Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, creamy classic that tastes just like the restaurant favorite, but even better when made at home. Inspired by the well-known version served at Olive Garden, this soup delivers tender chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a rich, velvety broth in every spoonful. It is hearty without feeling heavy and perfect for chilly evenings or when you want something soothing yet satisfying. I enjoy making this soup because it comes together easily and fills the kitchen with the most inviting aroma. The balance of creaminess and freshness makes it appealing to both adults and children, and it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple salad. Once you try it homemade, you may find yourself skipping the restaurant version altogether.
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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Creamy Copycat Favorite)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A creamy, comforting soup inspired by Olive Garden’s classic, featuring tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and vegetables simmered in a rich, savory broth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, celery, and carrots and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add cooked chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in gnocchi and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender.
- Add heavy cream and spinach, stirring until spinach is wilted.
- Simmer for another 2–3 minutes and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.
- Do not overcook the gnocchi to keep them tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast
Chicken breast provides lean protein and a mild flavor that absorbs the creamy broth beautifully. When cooked gently, it stays tender and juicy.
Potato gnocchi
Gnocchi replaces traditional pasta and gives the soup its signature soft, pillowy texture. It makes the soup hearty and filling.
Butter
Butter forms the base of the soup, adding richness and helping sauté the vegetables evenly.
Olive oil
Olive oil complements the butter and prevents it from burning while adding a subtle depth of flavor.
Onion
Onion adds gentle sweetness and forms the aromatic foundation of the soup.
Celery
Celery brings a mild herbal freshness and balances the richness of the cream.
Carrots
Carrots add natural sweetness and a touch of color, making the soup more visually appealing.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory profile and adds warmth without overpowering the dish.
All-purpose flour
Flour thickens the soup slightly, giving it a smooth, creamy consistency.
Chicken stock
Chicken stock builds the body of the soup and ties all the ingredients together.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream creates the luxurious, velvety texture that defines this soup.
Fresh spinach
Spinach adds freshness, color, and a light nutritional boost without changing the flavor.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning reinforces the classic restaurant-style taste with herbs and mild spice.
Salt and black pepper
These seasonings balance and enhance all the flavors in the soup.
Directions
Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until aromatic. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to remove any raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the chicken breast and Italian seasoning, then simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the pot.
Stir in the gnocchi and cook until they float and become tender. Reduce the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring gently. Finish by adding the spinach and cooking just until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four to six people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of approximately 30 minutes, making it ideal for a comforting weeknight meal.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of stock or cream if the soup thickens too much.
Variations and Customizations
This soup is easy to adapt. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or substitute half-and-half for a lighter version. Adding mushrooms enhances the savory depth, while extra spinach increases freshness. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cream and butter alternatives. If you prefer a thicker soup, slightly increase the flour, or for a thinner broth, add more stock. These small adjustments allow you to tailor the soup while keeping its comforting character intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This soup provides protein from chicken and calcium from cream. Spinach contributes vitamins and minerals, making it a balanced comfort dish. It can be modified for lower fat or reduced sodium with simple ingredient swaps.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Cook gnocchi gently
Avoid boiling vigorously to keep gnocchi tender.
Balance the cream
Add cream at low heat to prevent curdling.
Season at the end
Final seasoning ensures the best flavor balance.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze chicken gnocchi soup?
Freezing is possible, but the texture may change slightly.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi both work.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and gnocchi to adapt it.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, zucchini or mushrooms work well.
How do I thicken the soup?
Simmer slightly longer or add a small amount of extra flour.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, add it during the final simmer.
Does this soup reheat well?
Yes, reheat gently to maintain texture.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the soup will be less rich.
What pairs well with this soup?
Crusty bread or a light salad are perfect pairings.
Conclusion
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that brings restaurant-style flavor into your home kitchen. With its tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and rich broth, it is a reliable recipe you will want to make again and again.
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