Name: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; to taste salt and black pepper

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 28 reviews

Get ready to cozy up with a steaming bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup—my go-to comfort food when I’m craving something creamy, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor. This soup takes the classic Italian-inspired dish from the restaurant and brings it straight to your kitchen, with tender bites of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, plenty of veggies, and a dreamy broth that just soothes the soul. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a chilly night or looking to impress a crowd with undeniable comfort, this is the recipe you’ll come back to again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home is refreshingly simple—every ingredient brings something special to the table, from the velvety cream to the vibrant veggies and those irresistible soft gnocchi dumplings. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to guarantee delicious results every time.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the veggies sauté beautifully without sticking.
Onion: Gives the soup a savory backbone and a touch of natural sweetness.
Garlic: Brings depth and aromatic flavor—freshly minced is best.
Carrots: Add sweetness and that gorgeous pop of orange color.
Celery: Provides a classic soup crunch and rounds out the flavor.
Dried thyme: Lends earthy notes that play perfectly with the creamy broth.
Dried basil: Adds a subtle, herbaceous aroma that makes the soup so inviting.
Chicken broth: The savory foundation—choose a good quality broth for the best flavor.
Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken soaks up all the creamy broth and stays delightfully tender.
Gnocchi: The star of the show! Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that make every bite interesting.
Fresh spinach: Just a handful gives the soup a burst of color and a dose of greens.
Heavy cream: Makes the broth luxuriously creamy and thick.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together; adjust to taste.
Black pepper: Adds the perfect hint of warmth and spice.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For serving—adds a salty, umami boost right at the end.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatic Veggies

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté everything for about 5 minutes until the vegetables look softened and smell amazing. This first step creates a flavorful bedrock for your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, infusing every spoonful with savory goodness.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Herbs

Next, add in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute—just until it’s fragrant, but not browned. Stir in the dried thyme and basil, letting those inviting Italian aromas hit the air. This is where that classic soup flavor really starts to build!

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in your chicken broth, giving the pot a good stir. Increase the heat and bring everything up to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat to a simmer—that way, the flavors meld together perfectly without rushing anything.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

Now, stir in the shredded cooked chicken and your gnocchi. Let the pot simmer for about 5–7 minutes, keeping an eye out for those gnocchi to float to the top—that’s your signal they’re ready and tender. Every bite of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup just gets better with these delicious dumplings soaking up the broth!

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Cream

Finally, toss in the fresh spinach and pour in the heavy cream, gently folding them into the soup. Let it cook for just 2–3 minutes more, until the spinach wilts and the cream thickens the broth to a luscious, silky texture. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as you like.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the ultimate finishing touch for this soup—it melts right in, creating those delicious salty, nutty pockets. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a crack of extra black pepper makes each bowl feel restaurant-worthy!

Side Dishes

Pair your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping, or whip up a simple green salad tossed with Italian dressing. It’s also wonderful alongside homemade breadsticks or a cheesy garlic toast if you’re craving a true Olive Garden experience at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the soup into wide, shallow bowls to showcase all those colorful veggies and pillowy gnocchi. For a rustic touch, serve straight from the pot at the table family-style, or ladle into individual mini soup crocks for a cozy, personal touch. It’s a showstopper whether you’re keeping it casual or going all out!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup stores beautifully—just spoon it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it arguably even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that the texture of the gnocchi and cream will change slightly. For best results, let the soup cool completely, ladle into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-to-medium heat, stirring often to avoid scorching the cream. If it’s a bit thick after sitting, just add a splash of broth or milk to bring it right back to that perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

What’s the best kind of gnocchi to use in Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Shelf-stable potato gnocchi from the grocery store works perfectly here, but if you have time to make homemade gnocchi, go for it! The soup is forgiving either way, and fresh gnocchi will give even more pillowy softness.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely—it makes weeknight prep a breeze and adds even more savory flavor to your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Just shred or dice the cooked chicken and toss it in as directed.

How can I make the soup thicker?

For a thicker soup, simply reduce the amount of chicken broth you add, or stir in a touch more heavy cream toward the end. You can also mash a few gnocchi right in the pot to help naturally thicken the broth.

Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?

Of course! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the chicken—add some white beans or extra veggies if you’d like a heartier version. This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is easy to adapt for meatless meals.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add peas, corn, mushrooms, or even chopped zucchini—just stir them in during the simmering step! This soup is a wonderful blank canvas for your favorite veggies.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—an irresistible bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup that’s every bit as comforting as the restaurant version. If you try this recipe at home, get ready to fall in love with just how easy and delicious homemade soup can be. Grab your ladle, invite some friends or family over, and let the cozy moments begin!