Deliciously Easy Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup Copycat Recipe: A Restaurant-Quality Delight at Home
- Joao Nsita
- Jan 18
- 10 min read
Updated: Sep 21
There are certain dishes that transcend the restaurant table to become a cherished part of our culinary daydreams, and Olive Garden’s Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is undoubtedly one of them. It is a masterpiece of comfort, a velvety, cream-laden broth brimming with tender shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables, and those uniquely soft, pillowy potato gnocchi. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm, cozy hug on a chilly evening, a dish that has garnered a legion of devoted fans who crave its luxurious texture and deeply satisfying flavour. For many, it’s the star of the menu, a must-order item that defines the Olive Garden experience.
The wonderful news is that you no longer need to leave your home to indulge in this beloved classic. This recipe is your definitive guide to recreating that restaurant-quality magic in your own kitchen, and you’ll be astonished at how simple it is. In an era where "one-pot wonders" and "30-minute meals" are the reigning trends on Pinterest and TikTok, this copycat recipe fits right in, delivering a gourmet soup experience with minimal fuss and maximum flavour. This in-depth guide will not only walk you through the foolproof, step-by-step process but will also explore the culinary techniques that ensure a perfectly creamy broth, tender chicken, and flawless gnocchi every time. Prepare to create a soup so delicious and authentic, it will instantly become a treasured favourite in your family's meal rotation.
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1. The Anatomy of a Comfort Food Icon
The magic of this soup lies in the beautiful synergy of its components. It’s a study in textures and flavours that come together to create something truly special.
The Velvety Broth: This is the soul of the soup. It's a rich and savory chicken broth that has been transformed into a luxurious, creamy elixir with the addition of heavy cream. The subtle aromatics of onion, garlic, and herbs infuse the broth with a beautiful depth of flavour.
The Pillowy Gnocchi: Gnocchi (pronounced NYOH-kee) are soft, tender Italian dumplings, traditionally made from potatoes. As detailed by culinary resources like Eataly, they provide a delightful, slightly chewy texture that is heartier than pasta and incredibly satisfying in a creamy soup.
The Tender Chicken: The use of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, gently poached in the broth and then shredded, ensures that the protein is incredibly tender and has absorbed the flavours of the soup.
The Garden Vegetables: A classic mirepoix of carrots and celery, along with fresh spinach wilted in at the end, adds a touch of sweetness, a vibrant colour, and a dose of wholesome nutrition that balances the richness of the dish.
2. The Secret to a Perfect Creamy Broth (Without the Curdle)
Creating a stable, creamy soup is the key to this recipe's success. The fear of a "broken" or curdled cream sauce can be intimidating, but a few simple scientific principles make it foolproof.
Temper Your Cream: While this recipe is simple enough that you can often add the cream directly, a classic technique to prevent curdling is to "temper" the dairy. This involves ladling a small amount of the hot soup broth into the cold cream while whisking constantly. This gently raises the temperature of the cream before it is added to the main pot, preventing it from shocking and separating.
Low and Slow Heat: As the experts at Bon Appétit often advise, high heat is the enemy of a cream sauce. Once the cream is added to the soup, it should be kept at a gentle simmer. Never let it come to a rolling boil, as this can cause the milk fats to separate from the liquid.
The Role of Starch: While not a primary thickener in this specific recipe, the starch released from the gnocchi as they cook helps to slightly thicken the broth and adds to its smooth, velvety consistency.
3. Ingredient Spotlight: Choosing the Best for Your Soup
For a recipe with relatively simple ingredients, the quality and type you choose can make a significant difference.
The Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great lean option. For an even more flavourful and tender result, you could use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The ultimate time-saving hack, and a huge trend for quick meals, is to use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.
The Gnocchi: You can find potato gnocchi in several forms. Shelf-stable gnocchi in the pasta aisle is the most common and works perfectly. Refrigerated or frozen gnocchi are also excellent choices, though their cooking times may vary slightly.
The Cream: For the richest, most authentic flavour and texture, use heavy cream (also known as double cream). In a pinch, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the resulting soup will be noticeably less creamy and rich.
The Herbs: While dried thyme and parsley work well for convenience, using fresh herbs will always elevate the flavour. If using fresh, a good rule of thumb is to use about three times the amount of the dried equivalent.
4. Delicious Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
This one-pot recipe is designed for maximum flavour with minimal fuss, making it the perfect cozy meal.
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups (32 oz) low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
1 (16-oz) package potato gnocchi
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Garnish (Optional):
Freshly chopped parsley
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook and Shred the Chicken:
Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the chicken breasts and cover them with the 4 cups of chicken broth.
Step 2: Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Let the chicken cook gently in the simmering broth for 15-20 minutes, or until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes. Leave the flavourful chicken broth in the pot.
Step 5: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside.
Build the Soup Base:
Step 6: Place the pot with the chicken broth back on the stove over medium heat. Add the olive oil or butter.
Step 7: Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables in the broth and oil for 5-7 minutes, until they are softened.
Step 8: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 9: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
Simmer and Add the Gnocchi:
Step 10: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
Step 11: Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the simmering soup. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and float to the surface.
Step 12: Stir in the fresh spinach and the reserved shredded chicken. Continue to cook for another minute, just until the spinach has wilted.
Finish and Serve:
Step 13: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
Step 14: Ladle the hot, creamy soup into bowls.
Step 15: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
5. Pro Tips for the Best Copycat Soup
Don't Overcook the Gnocchi: This is the most important tip for this recipe. Gnocchi cook very quickly. As soon as they float to the top, they are done. Overcooked gnocchi can become gummy and start to fall apart.
The Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: To make this recipe even faster, skip cooking the chicken breasts and use 2-3 cups of shredded meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply add it in at the end with the spinach.
Finely Chopped Veggies: For a texture that is closer to the original Olive Garden soup, you can shred the carrots and finely dice the onion and celery.
Make it Your Own: Feel free to customize! Sautéed mushrooms, finely diced red bell pepper, or a handful of peas would all be delicious additions.
6. Perfect Pairings: Completing Your At-Home Restaurant Experience
A great bowl of soup deserves the perfect accompaniment. To recreate the full Olive Garden experience, consider these classic pairings.
Warm Breadsticks: This is the ultimate pairing. Dipping a warm, garlicky breadstick into the creamy soup is a truly sublime experience. You can find excellent copycat recipes for their famous breadsticks, like this one from Allrecipes.
A Crisp Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a zesty Italian dressing provides a perfect, light contrast to the rich and creamy soup. Our copycat Olive Garden Salad recipe is the perfect choice.
A Glass of Wine: A crisp, unoaked white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc would beautifully complement the creamy, herbal notes of the soup.
For a Full Comfort Menu: Pair this soup with another comforting classic. A small bowl of this soup followed by a hearty slice of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole would be the ultimate cozy meal.
7. A Call to Action: Sourcing Your Soup Season Essentials
Having the right tools and ingredients can make all the difference in your soup-making adventures.
For the Perfect Pot: A large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven is the ideal vessel for this soup. It retains and distributes heat evenly, preventing scorching and making it perfect for serving. Brands like Le Creuset or Staub are top-tier, while Lodge offers a fantastic, affordable alternative. You can find these at stores like Williams Sonoma or on Amazon.
For High-Quality Gnocchi: While any shelf-stable gnocchi will work, look for brands made with a high percentage of potato for the best flavour and texture. Brands like DeLallo are often highly recommended.
For Easy Shredding: A pair of meat shredding claws can make quick and easy work of shredding the chicken, but two forks work just as well.
8. Conclusion: The Joy of a Homemade Restaurant Favourite
There is a special kind of magic in recreating a beloved restaurant dish in the comfort of your own home, and this Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is a perfect example. This recipe proves that you don't need a team of chefs to produce a soup that is rich, comforting, and deeply flavourful. With a single pot and in less than an hour, you can create a meal that is both impressively elegant and wonderfully easy. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi come together in a perfect harmony that is sure to win the hearts of your family and friends. It's more than just a copycat recipe; it's a new, cherished addition to your collection of go-to comfort foods.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture, it is recommended to cook the gnocchi just before serving, as they can become mushy if they sit in the soup for too long.
Can I freeze this soup? It is generally not recommended to freeze creamy soups containing gnocchi. The cream can separate upon thawing, and the gnocchi tend to become very soft and can fall apart. This soup is best enjoyed fresh.
Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes. The key is to use a high-quality gluten-free potato gnocchi, which are now widely available at most grocery stores. The rest of the ingredients in this specific recipe are naturally gluten-free (though always check your broth label).
Can I make this dish vegan? Yes, this is a very adaptable recipe. Use a high-quality vegetable broth, substitute the chicken with a can of cannellini beans or a plant-based chicken alternative, and use a full-fat oat milk or a cashew cream in place of the heavy cream.
My soup isn't thick enough. What can I do? If you prefer a thicker soup, you can create a simple slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the simmering soup and let it cook for another minute or two until it has thickened.
Can I use a different type of protein? Certainly! This soup would be delicious with cooked Italian sausage (casings removed), shredded turkey, or even small shrimp added at the end.
What is the best way to shred the chicken? The easiest way to shred chicken is to use two forks to pull the meat apart. For an even faster method that is a popular "kitchen hack," you can place the warm, cooked chicken breasts in the bowl of a stand mixer and use the paddle attachment on low speed to shred the chicken in seconds.
Why does the recipe say to cook the gnocchi separately in one section but in the soup in another? The provided text offers two common methods. Cooking the gnocchi in the soup is the easiest one-pot method, and the starch released helps to thicken the soup. Cooking it separately is the best method if you anticipate having leftovers, as it prevents the gnocchi from becoming mushy overnight. Both are valid techniques.
What kind of nails would match the cozy vibe of this soup? To complement the warm, comforting feel of this creamy soup, consider one of The 25 Best Coffin Nails Ideas for 2024. A classic, elegant nude or a soft, creamy white would be a perfect and stylish choice.
Where can I find gnocchi in the grocery store? You can typically find shelf-stable potato gnocchi in the same aisle as the dried pasta. Fresh or refrigerated gnocchi are usually located in the refrigerated section near the fresh pasta and cheeses.
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