Nothing beats the soul-warming comfort of a creamy, hearty bowl of soup on a chilly day. Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup has captured hearts across America with its perfect blend of tender chicken, pillowy potato dumplings, and rich, velvety broth. This beloved restaurant favorite combines the best of Italian comfort food with American sensibilities, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
The magic of this soup lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient harmonizes to create something truly special. Tender shredded chicken mingles with soft gnocchi, while fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. The creamy base ties everything together, creating a soup that’s both satisfying and sophisticated enough for any occasion.
Key Takeaways
• Easy weeknight dinner – Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques
• Restaurant-quality results – Achieves the same creamy, rich flavor as the original Olive Garden version
• Highly customizable – Easily adapt with different vegetables, proteins, or dairy-free alternatives
• Perfect for meal prep – Stores beautifully and reheats well for busy weeknights
• Family-friendly favorite – Appeals to both kids and adults with its comforting, familiar flavors
Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Effortless Comfort Food – This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. You’ll have a restaurant-quality soup on the table in under 30 minutes using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Perfect Flavor Balance – The creamy base provides richness without being heavy, while the herbs add freshness and the vegetables contribute both texture and nutrition. Each spoonful delivers the perfect ratio of chicken, gnocchi, and vegetables.
Incredibly Versatile – Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms. You can also swap the chicken for turkey or even make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and extra vegetables.
Ideal for Any Occasion – Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or serving guests for a casual dinner party, this soup always impresses. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple salad.
Ingredient Highlights & Notes
The beauty of this Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in building the soup’s signature flavor profile. The gnocchi serves as the hearty base – those little potato pillows absorb the creamy broth while maintaining their tender texture. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition, while the combination of herbs creates that distinctive Italian-inspired taste.
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (use extra virgin for best flavor)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (sweet onions work beautifully too)
- 2 celery stalks, diced (adds essential aromatic base)
- 2 medium carrots, diced (for sweetness and color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, but granulated works in a pinch)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (quality matters here)
- 1 cup heavy cream (half-and-half can substitute for lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Italian seasoning works too)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
For the Filling:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated both work)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken saves time)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed, stems removed)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
Equipment & Tools
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Sharp knife for dicing vegetables
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base (5 minutes)
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. You’ll smell the wonderful aroma as they cook – this is your flavor foundation building.
Step 2: Add Aromatics (1 minute)
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.
Step 3: Create the Thickening Base (2 minutes)
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This creates a light roux that will help thicken your soup naturally.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings (3 minutes)
Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Add thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi (8-10 minutes)
Add gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until they float to the surface and are tender throughout. Fresh gnocchi will cook faster than dried.
Step 6: Add Chicken and Cream (3 minutes)
Stir in shredded chicken and heavy cream. Let the soup simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld. Don’t let it boil vigorously, as the cream might curdle.
Step 7: Finish with Spinach (1 minute)
Add fresh spinach and stir gently until it wilts, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. The residual heat will cook the spinach perfectly while maintaining its vibrant color.
Step 8: Final Seasoning (1 minute)
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a pinch more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preference.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Dairy-Free Version – Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. The soup will have a slightly different flavor profile but remains deliciously creamy.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free gnocchi and substitute the flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening.
Vegetable Boost – Feel free to add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the other vegetables. Just like our butternut squash soup, this recipe welcomes additional vegetables beautifully.
Protein Variations – Turkey, leftover roast chicken, or even cooked Italian sausage work wonderfully in place of chicken.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
- Soup too thin? Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into simmering soup
- Cream curdled? Remove from heat immediately and whisk vigorously, or blend a portion of the soup and stir back in
- Gnocchi falling apart? Don’t overcook them, and add them when the soup is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil
Serving Suggestions
This Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup shines as a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with several accompaniments. Serve with warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping. A simple Caesar salad or mixed greens with Italian dressing complements the rich soup perfectly.
For a more substantial meal, consider serving alongside our 4-ingredient potato soup for a soup course, or pair with a light pasta dish. The soup also works wonderfully as a starter before a main course of grilled chicken or fish.
Beverage Pairings:
- Crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- Light red wine such as Chianti
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Iced tea or lemonade for non-alcoholic options
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
Refrigerator Storage – Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together.
Freezer Storage – This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the texture of the gnocchi and cream may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup base without the cream and gnocchi, then add fresh gnocchi and cream when reheating.
Reheating Instructions – Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prep all vegetables up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator
- Cook the soup base (without gnocchi and cream) up to 3 days ahead
- Shred chicken in advance and store separately
Similar to our minestrone soup and beef stew, this recipe benefits from advance preparation and actually tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition & Dietary Information
One serving of this Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup (approximately 1.5 cups) contains roughly:
- Calories: 380-420
- Protein: 28-32g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fat: 18-22g
- Fiber: 3-4g
The soup provides excellent protein from the chicken and a good source of vitamins A and C from the vegetables. The spinach adds iron and folate, while the gnocchi provides satisfying carbohydrates for energy.
Dietary Notes:
- Contains gluten (from gnocchi and flour)
- Contains dairy (heavy cream)
- Can be made dairy-free with substitutions
- High in protein
- Moderate in calories for a creamy soup
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe. Just add them directly to the simmering soup without thawing first. They may take an extra minute or two to cook through.
What if I can’t find gnocchi at my store?
Small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or even egg noodles make excellent substitutes. Adjust cooking time according to package directions. You could also use small potatoes cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients except cream, spinach, and gnocchi to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add gnocchi in the last 30 minutes, then stir in cream and spinach just before serving.
Why is my soup not as thick as I’d like?
The soup naturally thickens as it cools and the gnocchi releases starch. If you prefer it thicker, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold broth and stir into the simmering soup.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Definitely! Leftover turkey works wonderfully, especially during the holidays. This makes it a great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers, much like our turkey vegetable stir-fry.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil once you add the cream. If you’re reheating leftovers, do so slowly over low heat while stirring frequently.
Conclusion
This copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup brings all the comfort and satisfaction of the restaurant favorite right to your dinner table. With its perfect balance of creamy richness, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, it’s no wonder this soup has become such a beloved classic.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its delicious results, but in its flexibility and ease of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or entertaining guests, this soup delivers every time. The simple ingredients come together to create something truly special – a bowl of pure comfort that warms both body and soul.
Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try tonight. You’ll be amazed at how closely it matches the restaurant version, and you might even prefer your homemade version! Don’t forget to check out our other comforting soup recipes, like chicken potato soup and sausage tortellini soup for more cozy dinner inspiration.