Name: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 cup sliced celery; 1 cup matchstick carrots; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 pound potato gnocchi; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach; 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar; Kosher salt, to taste

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a comforting embrace that speaks of cozy evenings and shared laughter. It’s no wonder this creamy, dreamy concoction has captured the hearts (and stomachs!) of so many. There’s an undeniable magic in the way tender chunks of chicken and pillowy soft gnocchi swim in a rich, savory broth, mingling with vibrant spinach. What truly sets this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup apart is its velvety texture, achieved through a clever blend of ingredients that create an explosion of flavor without being heavy. Each spoonful is a delightful dance of savory, creamy, and slightly herbaceous notes, making it the perfect antidote to a chilly day or a moment when you simply need a taste of pure comfort. Get ready to recreate this beloved classic in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup matchstick carrots
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 pound potato gnocchi
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt, to taste

Getting Started: Building the Flavor Base

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics

We’ll begin extract by building a robust flavor base for our Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering and fragrant, add your diced yellow onion, sliced celery, and matchstick carrots. These vegetables are the foundation of our soup’s depth. Stir them well to coat them in the butter and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and the onion is translucent. This gentle sautéing process releases their natural sweetness and prepares them to meld beautifully with the other ingredients. Don’t rush this step; a little patience here will reward you with a richer, more complex flavor.

Step 2: Infusing with Garlic and Herbs

Once the initial vegetables have softened, it’s time to introduce the aromatics that will truly elevate our soup. Add the 6 cloves of minced garlic to the pot and stir constantly for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste. Immediately after the garlic, stir in the 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and the 1/2 teaspoon of rubbed sage. These dried herbs are essential for that classic Italian-American flavor profile. Continue to stir for another 30 seconds to a minute, allowing the heat to bloom their essential oils and release their potent aromas. This brief toasting of the herbs intensifies their flavor and fragrance, making your kitchen smell absolutely divine.

Creating the Creamy Base

Step 3: Thickening the Soup with Flour

Now, we’re going to create the creamy, comforting base of our gnocchi soup. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and herbs. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes, cooking out the raw flour taste. This mixture of flour and fat is called a roux, and it’s our primary thickening agent. It’s important to cook the flour sufficiently so it doesn’t leave a pasty residue in your finished soup. The mixture will form a thick paste, coating the vegetables. Ensure all the flour is incorporated and there are no dry pockets before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Adding the Broth and Simmering

Gradually pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, whisking constantly as you add it. This is crucial to prevent any lumps from forming in your roux. Continue to whisk until the broth is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 10-15 minutes. This simmering period allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This patient simmering is key to developing the deep, satisfying flavor of the soup.

gin extract>Bringing It All Together

Step 5: Incorporating Cream and Gnocchi

Once the soup has had a chance to simmer and the flavors have begun to meld, it’s time to add the luscious cream and the star of our show: the gnocchi. Pour in the 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and stir until it’s well combined with the broth mixture. The soup will immediately take on a beautiful, creamy color. Now, gently add the 1 pound of potato gnocchi. Be sure to stir them in gently to avoid breaking them. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer, but avoid a rolling boil, as this can cause the cream to separate. Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions, which is typically 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. This indicates they are cooked through and tender.

Step 6: Adding Chicken, Spinach, and Finishing Touches

With the gnocchi tender and floating, it’s time to add the final elements that make this soup so hearty and delicious. Stir in the 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. Since the chicken is already cooked, it just needs to heat through. Next, add the 1 1/2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. Stir it into the hot soup, and it will wilt down beautifully in just a minute or two. The vibrant green of the spinach adds a lovely visual contrast and a boost of freshness. Finally, stir in the 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. This might seem unusual, but the subtle acidity of the balsamic vinegar brightens all the flavors and adds a delightful complexity to the soup, balancing the richness of the cream. Season generously with Kosher salt to taste. Start with a good pinch, stir, and then taste. Add more salt as needed until the flavors sing. We’re aiming for a perfectly seasoned, comforting bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Conclusion:

You’ve now mastered the art of creating the beloved Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup right in your own kitchen! This comforting and creamy soup, packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant spinach, is sure to become a family favorite. The beautiful balance of savory flavors and satisfying textures makes it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Serve it piping hot with crusty bread for dipping, or pair it with a light side salad for a complete meal. Don’t hesitate to get creative with variations; consider adding other vegetables like carrots or peas, or even a hint of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.

Remember, the joy of cooking is in the experimentation and the delicious results. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the incredibly rewarding experience of making this iconic soup. We encourage you to share your creations and adapt the recipe to your personal taste. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most of the soup ahead of time. Cook the chicken and vegetables, and prepare the broth base. Store the gnocchi separately, as they can become gummy if cooked and stored in the soup for too long. Reheat the soup base gently and add the cooked gnocchi just before serving to maintain their perfect texture.

What if I can’t find pre-made gnocchi?

While pre-made gnocchi are convenient, you can absolutely make your own! It’s a rewarding process. You’ll typically need flour, eggs, and potatoes. There are many excellent homemade gnocchi recipes available online that will guide you through the shaping and boiling process.