BETTER THAN OLIVE GARDEN SOUP

Imagine a chilly evening, the aroma of creamy, comforting soup filling your kitchen. Now, picture that soup being even *better* than Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi – rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home! This Easy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food, promising a restaurant-quality experience without ever leaving your cozy kitchen. Let’s get cooking!

Gathering Your Soup Essentials

Alright, soup lovers, let’s make sure we have everything we need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples!

For the Soup Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the veggies.
• 1 cup chopped onion: The aromatic backbone.
• 1 cup chopped carrots: Adds sweetness and color.
• 1 cup chopped celery: The classic soup trio!
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything’s better with garlic.
• 6 cups chicken broth: Low sodium is best, so you can control the salt.
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: That signature Olive Garden flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy note.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick!
• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key!

For the Chicken and Gnocchi:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works great too!).
• 1 (16 ounce) package shelf-stable gnocchi: Potato or cauliflower gnocchi both work well.
• 1 cup heavy cream: For that luscious creaminess.
• 1/2 cup milk: Helps thin out the cream slightly.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth.
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach: Adds freshness and a touch of green.

Step-by-Step to Soup Nirvana

Okay, now for the fun part – turning these ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort. Don’t be intimidated, it’s easier than you think!

Building the Flavor Base:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Creating the Soup:

3. Pour in the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Adding the Chicken and Gnocchi:

5. Stir in the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Cook until the gnocchi are tender, about 3-5 minutes. They will float to the surface when they’re ready.

Finishing Touches:

6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Heat through gently, but don’t boil! Boiling can cause the cream to separate.
7. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Secrets to Soup Success: My Best Tips

Want to take your Easy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Nobody likes mushy gnocchi! Keep a close eye on them while they’re cooking.
• Use Good Quality Broth: The broth is the foundation of the soup, so use the best you can find. Homemade is always great, but a good store-bought brand works too.
• Rotisserie Chicken Hack: Short on time? Rotisserie chicken is your best friend! It saves a ton of time and effort.
• Spice It Up!: If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it Ahead: This soup is even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: While the texture of the gnocchi might change slightly, you CAN freeze this soup! Cool it completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations on a Theme: Let’s Get Creative!

One of the best things about soup is that it’s so versatile! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors.

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or kale.
• Different Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try using Italian sausage or ground turkey instead.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free milk alternative instead of heavy cream and milk. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan Parmesan substitute.
• Herb Power: Experiment with different herbs like fresh parsley, chives, or basil.

Gnocchi Know-How: Choosing the Right Kind

Gnocchi is the star of this soup, but did you know there are different types? Let’s break it down.

• Potato Gnocchi: The most common type. They’re soft and pillowy and hold their shape well in soup.
• Cauliflower Gnocchi: A lower-carb option that’s still delicious. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
• Shelf-Stable vs. Fresh: I usually use shelf-stable gnocchi for convenience, but fresh gnocchi will work too. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What to Serve with Your Soup: The Perfect Pairings

Soup is a meal in itself, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments.

• Crusty Bread: For dipping into the creamy broth.
• Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad to balance out the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic combination!
• Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much garlic.

Other Cozy Soups You’ll Adore

If you’re a soup fanatic like me, you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes. Be sure to check out my recipe for DREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN GNOCCHI SOUP for another gnocchi-filled delight! And if you are looking for a change from chicken, the GNOCCHI SAUSAGE SOUP is sure to please. For a simpler take on a classic, try the CREAMY CHICKEN SOUP. Looking for something more than a soup? Then be sure to give GARLIC CHICKEN GNOCCHI a try or for something made in one pan, try the GARLIC CHICKEN GNOCCHI SKILLET. Finally, for a vegetarian option, GNOCCHI WITH SPINACH AND FETA is your best choice.

Troubleshooting Your Soup: Common Questions Answered

Even the best cooks encounter hiccups sometimes! Here are some solutions to common soup-making problems:

• Soup is Too Thick: Add more chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
• Soup is Too Thin: Simmer the soup for a longer period of time to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it.
• Soup is Bland: Add more salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or Parmesan cheese. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors.
• Gnocchi is Mushy: Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi. Cook them just until they float to the surface.

So there you have it – the ultimate Easy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe that’s guaranteed to impress! Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of this comforting and flavorful soup. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Amelia Chen-Morrison

Enjoy a creamy and comforting soup that rivals Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, flavorful broth, perfect for a cozy night in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Garlic press (optional)
• Ladle

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth low sodium
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
• Pour in the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir in the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Cook until the gnocchi are tender, about 3-5 minutes. They will float to the surface when they’re ready.
• Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Heat through gently, but don’t boil! Boiling can cause the cream to separate.
• Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
• Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth. To save time, use rotisserie chicken. Don’t overcook the gnocchi, as they will become mushy. This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; however, the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly after freezing. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a dairy-free milk alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan Parmesan substitute.