Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup
This homemade version of Olive Garden's famous Gnocchi Soup is the perfect comfort food. Creamy, hearty, and full of flavor, this soup features soft, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a savory mix of vegetables like carrots and celery, all cooked in a rich chicken broth and heavy cream base. Whether you're craving a warm, indulgent meal on a cold day or looking for a delicious dinner to serve to guests, this Olive Garden-inspired soup will quickly become a favorite.Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)Calories: 400 kcal, Total Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 45mg, Sodium: 900mg, Total Carbohydrates: 40g, Dietary Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 5g, Protein: 12g, Vitamin A: 15%, Vitamin C: 20%, Calcium: 15%, Iron: 10%Estimated based on one serving (assuming 6 servings per batch)
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven (1) – for simmering the soup
- Wooden Spoon or Stirring Spoon (1) – for mixing and stirring ingredients
- Knife (1) – for chopping vegetables
- Cutting Board (1) – for prepping ingredients
- Measuring Cups and Spoons (1 set) – for accurate ingredient measurements
Ingredients
- 1 lb Gnocchi fresh or frozen
- 4 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 2 medium Carrots peeled and diced
- 2 stalks Celery chopped
- 1 small Onion diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil for sautéing
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley chopped, optional, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and carrots, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onions become translucent.
Add Broth and Cream:
- Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to heat through and blend together.
Add the Gnocchi:
- Stir in the gnocchi and allow the soup to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi begins to float, indicating they’re cooked through.
Add Spinach:
- Add the fresh spinach to the soup, stirring until it wilts into the broth. This should only take about 1-2 minutes.
Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and thyme as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Gnocchi Choice: Fresh gnocchi will give the soup the best texture, but you can also use frozen gnocchi for convenience. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly. You can also skip any meat-based add-ins for a fully plant-based version.
- Extra Protein: For a heartier soup, you can add grilled chicken, sausage, or even crispy bacon bits for an extra protein boost.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the soup’s creamy consistency.
- Freezing: Freezing this soup is not recommended, as the gnocchi may become mushy and the cream can separate when thawed.