If you have ever fallen in love with the cozy, comforting flavors of Olive Garden’s famous soup, you’re going to adore making this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe right at home. It’s a warm hug in a bowl—full of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a luxuriously creamy broth that will make every spoonful feel like a special occasion. The balance of herbs and perfectly cooked vegetables adds a beautiful depth of flavor, turning simple ingredients into a heartwarming classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are—each one playing an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From bright green spinach to the savory shredded chicken, every component works together to create a soup that tastes way more fancy than the effort it takes.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings a natural sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
- 2 medium carrots, diced: Adds a gentle earthiness and a pop of vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Provides a slight crunch and aromatic freshness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with its signature warm, pungent flavor.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup for a creamy, luscious texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The hearty foundation that ties all flavors together.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Delivers tender protein in every bite.
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the soup’s silky body.
- 1 pound potato gnocchi: The star ingredient—soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the delicious broth.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Brings brilliant color and a nutritious boost.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that enhances the savory profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional): Offers a subtle warming spice that rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance every ingredient.
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking them gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften beautifully. Add the minced garlic and let it cook just another minute until fragrant—this step builds the aromatic base that makes this soup so irresistible.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed veggies and stir well to coat everything evenly. Let this cook for 1 to 2 minutes to get rid of any raw flour taste while helping to thicken the soup once you add your liquids.
Step 3: Pour in Chicken Broth
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps, then bring your pot to a gentle simmer. As the soup heats, you’ll notice it start to thicken just slightly, which is the perfect cozy texture this soup needs.
Step 4: Add Chicken, Cream, and Herbs
Now stir in the shredded chicken, half-and-half or cream, dried thyme, and if you’re using it, a pinch of nutmeg. Lower the heat to gently simmer and let all those flavors meld together, creating a rich and comforting broth that’s bursting with goodness.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the potato gnocchi directly into the pot and let them cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they float to the surface. That’s your sign they’re perfectly cooked and tender—soft little pillows soaking in the creamy broth.
Step 6: Stir in the Spinach
Last but not least, stir in the fresh chopped spinach and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until it’s just wilted. This fresh burst of green not only adds color but a lovely freshness that balances the richness amazingly well.
Step 7: Season to Perfection and Serve
Finish with salt and pepper to taste. Give the soup one final stir, ladle it into bowls, and get ready to savor your homemade version of the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s pure comfort in a bowl!
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top or add a pinch of chopped fresh parsley to brighten up the presentation. A small drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil can add an unexpected layer of lusciousness. These simple additions make every bowl feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm garlic knots that are perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the richness while adding a refreshing crunch. These sides round out your meal without overpowering the delicate flavors of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in individual mini cocottes or rustic bread bowls for a fun, cozy presentation that guests will love. Another idea is to garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or a swirl of pesto for added herbal brightness. These touches bring a playful and personalized flair to your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that rarely happens!), store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the gnocchi might soak up some broth and soften further, so the texture will be a bit different but still delicious.
Freezing
This soup freezes well but consider freezing the broth and shredded chicken separately from the gnocchi and spinach to preserve texture. When ready to enjoy, thaw everything in the fridge and then combine them during reheating. This helps keep the gnocchi nicely tender without becoming mushy.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving if possible for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient time-saver and works perfectly in the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, giving you tender, flavorful chicken without any fuss.
What type of gnocchi is best for this soup?
Potato gnocchi works best because it’s soft and pillowy, soaking up the creamy broth beautifully. Fresh gnocchi is ideal, but store-bought frozen gnocchi can work well too—just be sure not to overcook it.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the half-and-half or cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The flavor and texture will adjust slightly but still remain wonderfully creamy and comforting.
Can I prepare this soup in advance for a dinner party?
You can prepare all the components ahead of time, but it’s best to add the gnocchi and spinach right before serving to keep their texture vibrant and fresh.
How spicy is the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
This soup is not spicy by default—it’s more gentle and comforting. However, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you prefer a little kick.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes that warms your heart as much as your belly. It’s simple enough to make on a weekday but special enough to serve to guests or enjoy as a little self-care treat. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this creamy, comforting bowl again and again, hopefully making cozy memories with every spoonful.
Print
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe recreates the creamy, comforting Italian favorite at home. Featuring tender shredded chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a flavorful broth enriched with half-and-half and aromatic spices, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it combines sautéed vegetables, a creamy base, and soft gnocchi for a hearty, satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat them evenly. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and help thicken the soup later.
- Incorporate Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the soup to thicken slightly as it cooks.
- Add Chicken and Cream: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, half-and-half or heavy cream, dried thyme, and optional nutmeg. Allow the soup to simmer gently so the flavors meld together.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted, adding a fresh bright flavor and color to the soup.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup!
Notes
- Use cooked shredded chicken from leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half-and-half with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the flour to 1/3 cup slightly.
- Fresh thyme can be used in place of dried thyme if available.
- This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
