Amazing Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup: 1 Hour Recipe

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Olive Garden gnocchi soup has been my ultimate comfort food for years, and I’ve finally perfected a copycat recipe that brings that cozy restaurant feeling right into my kitchen! I remember the first time I tried it – that incredibly creamy broth, the tender little potato dumplings, and the subtle hint of spinach. It was pure bliss. Recreating that magic at home felt like a culinary quest, and I’ve discovered that making this homemade Olive Garden gnocchi soup is surprisingly simple. The aroma that fills your house as it simmers is just heavenly. Get ready to experience that same deliciousness! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

This recipe is a weeknight winner for so many reasons!

Incredibly Creamy: The heavy cream creates a luxurious, velvety texture that’s pure comfort.
Quick to Make: You can whip up this delicious soup in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings.
Budget-Friendly: Making a copycat Olive Garden gnocchi soup at home is much more affordable than dining out.
Simple Ingredients: It uses just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients you likely already have.
Soothing and Hearty: The tender potato gnocchi and savory broth are incredibly satisfying.
Versatile: Easily customize it by adding more veggies or a pinch of spice.
Authentic Flavor: Get that signature Olive Garden taste without leaving your kitchen.
A Family Favorite: This comforting soup is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Gathering these few key ingredients is the first step to making your own delicious Olive Garden gnocchi soup recipe. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can create such a rich and satisfying dish!

1 tablespoon olive oil – This forms the flavor base for our aromatics.
1 medium onion, diced – Sautéing the onion first builds a sweet foundation for the soup.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds that essential savory depth that makes this soup so irresistible.
4 cups vegetable broth – This is the liquid heart of our soup, providing moisture and flavor.
1 package (16 oz.) potato gnocchi – These tender little dumplings are the star of the show!
1 cup heavy cream – This is what gives our creamy gnocchi soup its signature luxurious texture.
2 cups fresh spinach – A handful of fresh spinach adds a lovely color and a boost of nutrients.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for bringing all the flavors together perfectly.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Making this beloved soup at home is easier than you think! With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying a bowl of this comforting, creamy goodness in no time. Follow along and I’ll guide you through creating your own delicious version of the Olive Garden classic.

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, diced, and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for just another minute until you can really smell that wonderful garlicky fragrance. This step builds the savory foundation for our soup.

Step 2: Add Broth and Gnocchi

Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, carefully add 1 package (16 oz.) potato gnocchi. Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions, typically just 2-3 minutes, or until they start to float to the surface. This means they’re perfectly tender and ready for the next stage of our homemade Olive Garden gnocchi soup.

Step 3: Incorporate Cream and Spinach

Reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in 1 cup heavy cream until it’s fully combined. Let the soup simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully into that signature creamy broth. Then, add 2 cups fresh spinach. Stir it in and let it wilt for another 2-3 minutes. You’ll see it add a lovely pop of green color.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Taste your creation and season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can really make the flavors sing! Once seasoned to your liking and everything is heated through, your delicious bowl of Olive Garden potato gnocchi soup is ready to be served. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Want to elevate your soup game? These little tricks will ensure your copycat Olive Garden gnocchi soup is restaurant-worthy every single time. I’ve learned a few things along the way that make all the difference!

Don’t overcook the gnocchi! They only need a few minutes once they float; overcooked gnocchi can become mushy.
Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and vibrant color. Frozen spinach can make the soup watery.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. This is crucial for bringing out the full flavor of all the ingredients.
For an extra creamy soup, you can whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch into the heavy cream before adding it.

What’s the secret to perfect Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup?

The real secret to that signature creamy texture in the Olive Garden gnocchi soup recipe is the combination of heavy cream and not overcooking the gnocchi. Gentle simmering after adding the cream allows it to thicken beautifully without curdling.

Can I make Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This easy Olive Garden gnocchi soup is great for meal prep. You can make it up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld even more!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup?

A common pitfall is overcooking the gnocchi, which makes them gummy. Also, be careful not to boil the soup vigorously after adding the cream, as it can separate. Gently simmer instead!

Best Ways to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This delightful Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions to make your dinner complete. Think of it as the star of a cozy Italian-American feast!

Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or some garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich, creamy broth. It’s a classic pairing for a reason!
Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the soup beautifully. It’s how I love to serve it when I want something fresh alongside.
Grilled Cheese Croutons: For a fun twist, cut a grilled cheese sandwich into small cubes and use them as crunchy croutons on top of your soup. Your guests will love this creative touch!

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup Nutrition Facts

Discover the nutritional highlights of this comforting bowl of Olive Garden gnocchi soup. It’s a satisfying choice that offers a good balance of macronutrients, making it a delightful part of your meal plan.

Calories: 360 kcal
Fat: 20g
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your homemade Olive Garden gnocchi soup.

How to Store and Reheat Easy Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

One of the best things about this easy Olive Garden gnocchi soup is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prepping! Once your delicious soup has cooled down completely, transfer it into airtight containers. For refrigeration, it keeps wonderfully in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re looking to store it for longer, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored soup, reheating is simple. For refrigerated soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first, then follow the stovetop method. Avoid microwaving large batches, as it can sometimes heat unevenly, but individual portions can be microwaved carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Potato Gnocchi Soup

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi is what I used in this Olive Garden potato gnocchi soup recipe, and it works wonderfully. Just follow the package directions for cooking time, as they can vary slightly between brands. They usually only take a few minutes to cook once they float to the top!

What kind of broth is best for this Copycat Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup?

While vegetable broth is my go-to for this copycat Olive Garden gnocchi soup to keep it vegetarian, you can certainly use chicken broth if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile. Some people even use a mix of both! Just ensure it’s a good quality broth for the best taste.

How do I make this Olive Garden Creamy Gnocchi Soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker consistency for your Olive Garden creamy gnocchi soup, you have a couple of options. You can simply add a few more pieces of gnocchi towards the end of cooking, or you can reduce the amount of broth slightly. Another trick is to whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch into the heavy cream before adding it to the soup; this will help thicken it beautifully.

Can I add chicken to this Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup?

Yes, you can easily transform this into an Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup! Simply add shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!) during the last few minutes of simmering, just long enough to heat it through. It adds a wonderful heartiness and extra protein.

Variations of Olive Garden Creamy Gnocchi Soup You Can Try

While this Olive Garden creamy gnocchi soup is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with it! Here are a few ways you can switch things up to suit your tastes or dietary needs, making your copycat Olive Garden gnocchi soup even more versatile.

Add Protein: For a heartier meal, turn this into Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup by adding shredded cooked chicken or turkey during the last few minutes of simmering. You could also add white beans for a vegetarian protein boost.
Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic in Step 1, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end. It adds a wonderful subtle kick to the creamy broth.
Gluten-Free Option: You can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free potato gnocchi. Ensure your broth is also certified gluten-free. The texture is surprisingly similar, letting everyone enjoy this homemade Olive Garden gnocchi soup.
Low-Fat Version: For a lighter take on the Olive Garden potato gnocchi soup, try using half-and-half or a dairy-free creamer like cashew or oat milk. It will be slightly less rich but still delicious.