How to Make the Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Home

There's something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s filled with the familiar flavors of your favorite restaurant. For many, that comfort comes in the form of Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup—a creamy, hearty dish that has become a staple for families and food lovers alike. While the restaurant version is undeniably delicious, there's an even greater joy in recreating that same experience at home. With the right ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can bring the taste of Olive Garden into your kitchen without ever leaving your house.

Why Homemade Is Better Than the Original

The key to making a better version of this classic soup lies in control. When you make it at home, you have the power to tailor every element of the dish to your liking. Here are some reasons why homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup surpasses the restaurant version:

• Gnocchi Perfection: Store-bought gnocchi can sometimes be overcooked or under-seasoned. By making it yourself, you can ensure it's just right—pillowy, tender, and full of flavor.
• Superior Chicken Quality: Using freshly cooked chicken instead of pre-processed meat gives the soup a richer, more natural taste.
• Customizable Consistency: You can adjust the thickness of the soup to match your preference, whether you want it thick and creamy or light and brothy.
• Vegetable Freshness: Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions add vibrant color and texture, enhancing the overall experience.
• Herb Intensity: You can amplify the herbal notes by using fresh herbs or adjusting the amount of dried thyme and parsley to suit your taste.

The Secret to a Silky, Flavorful Base

The foundation of any great soup is its broth. To create the perfect base for your Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll need a combination of butter, olive oil, and a medley of aromatics. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter – Creates a rich, velvety texture and helps form the roux that thickens the soup.
• Olive Oil – Adds authentic Italian flavor while preventing the butter from burning during sautéing.
• White Onion – Provides a sweet, aromatic base that’s milder than yellow onions.
• Celery – Contributes essential savory notes and subtle texture.
• Fresh Garlic – Delivers aromatic depth that’s essential for authentic Italian flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – Works with butter to create the roux that gives the soup its signature thickness.
• Half-and-Half – Creates the creamy, luxurious texture that makes this soup so comforting.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Forms the flavorful foundation while allowing you to control salt levels.
• Dried Thyme and Parsley Flakes – Add classic herbal notes that complement chicken perfectly.
• Ground Nutmeg – Enhances the creamy elements with subtle warmth and complexity.

Choosing the Right Gnocchi

One of the most common questions people ask when making this soup is whether to use store-bought or homemade gnocchi. Both options work well, but there are a few considerations:

• Store-Bought Gnocchi: Available in the pasta aisle or frozen section of most supermarkets, store-bought gnocchi is convenient and works perfectly for this recipe.
• Homemade Gnocchi: If you're up for a challenge, making your own gnocchi allows for a fresher, more delicate texture. However, it requires a bit more time and effort.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh gnocchi offers a superior texture but may not be available everywhere. Frozen gnocchi is a great alternative and still delivers a satisfying result.

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Making this soup is straightforward, and the process is almost as enjoyable as the final product. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir for about 10 seconds. Then add chopped chicken breast and cook until fully cooked.
2. Add the Veggies: Dice onions, carrots, and celery, then add them to the pot. Cook until the onion becomes translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Create the Roux: Stir in flour and cook for a few minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid clumps.
4. Simmer the Soup: Add dried thyme, potato gnocchi, and let the mixture come to a boil. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
5. Finish with Cream and Spinach: Pour in half-and-half, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil again. Finally, add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

Tips for Success

To ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Fully Cook the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding anything else to the pot.
• Cook the Flour: Stir the flour in and cook it for a few minutes to kill bacteria and remove the raw flour taste.
• Adjust Salt Based on Broth: If using store-bought broth, start with less salt and adjust to taste.
• Add Spinach Last: Spinach wilts quickly, so add it last to preserve its vibrant color and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few side dishes. Consider serving it with:

• Classic Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad that complements the richness of the soup.
• Garlic Bread or Sourdough: Adds a satisfying crunch and enhances the overall meal.
• Breadsticks: A must-have for any Olive Garden-style meal.

You can also garnish the soup with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Final Thoughts

Recreating Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home isn’t just about saving money—it’s about enjoying a meal that feels personal and meaningful. With a little effort and attention to detail, you can bring the same comfort and satisfaction to your table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this soup is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor the taste of home.