We've discovered the perfect way to recreate Olive Garden's beloved Chicken Gnocchi Soup right in your Dutch oven at home. This creamy, comforting soup has become a restaurant favorite, and now you'll be able to enjoy it whenever the craving strikes.
Our homemade version captures all the essential elements that make this soup special - tender chunks of chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and fresh vegetables swimming in a rich, velvety broth. Using a Dutch oven helps develop deeper flavors and ensures even heating throughout the cooking process, making it easier than ever to achieve restaurant-quality results in your kitchen.
Why Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup Is So Popular
Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup attracts 450,000+ monthly orders for five key reasons:
Signature Creamy Base- Rich blend of heavy cream, chicken brothBalanced consistency between soup and chowderVelvety texture that coats each spoonful
- Hand-rolled potato gnocchi dumplingsFresh-cut vegetables (carrots, celery, spinach)All-white meat chicken piecesFresh Italian herbs and spices
- Served at optimal 165°F temperatureFilling 220-calorie portion sizeAvailable year-round on the menuPairs with unlimited breadsticks
| Menu Item | Price | Portion Size |
|-----------|-------|--------------|
| Cup | $4.99 | 8 oz |
| Bowl | $6.99 | 12 oz |
| Family Size | $14.99 | 32 oz |Texture Combinations
- Tender chicken chunksPillowy gnocchi piecesCrisp vegetablesSmooth broth base
The soup's popularity stems from its perfect balance of Italian and American comfort food elements, combining traditional gnocchi with familiar cream-based soup characteristics that appeal to diverse palates.
Essential Ingredients for Copycat Olive Garden Soup
Creating an authentic Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup requires specific ingredients that contribute to its signature creamy texture and rich flavor profile. The foundation starts with butter, olive oil, fresh vegetables and carefully selected proteins.
Fresh vs Store-Bought Gnocchi Options
Fresh gnocchi delivers a lighter, more pillowy texture in the soup when compared to packaged alternatives. Store-bought vacuum-sealed olive garden gnocchi soup no chicken gnocchi maintains freshness for 3 months and cooks in 2-3 minutes, making it a convenient choice. Premium brands like DeLallo or Rana offer restaurant-quality texture and taste for home cooking. Fresh gnocchi from specialty Italian markets provides optimal results with a shorter 1-2 minute cooking time.
Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts
Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide lean meat that's easy to cube into uniform 1/2-inch pieces. Chicken thighs offer richer flavor and remain tender after extended cooking. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves preparation time and adds depth to the broth. The optimal portion includes 2 cups of diced chicken per batch of soup. Dark meat retains more moisture during cooking compared to white meat cuts.
Chicken CutCooking TimeFat ContentCost per lbBreast15-20 min3.6g$3.99Thigh20-25 min9.2g$2.99RotisseriePre-cooked7.4g$4.99Preparing Your Dutch Oven for Perfect Soup
A Dutch oven's cast-iron construction creates the optimal cooking environment for Olive Garden-style Chicken Gnocchi Soup. The right preparation techniques enhance both the cooking process and final flavor profile.
Temperature Control Techniques
Cast iron Dutch ovens maintain consistent heat distribution throughout the cooking process. Start by melting butter and olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Sauté onions celery and garlic at 350°F until translucent before adding liquids. Lower the temperature to 250°F for a gentle simmer after incorporating cream and broth to prevent scorching. Monitor the soup's surface for small bubbles rather than a rolling boil.
Proper Seasoning and Care
Proper seasoning prevents ingredients from sticking and enhances the Dutch oven's non-stick properties. Apply a thin layer of neutral oil like grapeseed or vegetable oil to the interior surface before first use. Heat the Dutch oven at 450°F for 30 minutes to create a protective patina. Between uses wipe the interior with a paper towel and reapply a light coat of oil. Avoid using soap or metal utensils which can damage the seasoned surface. Store the Dutch oven in a dry instant pot chicken soup copycat place with the lid slightly ajar to prevent moisture accumulation.
Temperature StageFahrenheitDurationInitial Sauté350°F5-7 minsSimmering250°F20-25 minsSeasoning450°F30 minsStep-by-Step Cooking Process
Recreating Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup requires precise timing and temperature control in your Dutch oven. Follow these detailed steps to achieve the perfect creamy consistency and balanced flavors.
Creating the Creamy Base
Start with a classic roux by melting 4 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat at 350°F. Add 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 chopped celery stalks, cooking for 8 minutes until translucent. Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, whisking continuously for 60 seconds to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually pour in 2 cups half-and-half and 4 cups chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Adding Vegetables and Gnocchi
Incorporate 2 cups shredded carrots and 2 cups fresh spinach leaves into the simmering base. Reduce heat to 250°F and add 16 ounces potato gnocchi, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface. Add 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast, 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley. The gnocchi's starch naturally thickens the soup while cooking.
IngredientAmountCooking TimeOnion & Celery1 cup each8 minutesGnocchi16 oz3-4 minutesCarrots2 cups5 minutesSpinach2 cups2 minutesTips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results
Butter and Oil Combination
Start with a blend of 4 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. This combination creates a rich foundation and prevents the butter from burning during the sautéing process.
Vegetable Preparation
- Dice onions and celery into uniform 1/4-inch pieces for even cookingShred carrots finely to integrate smoothly into the soupMince garlic fresh rather than using pre-minced varietiesAdd fresh spinach last to maintain its vibrant color and texture
Chicken Selection
- Choose diced chicken breast for a lean protein optionOpt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add deeper flavorCut chicken into consistent 1/2-inch cubes for uniform cookingCook chicken separately before adding to prevent overcooking
Gnocchi Timing
- Add store-bought potato gnocchi directly to the simmering soupCook gnocchi for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surfaceTest one gnocchi piece for doneness before proceedingAvoid overcooking to prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy
Broth and Cream Balance
IngredientAmountPurposeChicken Broth4-6 cupsBase flavorHeavy Cream1-2 cupsCreamy textureHalf-and-halfOptional substituteLighter alternativeSeasoning Strategy
- Add dried thyme at the beginning to release its aromaticsIncorporate fresh parsley near the end for brightnessSeason with salt and pepper in stages while cookingInclude a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the cream's richness
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Refrigerator Storage
Proper cooling is essential before refrigerating Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Transfer the completely cooled soup to an airtight container to maintain freshness for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer Storage
The soup maintains optimal quality in the freezer for up to 3 months when stored properly:
- Cool the soup to room temperatureTransfer to freezer-safe containers leaving 1 inch of headspaceStore the gnocchi separately to preserve textureLabel containers with the date
Reheating Methods
Stovetop Reheating
Place the refrigerated or thawed soup in a Dutch oven over low heat. Stir occasionally while warming to prevent separation of the creamy broth.
Microwave Reheating
Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals in a microwave-safe bowl. The creamy texture requires gentle reheating to prevent the broth from breaking down.
Storage Tips
- Use glass or BPA-free plastic containersDivide into portion-sized containers for easier reheatingAdd fresh gnocchi when reheating frozen soupStore soup base separate from gnocchi for extended storageKeep refrigerated portions in the front of the refrigerator for quick access
Conclusion
We've shared all the secrets to creating Olive Garden's beloved Chicken Gnocchi Soup in your Dutch oven at home. This recipe brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen while letting you control the ingredients and portions.
With proper techniques temperature control and ingredient selection you'll master this creamy comfort food favorite. The Dutch oven's superior heat distribution ensures every spoonful delivers that perfect blend of tender chicken pillowy gnocchi and fresh vegetables in a velvety broth.
Remember to store any leftovers properly and you'll enjoy this delicious soup for days to come. Now it's time to gather your ingredients fire up that Dutch oven and create your own Olive Garden magic right at home!
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