If you have ever craved that comforting, creamy, and savory goodness from your favorite Italian restaurant, you are in for a treat with this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s a soul-warming bowl packed with tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and subtle herbal notes, all brought together with a luscious creamy broth. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy dish to impress guests, this recipe effortlessly delivers the rich flavors and satisfying textures that make this soup a beloved classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays its part in creating a perfect balance of rich creaminess, comforting herbs, and fresh greens to transform this soup into a memorable dish.
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cooked and shredded: The star protein that adds hearty flavor and texture to the soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A subtle fruity base for sautéing that enhances aromatics without overpowering.
- 1 onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth once softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a warm, savory punch that infuses into every bite.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation tying all ingredients together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the signature velvety creaminess that makes the soup irresistible.
- 2 cups spinach, chopped: Offers a fresh, vibrant green color and a mild earthy taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a delicate herbal fragrance that elevates the soup’s complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a piney, woodsy aroma balancing the cream and chicken perfectly.
- 1 package gnocchi: Soft, tender potato dumplings that soak up the creamy broth beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every layer of flavor.
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become soft and translucent, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the fragrant foundation of the soup, releasing the natural sweetness of the onion and that irresistible aroma of garlic.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Next, stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, chopped spinach, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring the mixture gently to a boil to marry all those flavors. The cream adds richness, while the herbs introduce subtle earthiness, and the spinach starts to soften, adding freshness and color.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Now it’s time to add the gnocchi. Depending on the package directions, cook the gnocchi for about 3 to 4 minutes or until they float to the top, signaling they are perfectly tender. These pillowy bites absorb the creamy soup, giving you that lovely, melt-in-your-mouth texture in every spoonful.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Simmer
Stir in the shredded chicken and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and all the flavors meld beautifully. This step brings that hearty protein element front and center without drying it out.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, taste your soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed to bring everything into perfect balance. Then it’s ready to ladle into bowls and enjoy the comforting goodness of your very own Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To take your bowl from delicious to restaurant-worthy, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few extra spinach leaves. A pinch of cracked black pepper adds a nice visual contrast and a little zing. These simple touches enhance both the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or garlic knots to dip and savor every creamy drop. A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the soup, making the meal feel balanced and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a charming presentation that doubles as part of the meal. You could also drizzle a little high-quality olive oil or a balsamic glaze on top for added depth and a gourmet touch that will wow your loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and who doesn’t hope to), store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that gnocchi may absorb some liquid, so you might want to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to retain that silky texture.
Freezing
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe can be frozen for up to 2 months. However, gnocchi tend to become a bit softer upon freezing and reheating, so if possible, freeze the soup without gnocchi and cook fresh gnocchi when ready to serve for optimal texture.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a little broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving at high temperatures to maintain creaminess and prevent separation.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and works wonderfully in this soup. Just shred it and add as directed. It already brings lots of flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew-based cream alternative, and use a dairy-free gnocchi option. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy in its own right.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Definitely. Fresh thyme and rosemary work beautifully, but use about three times the amount compared to dried herbs, since fresh herbs have a milder flavor. Add them towards the end to preserve their brightness.
Is homemade gnocchi better than store-bought?
Homemade gnocchi adds an extra layer of love and freshness and cooks beautifully in the soup. But store-bought gnocchi is perfectly convenient and delicious, making it ideal for busy weeknights without compromising on taste.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Of course! Mushrooms, carrots, or peas can be great additions. Just sauté any extra vegetables with the onions and garlic in Step 1 to soften them before adding the liquids.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is like bringing home a comforting hug in a bowl. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and sure to become one of your go-to meals when you want something rich and cozy with a touch of Italian charm. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this as much as I do!
Print
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender shredded chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a flavorful blend of chicken broth, herbs, and heavy cream. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Carbohydrates
- 1 package gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Add liquids and herbs: Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, chopped spinach, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to meld the flavors together.
- Cook gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the boiling soup and cook according to the package directions, usually about 3–4 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface indicating they are done.
- Add shredded chicken: Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and simmer the soup for 5 more minutes to heat the chicken through and allow flavors to combine thoroughly.
- Season: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with additional fresh spinach, herbs, or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken to speed up preparation time.
- Store-bought gnocchi is convenient, but homemade gnocchi can add extra freshness.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or add a slurry of flour and water before adding the cream.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- This soup reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
