Imagine it’s a chilly evening, and the comforting scent of a warm, hearty soup fills your kitchen. The rich, creamy texture of potato gnocchi swimming in a flavorful broth, with the perfect blend of vegetables and seasoning – yes, we’re talking about Olive Garden’s Potato Gnocchi Soup. If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you know exactly how addicting this soup can be. It’s creamy, savory, and packs just the right amount of satisfying texture from the gnocchi.
Now, wouldn’t it be amazing if you could recreate that very experience at home? Well, you can! In this guide, we’re going to break down exactly how to make your own bowl of this iconic soup. Whether you’re craving something cozy for dinner, or you just want to impress your guests with your culinary skills, this recipe will have you feeling like a pro in no time. So let’s dive in!
Olive Garden Potato Gnocchi Soup Recipe
This homemade version of Olive Garden’s Potato Gnocchi Soup is simple, flavorful, and ready in under an hour. It combines the richness of a creamy base with the softness of potato gnocchi and the sweetness of carrots and spinach. The best part? It’s customizable, so feel free to add your personal touch along the way.
Ingredients Needed
For the perfect bowl of gnocchi soup, you’ll need a variety of ingredients that come together in harmony to create that signature taste. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Gnocchi (potato gnocchi): 1 package (about 16 oz). This is the heart and soul of the dish, giving it a soft, pillowy texture that soaks up the broth beautifully.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons. Used to sauté the vegetables, giving them a golden color and richer flavor.
- Carrots: 2 medium-sized, peeled and diced. Their sweetness and slight crunch balance out the richness of the soup.
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped. Adds a refreshing crunch and subtle earthiness to the soup base.
- Onion: 1 medium-sized, finely diced. The foundational aromatic that adds depth and sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. You can never go wrong with garlic – it adds an unmistakable savory fragrance.
- Chicken broth: 4 cups. This is your liquid base. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup. This gives the soup its luxurious, creamy texture.
- Spinach: 2 cups, fresh or frozen. Spinach adds a pop of color and a mild, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key, so be sure to adjust these according to your preference.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated, for topping. A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan is the final touch that makes everything come together.
Cooking Instructions
The steps to make this soup are straightforward, but the magic lies in the balance of flavors and the careful layering of ingredients. Here’s how to do it:
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions are translucent.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add The Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to combine with the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Cook The Gnocchi
- Add the potato gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to the package instructions (typically 3-5 minutes), or until the gnocchi float to the surface. This is when they’re fully cooked and ready to absorb all those delicious flavors.
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Add The Cream And Spinach
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and let it warm through for about 3 minutes.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted (about 2-3 minutes if using fresh spinach).
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Season And Serve
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Once everything is perfectly balanced, ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, and if you like, add a dash of crushed red pepper for a little heat.
Ingredient Insights
Now, let’s talk about the key ingredients and why they matter so much in this recipe:
- Gnocchi: The gnocchi serves as the base of this soup, providing a unique texture and heartiness that sets this soup apart from others. The soft, pillowy potato gnocchi absorbs the broth, making each bite comforting and satisfying.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient is what gives the soup its signature creamy consistency. Heavy cream is thicker and richer than milk, which means you get a velvety texture that feels indulgent yet comforting.
- Spinach: Not only does spinach add a nutritional punch, but it also gives the soup some color and a mild, earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the cream and gnocchi. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens without sacrificing taste.
- Chicken Broth: The broth provides the soup with its base flavor. It’s important to choose a good-quality broth since it will form the foundation of your soup. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt levels.
- Carrots & Celery: These vegetables add a layer of sweetness and crunch, making the soup feel more dynamic and multi-dimensional. When sautéed, they caramelize slightly, releasing natural sugars that enhance the overall flavor.
Expert Tips
To take this soup from great to absolutely amazing, here are some tips from the pros:
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly. If left too long in the soup, they can become mushy. Once they float to the top of the broth, they’re ready to go!
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Broth: Whether you’re using chicken or vegetable broth, the flavor of the broth will really shine through. For a richer soup, homemade stock is always the best option.
- Customize with Herbs: For a bit more flavor, you can toss in a bay leaf while simmering the broth, or add some fresh thyme for an herbal note.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño when sautéing the veggies.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pot: When cooking the vegetables, don’t overcrowd the pot. Give them room to caramelize and release their flavors.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is very flexible and can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Here are some great variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ve got yourself a vegetarian-friendly dish that still delivers a hearty, flavorful punch.
- Vegan Version: For a vegan take, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and skip the cheese topping or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Protein Boost: If you want a bit of protein in your soup, try adding cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon. The smoky flavor of sausage pairs especially well with the creamy broth.
- Add Other Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or potatoes. If you use potatoes, make sure to dice them small so they cook evenly.
Final Words
Creating a comforting, satisfying soup like Olive Garden’s Potato Gnocchi Soup at home is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time, you can make a meal that rivals the restaurant version. The creamy broth, the soft gnocchi, and the perfect balance of vegetables create a dish that will soon become a household favorite.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Olive Garden Potato Gnocchi Soup?
To make Olive Garden potato gnocchi soup, you’ll need: butter, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, potatoes, gnocchi (potato or mini variety), spinach, and seasoning like salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Can I Make Olive Garden Potato Gnocchi Soup Gluten-free?
Yes, to make the soup gluten-free, substitute the gnocchi with a gluten-free variety and ensure that any broth or cream used is free from gluten-containing ingredients.
How Long Does It Take To Make Olive Garden Potato Gnocchi Soup?
The soup typically takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to prepare and cook. The time includes prepping ingredients, sautéing vegetables, and cooking the soup to perfection.
Can I Make Olive Garden Potato Gnocchi Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make the soup in a slow cooker. Combine the ingredients, excluding the cream and gnocchi, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the gnocchi and cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What Can I Use Instead Of Gnocchi In This Recipe?
If you don’t have gnocchi, you can substitute with small dumplings, pasta like orecchiette, or even small potatoes for a similar texture. However, the flavor and consistency may vary.
Can I Freeze Olive Garden Potato Gnocchi Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. However, the gnocchi may become soft upon reheating. To prevent this, you can freeze the soup without gnocchi and add it fresh when reheating.
Is Olive Garden Potato Gnocchi Soup Vegetarian?
The traditional recipe includes chicken broth, which is not vegetarian. To make it vegetarian, you can substitute with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What Type Of Potatoes Are Best For Olive Garden Potato Gnocchi Soup?
Yukon gold potatoes or russet potatoes are ideal for this soup, as they hold their shape well and give the soup a creamy texture when cooked.
Can I Make Olive Garden Potato Gnocchi Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, the soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop before serving. Be aware that the gnocchi may absorb more liquid over time.
What Can I Serve With Olive Garden Potato Gnocchi Soup?
Olive Garden potato gnocchi soup pairs well with a variety of sides such as garlic bread, a simple salad with Italian dressing, or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it with additional freshly grated Parmesan.