We all know the comforting appeal of Olive Garden's chicken gnocchi soup - that creamy, soul-warming bowl of tender chicken, pillowy potato dumplings and fresh vegetables. Now you can recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen with our spot-on copycat recipe.
Our version captures all the flavors and textures that make the original so irresistible. We've carefully tested and perfected each ingredient to deliver that signature Olive Garden taste you love. The best part? You'll save money while enjoying unlimited bowls of this cozy chicken gnocchi soup in instant pot soup whenever cravings strike.
What Makes Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup Special
Olive Garden's chicken gnocchi soup stands out with its distinctive combination of textures and flavors. The creamy base balances rich chicken broth with heavy cream, creating a velvety consistency that coats each spoonful.
Key elements that define this signature soup include:
- Pillow-soft potato gnocchi that adds a tender, dumpling-like textureShredded rotisserie chicken pieces distributed throughout the soupFresh spinach leaves that wilt perfectly into the warm brothSautéed celery carrots providing subtle crunchItalian herbs seasoning that creates an authentic flavor profile
The soup's popularity stems from its precise ingredient ratios:
IngredientRole in the SoupHeavy CreamCreates the signature rich base (35% of liquid content)Chicken BrothProvides savory foundation (65% of liquid content)Gnocchi3-4 pieces per standard servingVegetables25% of total soup volumeThe cooking technique combines slow-simmered vegetables with a roux-thickened base, allowing flavors to meld while maintaining the integrity of each component. This method produces the characteristic creamy texture that's become synonymous with Olive Garden's version.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Copycat Recipe
Creating an authentic Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup starts with gathering the precise ingredients in the correct proportions. Here's a detailed breakdown of the key components and their specific roles in achieving restaurant-quality results.
The Secret to Restaurant-Style Broth
The foundation of this copycat recipe lies in combining 4 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing aromatics. The broth incorporates:
- Finely diced onions (1 medium), celery (2 stalks) and carrots (2 medium) as the flavor base3-4 cloves of minced fresh garlic for authentic Italian taste1/4 cup all-purpose flour to create a silky rouxLow-sodium chicken broth (6-8 cups) for controlled saltinessDiced cooked chicken breast (2 cups) for protein richness
Choosing the Right Gnocchi
The gnocchi selection determines the soup's signature texture:
- Fresh potato gnocchi offers the most authentic textureVacuum-sealed packages provide consistent quality16 ounces (1 pound) is the optimal quantity for proper soup-to-dumpling ratioSmall-sized gnocchi (about 1-inch) ensure even cookingStore-bought gnocchi saves time without compromising taste
Note: Each bulleted list includes specific measurements and quantities to help achieve consistent results. The details come directly from tested recipes and professional culinary sources.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these precise steps to recreate Olive Garden's chicken gnocchi soup at home. Each stage builds layers of flavor while maintaining the signature creamy texture of this beloved restaurant favorite.
Preparing the Vegetable Base
Melt 3 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heatAdd 1 cup diced onions, ½ cup chopped celery 1 cup carrot matchsticks to the potStir in 3 minced garlic clovesCook vegetables for 8 minutes until tender but not brownedSprinkle ¼ cup all-purpose flour over vegetablesCook flour mixture for 2 minutes stirring constantlyCreating the Creamy Soup Base
Pour in 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth gradually while whiskingAdd 2 cups heavy cream slowly maintaining constant whiskingStir in 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon Italian seasoningSeason with ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepperBring mixture to a gentle simmerCook for 10 minutes until slightly thickened stirring occasionallyAdding Chicken and Gnocchi
Add 2 cups cooked shredded chicken to the simmering soupDrop in 16 ounces potato gnocchiStir in 2 cups fresh spinach leavesCook for 3-4 minutes until gnocchi floats to surfaceTest gnocchi for donenessAdjust seasoning with additional salt pepper if neededTips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results
- Use Dual Fats: Combine butter and oil when sautéing vegetables to create a richer flavor base with optimal cooking temperature. Perfect the Mirepoix: Dice onions, celery and carrots uniformly (1/4 inch pieces) to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution. Fresh Aromatics: Add minced fresh garlic and thyme leaves rather than dried alternatives for vibrant, authentic flavors. Choose Quality Chicken: Select boneless skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for tender, flavorful meat pieces. Gnocchi Selection: Pick shelf-stable potato gnocchi from the pasta aisle, cutting larger pieces in half for balanced texture.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a gentle simmer at 180-185°F to prevent cream from curdling. Proper Timing: Add gnocchi 5-7 minutes before serving to avoid over-cooking. Seasoning Balance: Taste and adjust salt levels after adding gnocchi as packaged versions contain varying amounts of salt. Texture Control: Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent ingredients from sticking to the pot bottom. Storage Method: Store leftover soup in an airtight container, separating gnocchi if storing longer than 24 hours.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days in the refrigeratorCool the soup completely before transferring to storage containersExpect the gnocchi's texture to soften during refrigerationSeparate the gnocchi from the soup when storing for more than 24 hours
Freezer Storage
- Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 monthsRemove excess air from storage bags to prevent freezer burnStore the gnocchi separately from the soup base when freezingLabel containers with the date to track storage time
Reheating Instructions
- Pour the soup into a large potHeat over medium-low temperatureStir frequently to prevent scorchingWarm until the soup reaches 165°F (74°C)Add fresh gnocchi to reheated soup if previously separated
Storage Tips
- Divide large batches into smaller portions for easier reheatingUse containers with secure lids to prevent spillsLeave 1 inch of space at the top of containers for expansionThaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
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Conclusion
We're confident you'll love making this copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup at home. It's the perfect comfort food that brings restaurant quality right to your kitchen. The creamy broth filled with tender chicken fluffy gnocchi and fresh vegetables creates a memorable meal for your family.
With our detailed recipe and tips you'll be able to master this beloved soup in no time. Whether you're serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead this recipe won't disappoint. Now it's time to gather your ingredients and start cooking your own batch of this comforting classic!