Olive Garden's Secret Gnocchi Soup Recipe Revealed

Ingredients

Before you embark on your culinary journey to replicate Olive Garden’s famed Chicken and Gnocchi Soup, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
• 4-6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 teaspoons cornstarch (dissolved in 1/4 cup of cold water)
• 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Preparation Steps

To recreate the comforting taste of Olive Garden's Chicken and Gnocchi Soup, follow these detailed steps:

1. Saute the Base: Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Introduce Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, followed by milk and heavy cream.
4. Thicken the Soup: Add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the soup, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Season: Mix in the dried thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Gnocchi and Chicken: Add the gnocchi and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Then, introduce the shredded chicken.
7. Finish with Greens: Finally, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Taste and Adjust: Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.

Variations and Tips

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free gnocchi or replace gnocchi with cubed potatoes or cauliflower gnocchi.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip the gnocchi and add more chicken, or use zucchini noodles for a healthier twist.

🍲 Note: For a smoother texture, you can blend part of the soup after step 4 before adding the gnocchi and chicken.

In crafting this cherished Olive Garden soup at home, you’ve learned not just to cook but to recreate a memory, one that you can share with friends and family. The comforting, rich flavors of this Chicken and Gnocchi Soup are a testament to the joys of simple, quality ingredients prepared with care. Whether you’re replicating an experience from the restaurant or discovering it for the first time, this soup invites you to savor each spoonful and appreciate the culinary techniques that bring this dish to life.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

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Yes, you can make the soup base a day ahead, refrigerate it, and then reheat it, adding fresh spinach at the end to preserve its color and texture.

How do I store leftover soup?

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Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat gently on the stove, adding more broth or cream if it thickens too much.

Can I freeze the Chicken and Gnocchi Soup?

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It’s best not to freeze soups with dairy products like milk and cream as they can separate and lose their creamy texture upon thawing. However, if you omit the dairy, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months.