Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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Are you craving Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi Soup? You can make it at home in just 35 minutes! This copycat recipe is easy to follow and tastes just like the restaurant version. You’ll love the creamy broth filled with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh veggies.

With simple ingredients like butter, half-and-half, chicken broth, and ready-to-use gnocchi, you can whip up this comforting soup in no time. The recipe serves 8, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm, hearty goodness that rivals the original!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup finely diced celery
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 quart half-and-half
• 28 ounces chicken broth

You’ll also need these seasonings and veggies:

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 cup finely shredded carrots
• 1 cup coarsely chopped spinach leaves

For the protein and gnocchi:

• 1 cup cooked and diced chicken breast
• 16 ounces ready-to-use gnocchi

Don’t forget to have some salt on hand for seasoning to taste. With these simple ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious homemade version of this popular Olive Garden soup!

Instructions

Start by melting butter and olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the onion turns clear, stirring now and then.

Whisk in flour and cook for about a minute. Pour in the half-and-half, whisking as you go. Let it simmer until it gets thick.

Next, add chicken broth and whisk again. Wait for it to thicken once more. Now, stir in salt, thyme, parsley, and nutmeg if you’re using it.

Add shredded carrots, chopped spinach, diced chicken, and gnocchi to the pot. Give it all a good stir.

Let the soup simmer until it’s hot all the way through. Taste it and add more salt if needed.

Your copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup is now ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and enjoy your homemade version of this restaurant favorite.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily adjust this Olive Garden copycat recipe to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some substitutes and variations to try:

Dairy-Free: Swap half-and-half for coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and gnocchi made from potatoes or cassava.

Vegetarian: Replace chicken with white beans or extra veggies like zucchini and mushrooms.

Protein Swap: Try using turkey, sausage, or even shrimp instead of chicken.

Veggie Options:

• Add kale or Swiss chard in place of spinach
• Use butternut squash instead of carrots
• Toss in some diced bell peppers for extra color

You can make the soup spicier by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a lighter version, use milk instead of half-and-half and reduce the amount of butter.

Don’t have gnocchi? Try small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini. You can also use cauliflower gnocchi for a low-carb option.

Remember, these changes might affect the taste and texture of the original recipe. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect version!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make this soup your own by tweaking the ingredients. Try adding different veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts. It’s a quick and tasty shortcut.

For a thicker soup, add a bit more flour. If you prefer it thinner, use more broth.

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often get even better overnight!

To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir often to prevent scorching.

Freeze portions for later use. Let the soup cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.

When reheating frozen soup, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin it out.

For a fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls. It’s a great way to impress guests!