Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of comforting soups that feel like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to love this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. I remember the first time I tried to recreate this at home—I was hooked instantly! It’s creamy, cozy, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant spinach, making it perfect whenever you want something easy yet impressive for dinner.

What I really appreciate about this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is how it balances simplicity with rich flavor. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or craving a satisfying lunch, it comes together quickly but tastes like you’ve spent hours simmering it. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep it in your soup rotation all year round.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is in its simple, fresh ingredients that blend seamlessly to create deep flavors. When shopping, look for fresh gnocchi near the refrigerated pasta section and boneless chicken breasts for the best texture.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: You can cook them beforehand or quickly poach to keep them juicy and tender.
• Celery stalk: Adds subtle crunch and earthy freshness to the base flavor.
• White onion: Diced finely, it melts into soup and enhances the savory notes.
• Minced garlic: Essential for that warm depth of flavor; use fresh if possible.
• Shredded carrots: They bring a hint of sweetness and nice color contrast.
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for better taste in sautéing your veggies.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup flavorful while letting you control salt levels.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste, careful to add gradually.
• Thyme: This herb complements chicken beautifully for that classic soup aroma.
• Potato gnocchi: These soft dumplings soak up the broth and add delightful texture.
• Half and half: For creaminess without being too heavy; swapping a cup for heavy cream is an option.
• Fresh spinach: Added at the end for a vibrant, nutritious touch.

Variations

I love playing around with this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe to match different tastes and occasions. Feel free to tweak it based on what you have in your pantry or dietary needs, it’s super adaptable!

• Use heavy cream: For extra decadence, swap one cup of half and half for heavy cream—the soup turns even silkier.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or white beans instead; mushroom broth can add richness.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika adds a subtle kick that my family loves.
• Gluten-Free option: Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure broth is GF certified for allergy-conscious cooking.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies to Build Flavor

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the onions turn translucent—this step unlocks the sweet, aromatic base that makes the soup so delicious. Don’t rush this part; gentle cooking here really lifts the entire dish.

Step 2: Add Chicken, Broth, and Seasonings

Next, stir in your cooked and diced chicken breasts, pour in the low sodium chicken broth, and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring everything to a boil—you’ll see all those flavors meld beautifully. This is where the soup starts to smell irresistible, so make sure your pot is big enough for all that cozy goodness!

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi to Pillowy Perfection

Once boiling, gently stir in the potato gnocchi and let it cook for 3-4 minutes. You’ll see them puff up and float to the top—that’s your cue they’re ready. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it all cook together for about 10 minutes so the gnocchi soak up the soup’s savory goodness.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Spinach

Lastly, stir in the half and half and fresh spinach, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts beautifully. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. The cream adds such a velvety texture, and the spinach gives a fresh pop—this final step makes all the difference between good and absolutely crave-worthy.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few cracks of black pepper. Sometimes I drizzle a little extra olive oil or add chopped fresh parsley for that professional finish. These simple garnishes elevate the dish while enhancing the flavors you’ve worked hard to develop.

Side Dishes

For sides, crusty garlic bread or a warm, buttery baguette is a no-brainer. My family also loves pairing it with a crisp Caesar salad to balance the creaminess. If you want something lighter, a simple roasted vegetable medley works beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the soup in mini bread bowls—everyone always gets a kick out of that! Another fun way is to ladle the soup into shallow bowls and garnish with a basil leaf and edible flowers for a pop of color and freshness. It turns a humble soup into a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. When reheating, I stir gently over low heat to avoid breaking down the gnocchi too much, keeping that perfect texture intact.

Freezing

This soup freezes okay, but I recommend freezing it before adding the half and half and spinach. Freeze in portions, then thaw and add cream and spinach fresh to preserve that lovely creaminess and vibrant color.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop and add a splash of half and half or milk if it seems too thick. Stir frequently to avoid scorching and restore that silky smooth finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe turns out every time—it feels like a little taste of the restaurant in my own kitchen. Making it from scratch gives you control over ingredients, and it’s so rewarding to see smiles around the table as everyone digs in. Give it a try when you want a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s simple but special—you won’t regret it!

Print