If you’re craving a soul-soothing, delightfully creamy bowl of comfort, you absolutely need to try this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. With tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, vibrant spinach, and a luscious blend of herbs and cream, this soup captures every bit of warmth and richness that makes it a beloved classic. It’s perfect for chilly nights, casual dinners, or whenever you need a hug in a bowl that’s bursting with flavor yet easy enough to whip up any day of the week.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to nailing the cozy, balanced flavor and hearty texture of this soup. Each item plays a role from building the aromatic base to creating that velvety finish you’ll crave.

Olive oil: The perfect fat to gently sauté your veggies, enhancing their natural sweetness without overpowering.
Onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor foundation.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the broth with a warm, pungent aroma that wakes up the palate.
Carrots (diced): Bring a touch of natural sweetness plus a pop of color and texture.
Celery (diced): Adds a delicate crunch and enhances the savory base.
Dried thyme: Offers earthy herbal notes that complement the chicken beautifully.
Dried basil: Contributes an aromatic, slightly sweet accent to the broth.
Chicken broth: The heart of the soup, lending a rich, savory body that ties everything together.
Cooked chicken (shredded): Provides satisfying protein and tender texture in every bite.
Gnocchi (16 oz package): These small potato dumplings add a luxuriously soft and chewy element that makes this soup extraordinary.
Fresh spinach: Brings a fresh, leafy vibrancy that balances the creamy richness.
Heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious texture that transforms the soup into something special.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste, amplifying every ingredient’s flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A savory, nutty topping that adds an irresistible finishing touch.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, letting them gently cook for about five minutes until they soften and start releasing their natural sweetness. This step creates the flavorful base that sets the savory tone for the entire soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until its aroma fills the kitchen—this is when the magic begins to build. Then sprinkle in the dried thyme and basil, which bring warm, herbaceous notes that harmonize perfectly with the chicken broth you’ll add next.

Step 3: Pour in Chicken Broth and Bring to Boil

Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring everything to a rolling boil. This step melds all those fantastic flavors from the veggies and herbs into a rich, aromatic liquid that’s the soul of the soup.

Step 4: Simmer with Chicken and Gnocchi

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, then add the shredded cooked chicken and gnocchi. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface and are delectably tender—signaling they’re perfectly cooked. The chicken warms through, releasing its savory juices into the broth.

Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Cream

Finally, mix in fresh spinach leaves and heavy cream. Allow them to cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup turns luxuriously creamy. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the richness and balance the flavors.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and if you’d like, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This little touch adds an extra layer of indulgence that makes every spoonful even more delightful.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a classic and irresistible choice, but you can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat or a drizzle of good quality olive oil for added richness and shine. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top bring a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy base.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks, perfect for dipping into every creamy, savory bite. A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the hearty richness and keeps the meal balanced and inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a cozy feel, or hollow out small round bread loaves to create edible bowls that impress your guests. For a fancy twist, top each serving with a small nest of crispy fried sage leaves or a swirl of pesto to add unexpected layers of flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind the gnocchi may absorb some broth over time, so the soup might thicken slightly—just stir in a little extra broth or water when reheating if needed.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is possible but not ideal because the cream and gnocchi can change texture after thawing. If you do freeze some, store it without the spinach and heavy cream, adding those fresh when reheating for the best results.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Add fresh spinach and cream towards the end of reheating to maintain their bright flavor and silky texture. Give it a good stir and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Using shredded store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time. Just make sure to add it in the simmer step so it warms through without getting too mushy.

Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer of your choice. This will alter the flavor slightly but still give you a creamy, comforting soup.

Can I prepare this soup vegetarian?

You can easily make a vegetarian version by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leaving out the chicken. Add extra gnocchi or beans for protein so the soup still feels hearty and satisfying.

What type of gnocchi works best for this recipe?

Potato gnocchi from the refrigerated or frozen section of your grocery store works beautifully. Avoid pre-cooked or larger gnocchi varieties, as they may not soften adequately in the soup.

How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?

Cook the gnocchi just until they float to the top of the soup, which usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid overcooking and add the gnocchi near the end of the cooking process to keep their tender yet firm texture.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a cold day—rich, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to share with loved ones. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a treasured classic in your own kitchen!

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: Harry
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a fragrant blend of herbs simmered in a rich chicken broth with heavy cream. Perfect for cozy dinners, this homemade version replicates the beloved restaurant favorite with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Instructions

Sauté vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic is aromatic.
Add herbs and broth: Sprinkle in the dried thyme and basil, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer with chicken and gnocchi: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded chicken and gnocchi, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi float to the top and become tender.
Finish with spinach and cream: Stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through. Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Gnocchi can be substituted with small pasta such as tortellini if preferred.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
Add freshly cracked black pepper to elevate the flavor at the end.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add 1 tablespoon of flour when sautéing the onions and vegetables to create a roux.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired