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Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

5.1 from 16 reviews

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and aromatic thyme in a rich broth. Perfect for cozy meals, it combines flavors and textures that mimic the beloved restaurant classic.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, shredded or chopped
  • 1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups fresh spinach

Proteins

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and chopped

Liquids & Dairy

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons butter

Other Ingredients

  • 1 package potato gnocchi (16 ounces)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter until fully liquefied and bubbling slightly.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Add 1 cup celery, 1 cup carrots, 1 finely chopped medium sweet onion, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
  3. Add flour: Stir in ¼ cup flour to the sautéed vegetables and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and allow the mixture to thicken the soup later.
  4. Incorporate chicken broth: Slowly pour in 4 cups chicken broth while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture together evenly.
  5. Add chicken and bring to boil: Stir in the cooked and chopped 1 pound chicken breast. Increase heat and bring the soup to a boil to cook thoroughly.
  6. Cook gnocchi: Add 16 ounces potato gnocchi to the boiling soup and cook according to package instructions, approximately 5 minutes, until gnocchi are tender and float to the surface.
  7. Add cream and warm: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in 2 cups heavy cream, mixing gently. Heat the soup until it is steaming but not boiling to prevent curdling.
  8. Finish with spinach and thyme: Stir in 3 cups fresh spinach and 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow spinach to wilt completely and soup to heat through before serving.

Notes

  • For dried or ground thyme, use 1 teaspoon dried thyme or ½ teaspoon ground thyme as a substitute for fresh.
  • Cook the chicken beforehand by boiling, baking, or pan-searing to your preference.
  • Use fresh spinach for best texture and flavor; frozen spinach can be used but will alter the soup’s texture.
  • This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to prevent cream separation.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but soup will be less rich.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Gnocchi Soup, Olive Garden copycat, creamy chicken soup, potato gnocchi soup, Italian soup recipes