Every cold evening, I think of cozy nights at Olive Garden with friends. A warm bowl of soup makes me happy. I wanted to make Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home.
As the soup simmered, the smell filled the air. It was more than just food; it was about good times. It’s easy to make, ready in 30 minutes. Let’s make this comforting soup together!
What is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a thick and hearty dish. It makes many people happy. It has soft potato gnocchi, tender chicken, and fresh veggies in a creamy broth.
This soup is one of Olive Garden’s favorites. It has comforting flavors and a satisfying texture. It’s great for any time.
The dish’s magic comes from its mix of ingredients. It has a savory chicken broth and soft gnocchi. Knowing its history makes it even more special.
It has won the hearts and taste buds of many. It’s a key part of Italian-American food.
Thinking about chicken gnocchi soup, its nutrition is important. A serving has about 405 calories. It has carbs and protein, making it filling.
It has 34 grams of carbs and 18.4 grams of protein. Its flavors and textures make it more than a meal. It’s a warm memory, often shared with loved ones.
| Nutritional Component | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 405 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34 grams |
| Protein | 18.4 grams |
| Total Fat | 22.5 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 7.8 grams |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 764 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Fiber | 3.7 grams |
| Sugars | 5.6 grams |
| Vitamin A | 3645 IU |
| Calcium | 159 mg |
| Iron | 2.8 mg |
Why I Love This Soup Recipe
The best Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup recipe is creamy and full of flavor. It’s easy to make at home. It’s perfect for a cold evening or when I want something warm.
The mix of soft gnocchi, tender chicken, and fresh veggies is amazing. It makes me feel cozy inside.
Making this soup takes about 30 minutes. It’s great for a busy weeknight. The use of butter and fresh ingredients like onion, celery, and garlic makes it taste incredible.
Adding spinach makes the soup green and nutritious. It’s a big plus.
This recipe makes a lot of soup, so I can enjoy it for days. Many people love it so much, they make it every month. It’s a dish that brings warmth and happiness to everyone who tries it.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Ingredients
This soup is a mix of tasty flavors and healthy ingredients. To make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you need certain things. Knowing what’s in it is key to making it.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups matchstick carrots (approximately 10-ounce package)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 package (16 ounces) of mini potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 teaspoons parsley flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions for Flavor
For more flavor, try these:
- Additional herbs like thyme or oregano
- Shredded cheese for creaminess
- Crushed red pepper flakes for spice
These add-ons make the soup richer and more satisfying. Each serving has about 291 calories. It’s both tasty and nutritious. You’ll love making it again and again.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Making homemade olive garden chicken gnocchi soup is fun. It’s quick to make, perfect for any night or gathering. I love how easy it is to make, so I can enjoy it fast.
Preparation Time and Cooking Time
This soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It cooks for about 20 minutes. So, you can have a delicious meal in just 30 minutes. Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps:
- Sauté your chosen vegetables in olive oil for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add diced chicken to the pot, cooking until browned, roughly 3 minutes per side.
- Pour in chicken broth and let the mixture come to a boil.
- Reduce heat and allow the soup to simmer for 20 minutes before adding the gnocchi.
- Cook the gnocchi for the last 5 minutes of the simmering time.
This quick cooking makes it a favorite. A warm bowl of homemade olive garden chicken gnocchi soup is ready fast. The flavors and textures are perfect, making it comforting and satisfying.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Chicken | 6 minutes |
| Simmering Soup | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Gnocchi | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
Tips for the Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Making the authentic olive garden chicken gnocchi soup is easy with a few tips. The right ingredients, like gnocchi and chicken, are key. They make the soup taste great and feel right.
Choosing the Right Gnocchi
Choosing the best gnocchi is important. Go for fresh potato gnocchi for the best taste. Here are some gnocchi types you can use:
- Potato gnocchi
- Semolina gnocchi
- Ricotta gnocchi
- Vegetable-based gnocchi
How you cook the gnocchi matters too. You can bake, pan-fry, or boil them. Cooking them until they float makes them perfect, adding a nice texture.
Chicken Options for the Soup
The chicken you pick is very important. Use boneless, skinless pre-cooked chicken for easy prep. Baking your chicken makes it juicy and tasty. If you’re in a hurry, a rotisserie chicken is a great choice. The chicken you pick will make the soup even better.
Remember these tips to make a soup that’s both comforting and delicious.
Nutrition Facts of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
It’s important to know the nutrition facts of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This is true if you want to enjoy it and meet your diet goals. Each serving has about 523 calories. It’s a filling meal by itself or with a side salad.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Total Calories | 523 kcal |
| Protein | 31 g |
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Cholesterol | 99 mg |
| Sodium | 622 mg |
| Potassium | 799 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Vitamin A | 3859 IU |
| Vitamin C | 7 mg |
| Calcium | 184 mg |
| Iron | 5 mg |
When looking at the calories in Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, remember the size and any extra toppings. Adding a light side can help keep calorie intake in check. The soup is high in protein and vitamins like Vitamin A and Iron. It also has 622 mg of sodium, which is something to watch if you’re on a low-sodium diet.
Knowing the nutrition facts helps me enjoy a comforting meal while watching my diet.
Storage Tips and Leftover Ideas
After enjoying Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, it’s time to store leftovers. Storing it right keeps the soup fresh. It also opens up new ways to use leftover soup.
How to Store Your Soup
First, let the soup cool down. This stops water from forming in the container. Then, put it in an airtight container. It stays good in the fridge for up to four days.
Freezing is another great option. I freeze it for up to three months. Freezing without cream, spinach, or gnocchi keeps it better. This way, adding fresh spinach makes it taste great again.
Here’s a simple guide to storing the soup:
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3 to 4 days | Can add fresh spinach when reheating. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Freeze without gnocchi, cream, or spinach added. |
Storing and using leftover soup is fun. It can become the base for casseroles or pasta dishes. This way, I can enjoy the soup in many different ways.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Soup
When I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, I see some common mistakes. One big one is overcooking the gnocchi. If you cook them for too long, they get mushy. This messes up the soup’s texture.
Another mistake is not seasoning enough. I always taste the soup while I’m cooking. This lets me fix the flavors so the soup tastes great. If you don’t do this, the soup might taste bland.
Adding spinach too early can make it wilt. To keep it fresh, add spinach at the end. Cook it for 2-3 minutes to keep its color and nutrition.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can make a better Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Knowing these common errors helps you make a dish that really shows off the flavors of the ingredients.
Variations on the Classic Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
I love the traditional Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. But sometimes, I like to try new things. These changes make the soup healthier and more fun for everyone.
Healthy Versions of the Soup
Changing a few things can make the soup lighter. Here are some ideas I like:
- Use almond or oat milk instead of half-and-half for fewer calories.
- Choose gluten-free gnocchi for a version that’s just as tasty.
- Add more veggies like carrots and bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Try plant-based chicken for a meat-free option that’s just as good.
These changes keep the soup creamy but make it healthier. Now, I can enjoy a delicious soup that’s also good for me.
| Variation | Key Ingredient Alteration | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Gluten-free gnocchi | Suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals |
| Vegetarian | Plant-based chicken | Meat-free option that retains flavor |
| Lightened-Up | Unsweetened almond or oat milk | Lower in calories and saturated fat |
| Veggie-Packed | Extra vegetables like carrots and kale | Increases fiber and vitamins |
These changes let everyone enjoy the soup. They make it healthier and fun for all. It’s easy to please different tastes without losing flavor.
Pairing Suggestions for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Try serving Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with classic sides at home. Garlic breadsticks are a great choice. They add a buttery, garlicky taste that goes well with the soup. Plus, they offer a crunchy texture that’s nice against the soup’s smoothness.
Adding a fresh garden salad is another good idea. It brings a crisp, zesty flavor that balances the soup’s richness. This mix of sides makes a meal that feels like a restaurant experience.
If you like wine with your meals, try a light white wine. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well. These wines add elegance and match the soup’s flavors. With these suggestions, you’ll impress your guests and make a meal they’ll remember.
