Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There is something incredibly comforting and delicious about a warm bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This hearty, creamy soup brings together tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich broth flavored with fragrant herbs, making it a perfect meal to cozy up with any day of the year. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic restaurant favorite or looking to impress family and friends, this copycat recipe delivers all the flavor and warmth you want in a satisfying, homemade soup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple but thoughtful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color—from the tender gnocchi to the fresh greens and aromatic herbs that bring everything to life.

• Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the vegetables and creating a flavorful base.
• Medium onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the soup.
• Garlic cloves (minced): Brings a lovely aroma and a touch of zest.
• Carrots (diced): Provide a gentle sweetness and a bit of texture.
• Celery stalks (diced): Offer a mild earthiness that complements the other veggies.
• Dried thyme: Injects delicate herbal notes that enhance the broth.
• Dried basil: Adds a hint of warmth and a classic Italian touch.
• Chicken broth: The soul of the soup, giving it a rich, savory foundation.
• Cooked shredded chicken: The heart of the soup, making it satisfying and protein-packed.
• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that create the soup’s signature comfort factor.
• Fresh spinach: Gives vibrant color and a fresh, slightly earthy taste.
• Heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and richness.
• Salt and black pepper: To season perfectly to your taste.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A finishing touch that brings flavor and a bit of indulgence.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables

Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onion, carrots, and celery, letting them soften for about five minutes. This step builds a wonderful flavor base by gently caramelizing the veggies, creating sweetness and depth that will shine throughout the soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until the scent fills your kitchen with warmth. Then sprinkle in dried thyme and basil, which will infuse the broth with subtle, aromatic Italian flavors that are absolutely essential to this dish.

Step 3: Pour in Chicken Broth and Bring to a Boil

Pour six cups of chicken broth into the pot and bring everything to a gentle boil. This comforting liquid ties all the flavors together and sets the stage for the heartier ingredients to follow.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and add your shredded cooked chicken along with the package of gnocchi. Let the soup simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes until the gnocchi float to the top, indicating they’re perfectly tender and ready to be enjoyed.

Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Cream

Toss in fresh spinach leaves and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently as they soften and meld into the soup’s creamy texture. This final step brings color, freshness, and just the right amount of richness. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference, making sure every spoonful is perfectly balanced.

Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Dish out your homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls, adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like. The melted cheese adds a lovely savory kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy broth and tender gnocchi.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

For a stunning presentation and an extra burst of flavor, garnish your soup with freshly chopped parsley, a dusting of grated Parmesan, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spice. These simple touches elevate each bowl and make the meal feel even more special.

Side Dishes

This soup is filling on its own, but pairing it with a crusty bread like a warm baguette or garlic breadsticks turns it into a cozy, satisfying feast. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also add a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming dinner party twist, serve the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in mini bread bowls or individual ramekins. You can also garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a swirl of cream to give each bowl a chef-worthy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will remain vibrant, and the soup only gets better as it sits.

Freezing

Because of the cream and gnocchi, freezing this soup is a bit tricky—the texture may change slightly. If you want to freeze, consider leaving out the cream and spinach initially, then add them fresh when reheating for the best results.

Reheating

Warm the soup slowly over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of broth or cream while reheating can restore the soup’s silky texture and keep the gnocchi tender and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient way to get that tender, cooked chicken flavor without the extra prep time. Just shred it before adding to the soup.

What kind of gnocchi works best?

Store-bought potato gnocchi works great for this recipe since it cooks quickly and has that perfect pillowy texture. Fresh gnocchi would also be delicious if you want to make it from scratch.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add more vegetables or vegetarian protein options for heartiness.

Is there a way to make this soup lighter?

Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind that the texture will be less rich but still tasty.

How spicy is the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

This soup is generally mild and creamy, but you can easily add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a bit of heat.

Final Thoughts

Making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home is such a rewarding experience—you get all the cozy, rich flavors of the restaurant classic, with the comfort of knowing exactly what’s going into your bowl. Trust me, once you’ve made this soup, it will quickly become a trusted favorite that you reach for again and again. So grab your ingredients, get cozy, and enjoy every delicious spoonful of this heartwarming soup!

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