Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever savored the cozy, creamy goodness of Olive Garden’s famous chicken gnocchi soup, then you’re in for a real treat with my take on the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. This homemade version is simple, comforting, and utterly delicious—perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want to feel wrapped in a warm, flavorful hug. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because after a few tries, I nailed that perfect balance of creamy broth, tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach that makes this soup feel fancy but is really easy to make at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the best results with this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, I recommend using fresh, wholesome ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture. Don’t worry, most of these are easy to find, and I’ve included some shopper’s tips to make your grocery trip easier.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cooked and diced – I like cooking them ahead by poaching for juicy, tender bites in the soup.
• Celery stalk: Adds a subtle crunch and depth to your base – fresh celery is key!
• White onion: Diced finely to melt perfectly into the broth, giving sweetness and aroma.
• Minced garlic: Just 2 teaspoons pack a punch of flavor without overpowering the soup.
• Shredded carrots: Adds a hint of natural sweetness and color.
• Olive oil: For sautéing – extra virgin is best for those bright, fruity notes.
• Low sodium chicken broth: The foundation of your soup; using low sodium lets you control the saltiness.
• Salt and pepper: To taste — this is your seasoning control!
• Dried thyme: Brings a subtle herbaceous flavor that complements the chicken wonderfully.
• Potato gnocchi: The star that makes this soup so delightful with its pillowy texture.
• Half and half: Makes the soup creamy and luscious; you can swap with cream for extra richness (more on that later).
• Fresh spinach: Roughly chopped for a pop of healthy green and slight earthiness.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is how easily you can make it your own—my family often requests little twists to suit our moods or dietary needs.

• Swap the chicken for turkey or ham: I once made this with leftover turkey and it was such a tasty twist for a post-holiday meal that felt cozy yet different.
• Make it dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of half and half, and it’s still creamy and satisfying.
• Add mushrooms or diced potatoes: For extra heartiness, I like tossing in mushrooms sautéed right alongside the veggies or small cubes of potato for texture.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme: Fresh thyme or even a sprig of rosemary infuses a bright, garden-fresh flavor that’s irresistible.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Flavor Base

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté these veggies for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This little step is the backbone of your soup’s depth—don’t rush! The aroma hitting your kitchen right now will have you excited for the next steps.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

Next, toss in your cooked and diced chicken along with 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of thyme. Turn up the heat to bring it all to a boil. This lets the flavors marry and the broth bubble with savory goodness. I usually taste here to check the seasoning—remember, you can always add more later!

Step 3: Gnocchi Time!

Gently stir in the potato gnocchi once the broth is boiling. Let it cook uncovered for 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi float and become tender but not mushy. This is the moment to keep an eye out—gnocchi can turn from perfect to overcooked in no time, so test one with a fork. They should be soft but still hold their shape beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer and Enrich

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 more minutes. This slow cooking lets all those lovely flavors deepen and the gnocchi soak them up. Then, stir in the half and half and fresh spinach. Cook just 1-2 minutes more until the spinach wilts and the soup turns creamy and luscious. Your kitchen is probably smelling incredible by now! Give it a final taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed—this is your signature moment.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish my bowls with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few twists of cracked black pepper. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want a bit of a kick. Fresh chopped parsley or basil also make fantastic garnishes that brighten up each spoonful.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty artisan bread or garlic knots—you can never go wrong dipping soft gnocchi and broth-soaked bread together! A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the richness of the soup perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving this soup in mini cast iron skillets or rustic pottery bowls to give a cozy, elegant vibe. Placing a small loaf of garlic bread on the side with a sprig of fresh thyme on top makes the presentation feel as special as the taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because gnocchi can get softer over time, I usually plan to enjoy leftovers quickly for the best texture.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is possible but I recommend freezing it before adding the half and half and spinach, as dairy and greens don’t freeze well. Reheat the frozen soup on the stove, then stir in fresh spinach and cream or half and half at the end.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the creamy broth—low and slow is the key. Adding a splash of fresh half and half while warming helps refresh its silky texture. Don’t microwave if you can help it, as results aren’t as smooth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both indulgent and homey. I love making it for family dinners or when friends stop by unexpectedly—everyone ends up asking for seconds, and I think you will, too! Give it a try and let this soup remind you how comforting great food at home can be.

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