We all love Olive Garden's comforting classics and their chicken gnocchi soup stands out as a fan favorite. This creamy, hearty soup combines tender chicken, potato gnocchi and fresh vegetables in a rich broth that keeps us coming back for more.
While dining out at Olive Garden is always a treat we've discovered how to recreate this beloved soup at home. Our copycat version captures all the flavors and textures that make the original so irresistible. From the perfectly cooked potato dumplings to the savory blend of carrots celery and spinach this homemade version will satisfy your Olive Garden cravings any time.
What Makes Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup Special
Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup stands out as a harmonious blend of Italian and American comfort food elements. This signature soup combines traditional Italian gnocchi with a creamy American-style base.
The History Behind This Signature Dish
Introduced in 2008, Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup emerged as part of the restaurant's menu expansion to include more Italian-American fusion dishes. The soup quickly gained popularity among patrons, becoming one of the restaurant's top three soup offerings alongside Zuppa Toscana and Pasta e Fagioli.
Key Ingredients and Flavors
Potato Gnocchi- Hand-crafted Italian dumplingsSoft pillowy textureMade with premium grade potatoes
- Heavy cream foundationChicken broth blendRoux-thickened consistency
- Roasted white meat chickenDiced into bite-sized pieces3-4 ounces per serving
- Diced carrotsCelery piecesSautéed spinach leavesFresh onions
- Italian herbsGarlic powderWhite pepperNutmeg undertones
Creating The Perfect Creamy Base
The signature creamy base of Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup starts with a classic roux of butter and flour, combined with aromatics. This foundation creates a rich texture that carries the flavors of the other ingredients throughout the soup.
The Role of Heavy Cream and Herbs
A proper cream base combines butter, olive oil, and half-and-half with sautéed aromatics. Half-and-half creates a stable base that reheats without separation compared to whole milk. Heavy cream substitutes into the recipe for a richer consistency. The addition of fresh garlic, thyme, rosemary creates an aromatic foundation that elevates the cream base's flavor profile.
Properly Cooking the Gnocchi
Potato gnocchi cook directly in the cream base, absorbing flavors while releasing starches that naturally thicken the soup. The gnocchi take 3-4 minutes to become tender yet firm. Adding the gnocchi near the end of cooking prevents them from becoming mushy or falling apart. Each gnocchi maintains its pillowy texture when cooked at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil.
IngredientPurposeCooking TimeButter + FlourCreates roux base1 minuteAromaticsFlavor foundation3-4 minutesHalf-and-halfCreamy texture5-7 minutesGnocchiMain component3-4 minutesThe Fresh Vegetable Blend
The fresh vegetable blend in Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup creates a harmonious mix of colors, textures, and flavors. Each vegetable contributes distinct nutritional benefits and taste elements to the soup's overall profile.
Spinach and Celery Combination
Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutritional value to the soup, incorporating essential vitamins and minerals. Baby spinach leaves offer a milder flavor and softer texture compared to regular spinach, making them an ideal choice for this soup. The celery provides a crisp texture and earthy undertone, creating a foundation for the soup's flavor profile when diced finely and sautéed with other base ingredients.
Aromatic Carrots and Onions
Diced carrots contribute natural sweetness and a bright orange color to the soup, while adding essential texture and body. The onions form a crucial aromatic base, releasing their natural sugars when sautéed to create depth in the soup's flavor profile. Together, these vegetables create the traditional mirepoix that serves as the foundational flavor component of this beloved soup.
Tender Chicken Preparation
Preparing tender chicken for Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup involves specific seasoning and cooking methods. The chicken's tenderness and flavor create a foundation for this classic soup.
Seasoning and Cooking Methods
Oven-Baked Method- Arrange chicken on a lined baking sheetSeason with salt black pepperDrizzle olive oilBake at 350°F for 22-30 minutesCheck internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Heat butter olive oil mixture in soup potBrown chicken pieces until goldenCook through completelySet aside before adding back to soupRetains moisture flavor
- Use rotisserie chickenIncorporate pre-cooked frozen chickenChop into bite-sized piecesAdd directly to soupMaintains consistent texture
Tips for Serving and Presentation
Garnish Options
Fresh grated Parmesan or Romano cheese creates a rich umami flavor layer on top of the soup. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds vibrant color contrast to the creamy base.
Perfect Pairings
Classic Olive Garden salad or Caesar salad complements the rich soup flavors. Crusty sourdough bread or warm Olive Garden-style breadsticks provide satisfying dipping options.
Bowl Selection & Plating
Large ceramic bowls retain heat effectively during service. Place gnocchi pieces chicken chunks vegetables evenly throughout the bowl. The wilted spinach creates an appealing color contrast against the cream base.
Texture Enhancement
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1011269291328286488/ with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Stir the mixture into simmering soup in small increments until reaching desired thickness.
ElementRecommended AmountParmesan Cheese1-2 tablespoons per bowlFresh Parsley1 teaspoon per servingBowl Size12-16 ounce capacityCornstarch Slurry1:2 ratio (cornstarch:water)Conclusion
We're confident that with our detailed guide you can recreate this beloved Olive Garden favorite right in your kitchen. The combination of tender chicken pillowy gnocchi and fresh vegetables in a velvety cream base creates a soul-warming dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Whether you choose to follow our recipe exactly or add your own creative twist we know you'll love serving this comforting soup to your family and friends. Remember that the key to success lies in selecting quality ingredients and paying attention to the cooking techniques we've shared.
Now it's time to head to your kitchen and start cooking your own delicious batch of chicken gnocchi soup!