There's nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup to comfort you on a chilly day. With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, flavorful broth, this soup is the definition of cozy.

I first fell in love with this soup during a family dinner at Olive Garden, and after just one spoonful, I knew I had to recreate it at home. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, and it tastes just like the restaurant versionโmaybe even better!
Why Youโll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
If you're a fan of hearty, creamy soups, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup will become a staple in your kitchen. It's packed with flavor, loaded with comforting textures, and comes together in under an hour.
Quick & Easy โ This soup requires simple ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Restaurant-Quality at Home โ Skip the takeout and enjoy the same creamy, dreamy flavors right from your own kitchen.
One-Pot Wonder โ No need for a sink full of dishes! Everything comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Customizable โ Whether you want to swap proteins, add more veggies, or lighten up the broth, this recipe is incredibly adaptable.
Ready to bring Olive Garden to your dinner table? Letโs talk about the ingredients youโll need.
Ingredients Notes
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is made with simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays an important role in creating that signature flavor.
Chicken โ I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for ease. If using raw chicken, cooking it in the broth adds extra flavor.
Gnocchi โ These soft, pillowy potato dumplings make the soup hearty and satisfying. You can use store-bought gnocchi or make homemade gnocchi if you have extra time.
Vegetables โ A classic combination of carrots, celery, onions, and spinach adds freshness and depth of flavor. The spinach wilts beautifully into the creamy broth.
Cream & Broth โ Heavy cream gives the soup its luscious texture, while chicken broth provides a savory base. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead.
Seasonings โ A simple mix of garlic, thyme, and black pepper enhances the flavors without overpowering the dish. A touch of Parmesan cheese at the end brings everything together.
Equipment Needed โ Youโll need a large soup pot or Dutch oven, a cutting board, and a good wooden spoon for stirring.
How To Make This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Making this Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and youโll have a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
Step 1: Sautรฉ the Vegetables
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add butter and a splash of olive oil to prevent burning. Toss in the diced onions, celery, and shredded carrots, and sautรฉ until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
If using raw chicken breasts, add them directly to the pot along with the chicken broth. Let them simmer for about 15 minutes, or until fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. If using rotisserie chicken, simply add it in at this step.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. The soup should start to thicken slightly, creating a rich and creamy base.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi & Spinach
Gently add the gnocchi to the pot, stirring well to keep them from sticking. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until they start floating to the top. At this point, toss in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup.
Step 5: Season & Serve
Finish off with salt, black pepper, and thyme to taste. For extra depth, sprinkle in some Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then serve hot with crusty bread or breadsticks.
Storage Options
If youโre lucky enough to have leftovers, hereโs how to store them properly:
Refrigeration: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will continue absorbing liquid, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
Freezing: While creamy soups donโt always freeze well, you can freeze this one before adding the gnocchi. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, then reheat and add fresh gnocchi before serving.
Reheating: Warm the soup over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. If itโs too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly customizable! Here are a few ways to switch things up:
Make It Lighter โ Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lower-calorie option.
Add More Protein โ Try using Italian sausage or shredded turkey instead of chicken for a delicious twist.
Boost the Veggies โ Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for an extra nutritious boost.
Gluten-Free Option โ Many store-bought gnocchi contain gluten, but you can find gluten-free gnocchi at most grocery stores or make your own using gluten-free flour.
Spice It Up โ For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.
No matter how you customize it, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your spoon and get ready for some serious comfort food!
Whatโs your favorite way to enjoy this soup? Let me know in the comments below! ๐ฒโจ
PrintOlive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is a delicious, creamy soup loaded with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a cozy meal, this homemade version is even better than the restaurant favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- ยฝ tsp black pepper
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Sautรฉ onion, garlic, celery, and carrots until softened.
- Stir in shredded chicken, chicken broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, add half-and-half, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions.
- Stir in spinach and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Substitute heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
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