Quick Answer
A bowl of Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup contains 420 calories. This is based on the nutrition information provided on Olive Garden’s website.
Calorie and Nutrition Overview
Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup is a popular soup choice at the Italian restaurant chain. But like many creamy and cheese-based soups, it also packs a decent amount of calories and fat.
Here is an overview of the calorie and nutrition information for a bowl of Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup (based on the nutrition data on their website):
| Serving Size | 1 bowl (280g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g |
| Cholesterol | 105mg |
| Sodium | 810mg |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 22g |
As you can see, a full bowl of chicken gnocchi soup contains 420 calories, which is quite high for a single soup serving. It also contains a substantial amount of fat at 26g total, 16g of which are saturated fat.
The sodium is also on the high side at 810mg per bowl. The soup provides a good amount of protein at 22g due to the chicken and gnocchi ingredients.
So in summary, Olive Garden’s creamy chicken gnocchi soup is high in calories, fat, and sodium, while providing protein from the chicken and gnocchi. Now let’s look at how the calorie count breaks down.
Calorie Breakdown
What accounts for the 420 calories in a full bowl of Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup? Here is a calorie breakdown:
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| Half & half | 200 |
| Cheese | 110 |
| Chicken broth | 50 |
| Gnocchi | 40 |
| Chicken | 20 |
| Total | 420 |
– Half & half – The creamy half & half base provides around 200 calories per bowl. Half & half is high in fat and calories compared to skim or low-fat milk.
– Cheese – Various cheeses like Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago add a creamy, rich taste. The cheese accounts for about 110 calories.
– Chicken broth – The underlying chicken broth provides 50 calories per bowl.
– Gnocchi – The soft potato gnocchi dumplings add 40 calories.
– Chicken – Diced chicken accounts for 20 calories.
So the high-fat half & half and cheese ingredients make up the bulk of calories at 310 combined. The gnocchi, chicken, and broth account for the remaining 110 calories.
How to Make It Lower Calorie
Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup is very high in calories, fat, and sodium compared to other soups like vegetable, minestrone, or chicken noodle.
Here are some tips to reduce the calories if making a similar chicken gnocchi soup at home:
– Use skim or low-fat milk instead of half & half. This will dramatically cut the calories while still giving creaminess.
– Limit the amount of full-fat cheese or use reduced-fat cheeses. Parmesan can also be used more sparingly as a topping versus mixed throughout.
– Increase low-calorie veggies like onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and spinach. This adds more nutrition and fills you up.
– Use chicken breast instead of thighs which have more fat. And be mindful of portion sizes.
– Choose whole wheat or lentil gnocchi in place of potato-based ones.
– Season with herbs, pepper, garlic, etc. instead of salt to reduce sodium.
– Top with healthy items like chopped parsley, crushed red pepper, or a squeeze of lemon.
Nutrition Tips
Here are some general nutrition tips to keep in mind when dining at Olive Garden:
– Ask for dressing on the side and use sparingly. Olive Garden dressings like Italian are high in fat and calories.
– Pick tomato-based sauces over cream-based ones to save calories and fat.
– Choose grilled chicken instead of breaded and fried chicken Parmesan entrees to reduce calories.
– Opt for steamed veggies as a side dish instead of fries, chips, or potatoes.
– Limit bread and skip butter to reduce calories. Olive Garden breadsticks can add up.
– Order a half portion or split dishes when available to control portions and calories.
– Take home leftovers which can provide a second meal and help avoid overeating.
Healthier Soup Alternatives
If seeking a lower calorie soup option at Olive Garden, consider these choices:
| Soup | Calories |
|---|---|
| Garden Vegetable Soup | 80 |
| Minestrone Soup | 110 |
| Chicken & Gnocchi Soup (small) | 210 |
| Chicken Noodle Soup | 140 |
| Pasta e Fagioli | 310 |
As you can see, the Garden Vegetable and Minestrone would be the lowest calorie and fat options. The small chicken gnocchi has half the calories of the full bowl. Chicken noodle is also a lighter choice.
Other Healthy Dining Tips at Olive Garden
Here are extra tips for healthy eating if dining at Olive Garden:
– Start your meal with minestrone or vegetable soup or a garden salad with light dressing. Have soup as your entrée.
– Ask for sauces and dressings on the side to control how much you use.
– Substitute steamed broccoli or grilled veggies instead of pasta, fries or potatoes.
– Swap out cream-based sauces for marinara or red sauces.
– Stick to grilled, baked or broiled protein like chicken, shrimp or salmon. Avoid breaded and fried options.
– Treat yourself to a small taste of higher calorie foods instead of full servings and fill up on veggies.
– Quench your thirst with unsweetened iced tea, water with lemon or hot herbal tea.
Conclusion
In summary, a full bowl of Olive Garden’s popular chicken gnocchi soup contains 420 calories. This is quite high compared to other soups due to the cream, cheese, and potato gnocchi. To lighten it up, use reduced fat dairy, increase veggies, and decrease potato gnocchi. Healthier lower calorie soup options at Olive Garden include minestrone and garden vegetable. With some modifications and smart menu picks, it’s possible to enjoy Olive Garden while still watching your calorie and nutrition intake.