Nothing says comfort food quite like a steaming bowl of Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup. This beloved restaurant favorite combines tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth that warms you from the inside out. The good news? You don’t need to wait for your next restaurant visit to enjoy this soul-satisfying soup – you can recreate this magical bowl of comfort right in your own kitchen.
This copycat recipe captures all the flavors that make the original so irresistible. Picture tender chunks of seasoned chicken mingling with soft potato gnocchi, vibrant spinach, and perfectly cooked vegetables, all swimming in a velvety cream base that’s been infused with aromatic herbs and spices. It’s the kind of soup that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special and makes everyone gather around the dinner table with anticipation.
Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Incredibly Easy to Make – Despite tasting like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen, this soup comes together in just one pot with minimal prep work. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required.
Perfect Flavor Balance – The creamy base provides richness without being heavy, while the herbs and seasonings add depth that keeps every spoonful interesting. The combination of textures from the tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables creates the perfect bite every time.
Endless Flexibility – Feel free to swap vegetables based on what’s in your fridge, use different types of gnocchi, or adjust the creaminess to your preference. This recipe adapts beautifully to your family’s tastes.
Ideal for Any Occasion – Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or something special to serve guests, this soup fits the bill perfectly. It’s also fantastic for cold winter days when you need something truly comforting.
Ingredient Highlights & Notes
The magic of this Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup lies in the harmony of simple, quality ingredients. The star players include tender chicken breast (though thighs work beautifully too), store-bought potato gnocchi that saves time without sacrificing flavor, and fresh spinach that adds color and nutrition. The creamy base comes from a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream, creating that signature richness.
Don’t stress about finding exotic ingredients – everything you need is likely available at your regular grocery store. The vegetables can be flexible based on your preferences or what’s in season. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 celery stalks, diced (about 3/4 cup)
- 2 large carrots, diced (about 3/4 cup)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (fresh is best)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (good quality makes a difference)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
For the Gnocchi & Vegetables:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated both work)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach (or chopped regular spinach)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Equipment & Tools
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (at least 6-quart capacity)
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl (for flour mixture)
Instructions & Method
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken (10 minutes)
Season the chicken breast generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in your large pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). The chicken doesn’t need to be completely cooked at this stage since it will finish cooking in the soup. Remove chicken to a plate and let it rest while you build the soup base.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base (8 minutes)
In the same pot (don’t clean it – those browned bits add flavor!), add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. You’ll smell that amazing aroma that tells you something delicious is happening.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Broth (5 minutes)
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Add the thyme, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi (8 minutes)
While the broth simmers, dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken back to the pot along with the gnocchi. Let everything simmer together for 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface and are heated through. Don’t overcook the gnocchi or they’ll become mushy.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach (3 minutes)
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add the fresh spinach and gently stir until it wilts down, which takes just about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately while it’s piping hot. The soup should be creamy but not too thick – if it seems too thin, let it simmer a few more minutes; if too thick, add a splash more broth.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk mixed with a bit of cream cheese for richness without all the calories. You can also use cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb option.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free gnocchi and substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. The taste remains just as delicious.
Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some corn kernels. Kale works wonderfully in place of spinach – just add it a bit earlier since it takes longer to wilt.
Protein Alternatives: Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. You can also use turkey or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Troubleshooting: If your soup breaks or looks curdled, remove it from heat and whisk in a tablespoon of cold cream. If it’s too salty, add a peeled potato and let it simmer for 10 minutes to absorb excess salt.
Serving Suggestions
This Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. A simple side salad with Italian dressing complements the richness perfectly. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve alongside some garlic parmesan pretzel bites as an appetizer.
The soup also makes an excellent starter course before pasta dishes or roasted meats. Consider pairing it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti to enhance the Italian flavors.
For families, this soup is perfect for those chilly autumn and winter evenings when everyone craves something warming and satisfying. It’s also elegant enough to serve at dinner parties – just garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil.
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
Refrigerator Storage: This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezer Storage: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months, though note that the cream may separate slightly when thawed. The gnocchi texture may change a bit, but the flavor remains excellent.
Reheating Tips: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from breaking. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much during storage. Avoid boiling when reheating.
Make-Ahead Strategy: You can prepare the soup base (through step 3) up to 2 days ahead. When ready to serve, bring it back to a simmer and continue with adding the chicken, gnocchi, and finishing ingredients.
For meal prep, consider storing the soup and gnocchi separately if possible, then combining when reheating to maintain the best texture.
Nutrition & Dietary Information
One generous serving of this Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup provides approximately 380-420 calories, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used. It’s rich in protein from the chicken (about 25-30 grams per serving) and provides good amounts of vitamin A from the carrots and iron from the spinach.
This soup is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free gnocchi and substitute the flour with cornstarch. For those watching sodium intake, use low-sodium broth and season gradually to taste.
The combination of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates makes this a well-balanced meal that will keep you satisfied. The cream does add richness, but you can easily lighten it up with the substitutions mentioned earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well. No need to thaw first – just add them directly to the simmering soup and cook until they float, which may take an extra minute or two.
Why does my soup look curdled?
This usually happens when the cream is added to soup that’s too hot, or if the soup boils after adding cream. Always reduce heat to low before adding cream and avoid boiling. If it happens, whisk in cold cream off the heat to help bring it back together.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the chicken and vegetables first, then transfer to your slow cooker with broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add gnocchi and cream in the last 30 minutes, and spinach in the final 5 minutes.
What if I can’t find potato gnocchi?
You can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini or shells, or even use dumplings. Rice or small potatoes cut into chunks also work well, though cooking times may vary.
How can I make this soup thicker?
Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering soup. You can also mash a few pieces of gnocchi against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the broth.
This Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup brings restaurant-quality comfort food right to your dinner table. Like other hearty soups such as butternut squash soup or minestrone soup, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite and gets requested again and again.
The beauty of this soup lies not just in its incredible flavor, but in its versatility and the way it brings people together. Whether you’re serving it to warm up after a long day, meal prepping for the week ahead, or hosting friends for dinner, this soup delivers comfort and satisfaction in every spoonful.
For more warming soup recipes that pair perfectly with this one, try the 4-ingredient potato soup for a simpler option, or the hearty beef stew for those who prefer something more substantial.
Conclusion
Creating your own version of Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup at home is easier than you might think and incredibly rewarding. This recipe proves that restaurant-quality flavors are absolutely achievable in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and that signature creamy broth creates a soup that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability – you can customize it to fit your family’s preferences, dietary needs, and what you have on hand. Whether you keep it classic or add your own creative touches, you’ll end up with a soup that rivals any restaurant version.
Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients, heat up that pot, and prepare to fill your kitchen with the most amazing aromas. Your family will be asking for this soup on repeat, and you’ll love how simple it is to deliver that restaurant experience at home. Don’t forget to serve it with some crusty bread for the complete experience – and maybe save some room for chocolate peanut butter cookies for dessert!