Creamy, soul-warming, and absolutely loaded with hearty chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and tender vegetables, Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup delivers ultimate comfort in a single bowl. It’s the kind of cozy meal that chases away a chilly day, making you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm, savory hug. Bringing this iconic restaurant favorite to your own kitchen is surprisingly easy, and it always tastes like pure nostalgia with a homemade touch. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this soup is sure to spark smiles and requests for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role—building savory flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant color to create the signature taste of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Gather these simple items, and you’ll be amazed at how they transform into something truly special.
- Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the veggies to perfection.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle fruitiness and prevents the butter from burning.
- Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the base of your soup.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with aromatic, classic Italian warmth.
- Celery: Lends perky crunch and gentle savory notes.
- Carrots: Create a pop of sweetness and vibrant color—shredded or thinly sliced works great!
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup to that cozy, creamy consistency we all love.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid that ties everything together; choose low-sodium if desired.
- Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken is a fabulous shortcut for tender, flavorful protein.
- Half-and-half: Makes the soup lusciously creamy without being too heavy—swap in heavy cream for extra richness.
- Baby spinach: Wilts beautifully into the hot soup, adding color and a fresh, leafy finish.
- Potato gnocchi: These soft, dumpling-like pillows soak up the soup and make it absolutely irresistible.
- Dried thyme: Brings fragrant, herby notes that instantly say “homemade comfort.”
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—add to taste so all the flavors shine.
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the butter and olive oil together in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and carrots. Let them sizzle and soften for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything looks glossy and the aroma is absolutely irresistible. This savory base is what gives Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup that depth and warmth everyone loves.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for a minute. This quick step forms a light roux, which thickens the soup just enough to make it feel creamy and luxurious. Make sure to keep things moving so the flour doesn’t burn or clump!
Step 3: Add the Chicken Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking or stirring as you go. The flour will blend into the liquid, preventing lumps and forming a smooth, velvety base. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, letting the soup thicken and the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Add Chicken, Cream, and Seasonings
Now, add your cooked chicken breast, either shredded or diced, straight into the pot. Pour in the half-and-half, then sprinkle over the dried thyme and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a cozy stir—you’ll notice the soup already looks creamy and inviting.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the potato gnocchi right to the simmering soup. Cover and let them cook for 5–7 minutes, or until they begin to float to the top. The gnocchi soak up all those savory flavors and transform into soft little pillows you’ll want to chase around your bowl!
Step 6: Finish with Spinach
Right before serving, stir in the chopped baby spinach. Let it wilt for a minute or two—it adds a burst of color and makes the soup feel extra fresh. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Ladle your homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup into generous bowls and serve it steaming hot. Each spoonful is loaded with creamy soup, plump gnocchi, chicken, and greens. It’s truly comfort food at its best, perfect for sharing (or savoring all for yourself).
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Garnishes
Turn each bowl into something extra special with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a twist of cracked black pepper, or a handful of chopped parsley. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes takes Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup to restaurant-level.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian dressing, or with warm, crusty bread that’s perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. Garlic breadsticks (just like at Olive Garden!) or a simple caprese salad also make wonderful companions to complete your Italian-American feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow-worthy dinner party, ladle Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup into individual mugs for a cozy starter, or serve family-style in a big soup tureen at the center of the table. A sprinkle of microgreens, or even serving it with mini grilled cheese sandwiches on the side, is sure to get everyone talking (and eating!).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your leftover soup to cool slightly, then transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Because gnocchi tend to soak up liquid, you might need to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring back that perfect creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is possible, but keep in mind that the creamy base and gnocchi may change in texture slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, do so before adding the half-and-half and spinach, then stir them in while reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat your soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling—especially important in creamy soups. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir between intervals to keep everything silky and smooth. Add extra broth as needed to thin it out.
FAQs
Is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup gluten-free?
The classic recipe isn’t gluten-free, since it uses all-purpose flour and regular potato gnocchi. However, you can easily swap in a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free gnocchi to enjoy a version that fits your dietary needs.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken brings wonderful flavor and saves prep time, making it one of the best shortcuts for this recipe. Just remove the skin, shred or dice, and add right into the soup.
What if I can’t find potato gnocchi?
Potato gnocchi are readily available in most grocery stores, but if you can’t find them, you can make your own with mashed potatoes, flour, and egg, or substitute another small pasta shape like orecchiette or small shells in a pinch.
Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the chicken with extra vegetables like mushrooms or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It will be just as satisfying and rich, with all the creamy goodness you love.
How do I thicken my soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup is a bit thinner than you’d like, try simmering it uncovered for a few extra minutes or dissolve a teaspoon of cornstarch in a splash of cold water and stir it in. It should thicken up beautifully while keeping that silky texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about sharing a steaming pot of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with the people you love—it’s a bowlful of comfort and smiles. If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor, give this recipe a try. You might just make it a new family favorite!
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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy and comforting dish that comes together easily. Perfect for a cozy night in or to impress guests with its delicious flavors.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
For the Rest of the Soup:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté onion, garlic, celery, and carrots until tender.
- Add Flour: Stir in flour and cook to form a roux.
- Add Broth: Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Finish Soup: Add chicken, half-and-half, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in gnocchi and simmer until cooked. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute heavy cream for half of the half-and-half.
- Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
