for the Olive Garden taste. By using the right ingredients and techniques, you can make this beloved soup at home. Enjoy the ease of slow cooker or stovetop cooking and the comfort of a homemade meal.