Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you love cozy, comforting soups that feel like a warm hug, then you’re going to adore this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that instantly transports you to a friendly Italian kitchen with its creamy broth, tender chicken, and those pillowy gnocchi bits that soak up all the goodness. I first tried recreating this at home when I missed my favorite spot’s version, and let me tell you, it’s just as heartwarming and satisfying without ever leaving your kitchen.

What makes this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe stand out is how it balances simplicity with serious flavor. It works perfectly for chilly evenings, last-minute family dinners, or whenever you want something that feels special but isn’t complicated. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some spinach and veggies without anyone batting an eye. You’ll find that once you get the hang of it, this soup quickly becomes a go-to favorite in your meal rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe come together beautifully to build layers of flavor. From the aromatic sautéed veggies to the tender chicken and fresh spinach, each component plays its part in making the soup irresistible.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cooking them ahead and dicing keeps the soup quick and easy.
• Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and flavor that balances the creaminess.
• White onion: Gives sweetness and depth once sautéed until translucent.
• Minced garlic: A little punch of savory that wakes up the whole dish.
• Shredded carrots: Sneaks in a bit of natural sweetness and color.
• Olive oil: For sautéing veggies and developing those base flavors.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps things tasty without overwhelming saltiness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• Thyme: Adds that earthy, herby note that pairs perfectly with chicken.
• Potato gnocchi: The star ingredient — soft, pillowy little clouds of deliciousness.
• Half and half: Creamy but not too rich; you can swap a cup for heavy cream if you want it extra indulgent.
• Fresh spinach: Freshness and a pop of color that brightens the bowl.

Variations

I love how this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is so easy to tweak to your liking. Whether you want it lighter, extra creamy, or packed with veggies, there’s plenty of room for personalization.

• Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the chicken for a delicious meat-free option.
• Extra creaminess: Swap one cup of the half and half for heavy cream — my family goes crazy for this upgrade.
• Add more greens: Toss in kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different texture and nutrition boost.
• Spicy kick: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing vegetables if you want a little heat.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Build Flavor

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté gently for about 2-3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the veggies soften — this is when those base flavors really start to pop. If you rush this part, you might miss out on that natural sweetness the onions develop, so keep an eye and stir occasionally.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth, then Boil Gnocchi

Once your veggies are soft, toss in the cooked diced chicken along with the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil before gently stirring in the potato gnocchi. Boil for another 3-4 minutes — you’ll know the gnocchi is done when they float to the top and feel tender but still hold their shape. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook gently for 10 minutes to let all the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Stir in Half and Half and Spinach for the Finishing Touch

To finish off, fold in the half and half and the roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook for just 1-2 minutes more — long enough for the spinach to wilt but still stay vibrant and the soup to turn luxuriously creamy. Taste the broth and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This final step is where your soup really earns its comforting, indulgent status.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping this soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a little cracked black pepper for some extra flavor and a touch of saltiness. Sometimes, I toss in a few red pepper flakes if we’re feeling adventurous. A handful of torn fresh basil or parsley can add a lovely fresh pop too—makes it feel like you’re dining at an Italian trattoria right at home.

Side Dishes

I always serve this soup with a warm, crusty baguette or some garlic breadsticks — perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit. A light, crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette also pairs nicely, adding a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I pour the soup into hollowed-out mini bread bowls — it’s fun, impressive, and extra cozy! Alternatively, serve in rustic bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to elevate presentation without much fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cool leftover Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe before transferring it to airtight containers and storing it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it often tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

Freezing this soup is possible but I usually freeze it before adding the half and half and spinach, as dairy and greens don’t always freeze well. When you want to enjoy it later, thaw it in the fridge, then add fresh half and half and spinach as you reheat.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently over low medium heat so the half and half doesn’t curdle. Stir frequently, and add a splash of milk or broth if it gets too thick. Add spinach fresh at this stage to keep it vibrant.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe comes together so easily yet tastes so indulgent and comforting. It’s one of those recipes I always recommend when friends tell me they want a warm-and-cozy meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your family’s new favorite comfort food just like it did mine!

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