Intro
There are certain dishes that just wrap you in comfort the moment you take a bite, and for me, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is one of them. I still remember the first time I tasted it—creamy, warm, full of tender chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, and those little bursts of flavor from vegetables and herbs. It felt like the kind of soup you crave on a chilly evening, but honestly, I find myself wanting it all year round.
As a home cook, I’ve always loved recreating restaurant favorites in my own kitchen, and this one quickly became a personal favorite. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking simple ingredients like chicken, cream, garlic, and potatoes and turning them into a rich, cozy bowl of goodness.
What I love most about this recipe is how approachable it is. You don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a little time, a bit of patience, and a love for good food—and you’ll have a soup that tastes just as comforting as the one you remember.
What is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
The Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a creamy, hearty soup made with tender pieces of chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh vegetables like spinach and carrots, and a rich, flavorful broth.
It’s known for its smooth, creamy texture and comforting flavor profile. The gnocchi adds a soft, pillowy bite that makes the soup feel more filling than your average bowl.
This soup is often served as a starter, but honestly, it’s hearty enough to be a full meal on its own.
Equipment List
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Recipe Card Info
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Course: Soup / Main
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery.
Step 2: Create the Base
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Step 3: Add Broth
Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add Chicken
Stir in the shredded chicken and let it cook for a few minutes.
Step 5: Add Cream and Milk
Pour in heavy cream and milk. Stir gently and let the soup thicken.
Step 6: Add Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi and cook for 3–5 minutes until they float.
Step 7: Add Spinach and Seasoning
Stir in spinach, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until spinach wilts.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is everything comfort food should be—creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
Flavor Profile
- Creamy and rich
- Savory chicken flavor
- Soft, pillowy gnocchi
- Fresh, slightly earthy spinach
Tips for the Best Soup
- Use freshly cooked chicken for better flavor
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi
- Stir gently to keep the texture smooth
Variations to Try
1. Lighter Version
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
2. Extra Veggies
Add mushrooms or zucchini.
3. Spicy Twist
Add chili flakes for heat.
What to Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
- Crusty bread
Storage Tips
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling too hard after adding cream
- Overcooking gnocchi
FAQs
Can I freeze this soup?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze without the cream.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it works great.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream alternatives.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that brings comfort and joy with every spoonful. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
Read More:
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 package 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery.
Step 2: Create the Base
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Step 3: Add Broth
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add Chicken
- Stir in the shredded chicken and let it cook for a few minutes.
Step 5: Add Cream and Milk
- Pour in heavy cream and milk. Stir gently and let the soup thicken.
Step 6: Add Gnocchi
- Add the gnocchi and cook for 3–5 minutes until they float.
Step 7: Add Spinach and Seasoning
- Stir in spinach, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until spinach wilts.
Step 8: Serve Warm
- Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.
Hi, I’m Isabella Bennett a home cook who believes every meal tells a story. I share simple, delicious recipes made with love, one plate at a time.