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; to taste black pepper; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 11 reviews

If there’s ever a dish that tastes like a big, cozy hug in a bowl, it’s certainly Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This creamy classic, inspired by the beloved restaurant, brings together pillowy gnocchi, juicy pieces of chicken, and tender vegetables in a luscious, herby broth that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re chasing away the chill of winter or craving some comfort any time of year, nothing beats the warmth and heartiness of this soup made right in your own kitchen.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple ingredients, each adding its own layer of flavor and texture. From aromatic vegetables to rich cream and fluffy gnocchi, every element has a purpose, and together, they create soup perfection.

Olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps perfectly sauté those veggies at the start.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Lays the savory foundation, bringing sweetness as it softens.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Delivers an irresistible depth of flavor and aroma.
Carrots (2 medium, diced): Brightens the soup with gorgeous color and subtle sweetness.
Celery (2 stalks, diced): Gives a satisfying crunch and balances the carrot’s sweetness.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, earthy note that feels so comforting.
Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds that classic Italian touch you expect from this soup.
Chicken broth (6 cups): Forms the heart of the soup, infusing every bite with robust flavor.
Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded): Makes the soup hearty and filling; perfect for leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
Gnocchi (16 oz package): The pillowy, potato-based dumplings that make this soup so special.
Fresh spinach (2 cups): Wilts into the broth, adding a pop of color and a healthy boost.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Rounds everything out with velvety richness and a luxurious finish.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning—you control the balance.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving): The crowning touch—just a sprinkle sends this soup over the top.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about five minutes. The goal is to let the veggies soften and sweeten, creating a fragrant foundation for your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This part always fills the kitchen with the most inviting aroma!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about one minute until it becomes fragrant. Toss in the dried thyme and basil so that their flavors can bloom in the warm oil. This quick sauté ensures all those Italian-inspired notes infuse every spoonful.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Add the chicken broth to your pot, giving everything a good stir. Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. This broth is the soul of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, so be ready for your kitchen to smell absolutely amazing!

Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

Once the broth is bubbling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and add your shredded chicken and gnocchi. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender. This is where the magic happens—the gnocchi swell and absorb all that delicious flavor!

Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Cream

Now for the finishing touch: stir in your fresh spinach and heavy cream. Let everything meld together for another 2–3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup turns sumptuously creamy. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste before you serve up a bowl of comfort.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

The quickest way to elevate each bowl is with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. A crack of fresh black pepper or some chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) also makes your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup look and taste even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or classic garlic breadsticks to scoop up every last bit of creamy broth. For a complete Italian feast, serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad or an antipasto platter filled with marinated veggies and olives.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little fun, try serving your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in rustic bread bowls or mini tureens. If you’re entertaining, set out a small toppings bar with fresh herbs, extra cheese, and even a swirl of chili oil for guests to customize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, sealed in an airtight container. The flavors continue to develop, so you might find it’s even tastier the next day!

Freezing

While this soup can be frozen, the gnocchi may soften slightly and the creamy base may separate on thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider cooking and adding the gnocchi after you reheat, and whisking in a fresh splash of cream just before serving for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup over medium-low heat on the stove until steaming hot, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as high heat can cause the cream to split. Stir well for the silkiest texture, add a splash of broth if it’s thickened, and taste for seasoning before serving up your leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut; it adds tons of flavor and saves time. Simply shred or chop it and add as directed for a fuss-free Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

What type of gnocchi should I use?

Store-bought potato gnocchi (usually found in the pasta aisle) works perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade gnocchi is a treat—but pre-packaged makes it easy to get this comforting soup on the table fast!

Is there a way to make this soup lighter?

For a lighter version of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you can swap half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, and use cooked turkey or even lean chicken breast to keep the soup satisfying but not overly rich.

How do I prevent the gnocchi from turning mushy?

The key is to add the gnocchi towards the end and cook just until they float to the surface, which means they’re done. If reheating leftovers, avoid letting the soup boil to keep the gnocchi tender instead of mushy.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the chicken. Add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for heartiness—a delicious twist on a favorite Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup!

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to try this homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s an absolute knockout: easy to make, incredibly comforting, and guaranteed to bring a little joy to your table. Whether it’s your first time making it or a family tradition, this recipe is pure comfort in every spoonful. Give it a try and share the love—your kitchen will smell like heaven, and your heart (and stomach) will thank you!