Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor, you’re going to love this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s one of those soups that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and it’s surprisingly simple to whip up in under an hour. When I first tried making this at home, I was amazed at how close it tasted to the restaurant version — and the best part? You control all the ingredients, so it’s fresher and even better!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is how simple but flavorful the ingredients are. Each one plays an important role in giving the soup that rich, comforting taste. I always recommend using fresh veggies and good-quality chicken broth—it really makes a difference in this recipe!

• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté your veggies perfectly without burning.
• Onion: I like to dice mine small so it melts into the broth, giving that sweet, savory base.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that warm, aromatic punch you expect in every good soup.
• Carrots: Adding natural sweetness and a bit of texture; make sure they’re diced evenly for even cooking.
• Celery: Adds a lovely freshness and slight crunch that balances the creamy broth.
• Dried Thyme & Basil: These herbs bring the classic Italian flavors, but feel free to use fresh if you have it!
• Chicken Broth: The heart of your soup — homemade is great, but quality store-bought works wonderfully too.
• Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken adds protein and keeps the soup hearty, use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
• Gnocchi: This little pillow of goodness soaks up the broth and adds that unique texture and flavor everyone loves.
• Fresh Spinach: Tossed in at the end for a pop of color and nutrition, no wilting before it’s time!
• Heavy Cream: The secret to that luscious, creamy texture that makes this soup feel indulgent.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste — essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top elevates the soup with a salty, nutty finish.

Variations

I love how flexible this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is. Sometimes, I swap out spinach for kale or add a bit of crushed red pepper for a touch of heat. Feel free to put your spin on it — making it your own is what makes cooking so fun!

• Vegetarian Variation: I once skipped the chicken and doubled the spinach and gnocchi for a meatless version my veggie-loving friends adored.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce brings a wonderful warmth I sometimes crave.
• Herb Swap: Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can add another layer of aroma—just watch the amounts so they don’t overpower.
• Dairy-Free: I’ve experimented using coconut milk instead of heavy cream — it’s different but still creamy and delicious for dairy-free diets.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables to Build Flavor

Grab a large pot and heat that olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery and let them cook for about 5 minutes until they’re just softened. You’ll want the veggies tender but not mushy — this is where the base flavor starts to develop. Then, stir in the garlic and let it cook for another minute; don’t let it brown or it can get bitter. This part fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma and sets the stage for the whole soup.

Step 2: Add Herbs and Broth, Then Simmer

Next up, sprinkle in the dried thyme and basil and give everything a good stir to wake up those flavors. Pour in your chicken broth, then bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat so it simmers gently — this slow simmer helps all those herbal undertones marry with the vegetables beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Gnocchi

Stir in your shredded chicken and gnocchi. The gnocchi cook pretty quickly — you’ll see them rise to the top when they’re done, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi or they might lose their lovely, pillow-like texture. This is also when the soup starts to feel truly “meaty” and filling.

Step 4: Finish with Spinach, Cream, and Seasoning

Finally, toss in the fresh spinach and pour in the heavy cream. Cook everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through. Don’t boil vigorously here or the cream might separate. Season with salt and pepper to taste — this part is crucial, so taste as you go! If you like, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my bowls with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese because it melts beautifully into the creamy broth, and sometimes I add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or chopped fresh parsley for a little brightness. It gives the soup a restaurant-level finish without much effort.

Side Dishes

This soup is quite hearty on its own, but I love serving it alongside a simple mixed greens salad or some warm crusty bread—perfect for dipping into all that creamy goodness. Garlic bread or a focaccia loaf also works exceptionally well if you want to up the indulgence factor.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to ladle the soup into rustic bread bowls—people love eating their meal right out of the bread! Another fun idea is to serve it in small, clear mugs or cups for a cozy appetizer at dinner parties. Trust me, it’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You might notice the gnocchi absorb some broth, so the soup thickens — adding a little extra chicken broth on reheating brings it back to that perfect, creamy consistency.

Freezing

I generally don’t freeze this soup because the cream and gnocchi can alter texture once thawed. But if you want to, freeze the broth and chicken separately before adding cream and gnocchi when reheating, for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, I use low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to keep the cream from separating. If the soup is too thick, adding a splash of milk or broth helps revive that silky texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause uneven heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe has become my go-to anytime comfort food. It’s creamy, satisfying, and surprisingly simple—a perfect combo. I truly believe once you make it, you’ll be hooked just like my family is. So, cozy up and give it a try; I promise it’ll become a favorite in your home too!

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