Name: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copy-Cat): Simple and Sensational
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 cup onions; 1 cup carrots, chopped or sliced; 1 cup celery, sliced; 3 tablespoons reduced-fat butter or Smart Balance Light; 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced (about 3-4 cloves); Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons flour or 1 T cornstarch for gluten-free; 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, I used Swanson’s; 1 cup reduced-fat milk (2%); 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, chopped into small pieces; 1 16 oz or 17.6 oz) pkg. potato gnocchi, see shopping tips; 3 cups fresh spinach, lightly packed

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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is so delicious! It's filled with potato gnocchi (potato dumplings) and is hearty enough for a soup meal. I can’t wait for you to try my skinny remake!!! It tastes luxuriously rich and decadent. And, it has more chicken, veggies, and gnocchi. Each main course serving has 299 calories, 5 grams of fat

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Made Skinny

Why You'll Love My Copy-Cat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Enjoy the comforting warmth of Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup, recreated in your own kitchen. My Copy-Cat version delivers the beloved soup's creamy texture, savory chicken, and pillowy gnocchi. It's ideal for those seeking a flavorful, hearty meal without the restaurant wait or price tag. By using readily available ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, even novice cooks can enjoy a restaurant-quality soup. This copycat recipe allows for customization, letting you adjust seasonings and ingredients to your preferences, making it a versatile and satisfying choice for family dinners, cozy nights in, or anytime you desire a taste of Olive Garden's classic comfort.

Ingredients For Copy-Cat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Onions:

Aromatic Foundation: Onions release sulfur compounds when heated, creating a savory aroma that forms the base of many soups and stews.
Sweetness Development: As they caramelize, onions release sugars, adding a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
Texture Builder: They soften during cooking, contributing to the soup's overall texture and mouthfeel.
Variety Impact: Different onion varieties (yellow, white, red) offer varying sweetness and pungency, allowing for flavor customization.

Carrots, chopped or sliced:

Sweet Earthiness: Carrots bring a natural sweetness and earthy flavor to the soup, complementing the savory components.
Visual Appeal: Their vibrant orange color adds visual interest to the dish.
Nutritional Value: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in the body.
Texture Variation: The cut size affects the texture; smaller pieces soften quicker, while larger pieces retain more bite.

Celery, sliced:

Aromatic Backbone: Celery provides a subtle herbaceous flavor and crisp texture that balances the richness of the soup.
Mirepoix Component: It's a key ingredient in mirepoix, the classic aromatic base of many French and Italian dishes.
Hydration: Celery has a high water content, contributing to the soup's liquid volume.
Digestive Benefits: Celery contains fiber, which aids digestion.

Reduced-fat butter or Smart Balance Light:

Flavor Infusion: Butter or a butter substitute adds richness and depth of flavor to the soup base.
Sautéing Medium: It's used to sauté the vegetables, allowing them to release their flavors.
Emulsification: Butter helps to emulsify the soup, creating a smoother texture.
Healthier Choice: Reduced-fat options minimize saturated fat and calories.

Fresh garlic, minced:

Pungent Aroma: Garlic adds a pungent, savory aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Flavor Depth: It contributes a complex, savory depth that balances the sweetness of the other vegetables.
Health Benefits: Garlic has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Freshness Matters: Freshly minced garlic provides a more intense flavor than pre-minced options.

Salt and pepper, to taste:

Flavor Enhancement: Salt enhances the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Flavor Balancing: Pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity that balances the richness of the soup.
Personalization: Seasoning "to taste" allows for individual preferences.
Layering Flavors: Seasoning at different stages of cooking allows the flavors to meld and develop.

Flour or cornstarch:

Thickening Agent: Flour or cornstarch thickens the soup, creating a creamy texture.
Slurry Preparation: Cornstarch is usually mixed with cold water to form a slurry before being added to the soup, preventing lumps.
Gluten-Free Option: Cornstarch is a gluten-free alternative to flour.
Roux Formation: Flour can be used to form a roux with the butter, creating a stable thickening base.

Reduced-sodium chicken broth:

Liquid Base: Chicken broth forms the liquid base of the soup, providing a rich, savory flavor.
Flavor Infusion: It infuses the other ingredients with its savory chicken flavor.
Sodium Control: Reduced-sodium broth allows for better control over the salt content.
Homemade vs. Store-bought: Homemade broth often has a deeper, richer flavor than store-bought options.

Reduced-fat milk (2%):

Creamy Texture: Milk adds creaminess and richness to the soup, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
Flavor Softening: It softens the pungent flavors of the garlic and onions.
Calorie Management: Reduced-fat milk helps to manage the overall fat content.
Dairy Alternatives: Non-dairy milks like almond or oat milk can be used, but they might alter the flavor and texture.

Cooked chicken breasts, chopped:

Lean Protein: Chicken provides a lean source of protein, making the soup a hearty and satisfying meal.
Texture Contrast: It adds a tender, chewy texture that contrasts with the soft vegetables and gnocchi.
Even Distribution: Chopping the chicken into small pieces ensures it's evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Cooking Methods: Chicken can be cooked in various ways (poached, baked, grilled) before being added to the soup.

Potato gnocchi:

Pillowy Texture: Gnocchi adds a soft, pillowy texture that absorbs the flavors of the broth.
Carbohydrate Source: They provide a source of carbohydrates, making the soup more filling.
Shopping Tips: Different brands and types of gnocchi exist. Some preform better than others.
Quick Cooking: Gnocchi cooks quickly, making the soup a relatively fast meal to prepare.

Fresh spinach, lightly packed:

Nutrient Boost: Spinach adds a boost of vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin K.
Vibrant Color: It adds a vibrant green color that enhances the visual appeal of the soup.
Quick Wilting: Spinach wilts quickly when added to hot liquid, making it easy to incorporate.
Mild Flavor: It has a mild, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

How to Make Copy-Cat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables (Microwave Method)

Quick Softening: In a microwave-safe bowl or plate, combine 1 cup chopped onions, 1 cup chopped or sliced carrots, and 1 cup sliced celery.
Microwave Magic: Microwave the vegetables for approximately 4 minutes, or until they become tender. This quickens the cooking process and softens the vegetables efficiently.
Even Cooking: Spread the vegetables in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the Butter: In a large nonstick pan or pot, melt 3 tablespoons of reduced-fat butter or Smart Balance Light over medium heat.
Garlic Infusion: Add 1 tablespoon of minced fresh garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Vegetable Incorporation: Add the softened vegetables from the microwave to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine the vegetables with the butter and garlic.
Flavor Development: Cook for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.

Step 3: Create the Roux (Thickening Base)

Flour Addition: Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour (or 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for a gluten-free version) into the vegetable mixture.
Even Coating: Mix thoroughly to ensure the flour or cornstarch is evenly distributed and coats the vegetables.
Cook the Roux: Continue to cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a light roux, which will thicken the soup.

Step 4: Build the Broth

Gradual Broth Addition: Gradually pour in 4 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously after each addition. This prevents lumps from forming and ensures a smooth broth.
Milk Enrichment: Pour in 1 cup of reduced-fat (2%) milk and stir well to combine. The milk adds creaminess and richness to the soup.

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Simmer

Chicken Incorporation: Add 2 cups of chopped cooked chicken breasts to the soup.
Bring to a Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Simmer Time: Continue to simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring frequently. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi (Separate Preparation)

Package Directions: While the soup simmers, cook 1 (16 oz or 17.6 oz) package of potato gnocchi according to the package directions. Cooking the gnocchi separately prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.
Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and set it aside.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Gnocchi and Spinach Addition: When the soup has finished simmering, add the cooked gnocchi and 3 cups of lightly packed fresh spinach to the pot.
Spinach Wilting: Simmer for about 1 minute, or until the spinach has wilted.
Serve Immediately: Serve the soup hot and enjoy its creamy, comforting flavors.

Tips for Success:

Even Vegetable Cuts: Ensure the vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
Gentle Simmer: Avoid boiling the soup, as it can cause the milk to curdle.
Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and spinach enhances the flavor.
Taste and Adjust: Season with additional salt and pepper as needed to suit your taste.
Gnocchi Texture: Watch the gnocchi closely while cooking to avoid overcooking.
Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free version.
Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Shopping Tips
You can find packages of potato gnocchi in the refrigerated, pasta section of the supermarket. Sometimes it’s in the shelf-stable, dry pasta section. I used Trader Joe’s Gnocchi Italian. There is a 17.6-ounce package. I based my skinny facts using theirs.

WW Freestyle SmartPoints 6-Blue
WW SmartPoints 7-Green

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 bowl (1¼ cups)
299 calories, 5g fat, 2g sat. fat, 27mg chol, 22g prot, 40g carbs, 3g fiber, 780mg sod, 4g sugar

FACTS: for Freestyle SmartPoints
192 calories, 1g sat. fat, 4g sugar, 7g protein