Name: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup celery, diced; 1 cup carrots, diced; 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups half-and-half; 16 ounces potato gnocchi; 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped

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There’s just something utterly comforting about a big, steaming bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. With its silky, creamy broth hugging pillowy gnocchi, tender bites of chicken, and vibrant ribbons of spinach, it’s no wonder this restaurant classic has stolen the hearts of so many soup lovers. Whether you’re hoping to bring a little Italian-American warmth to your kitchen or eager to wow friends with a hearty, easy meal, this copycat recipe is about to become one of your go-to favorites.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is how every simple ingredient shines, each working its magic to create that signature flavor and creamy, dreamy texture. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you get started, plus a few insider tips to make your soup unforgettable!

Butter: Adds a luxurious richness as the base, giving every spoonful a little melt-in-your-mouth magic.
Olive Oil: Lends a subtle depth and helps sauté the aromatics without burning the butter.
Onion, finely chopped: Sweet and savory, it builds flavor right from the start.
Garlic, minced: A must for warmth and inviting layers of taste—always use fresh for best results.
Celery, diced: Brings a gentle bite and that unmistakable soup flavor base.
Carrots, diced: Adds color and a touch of sweet earthy crunch to every bowl.
Cooked Chicken, shredded: Using leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken makes prep a breeze and keeps the meat juicy.
Chicken Broth: The heart and soul of the soup, so use a good-quality, low-sodium version if you can.
Dried Thyme: Introduces a comforting, subtle herby note that complements the creamy broth perfectly.
Dried Parsley: Offers a fresh pop of flavor and a little extra green color.
Salt: Essential for drawing out all the best flavors—taste as you go!
Black Pepper: Enhances and balances the richness without overpowering it.
Half-and-Half: Delivers luxurious creaminess, but you can use heavy cream for an even thicker texture.
Potato Gnocchi: The star of the show! Look for fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi in the pasta aisle.
Fresh Spinach Leaves, chopped: Adds color, nutrients, and a lovely freshness right at the end.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat, then melt the butter along with olive oil. As soon as it’s shimmering, toss in your chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Let the vegetables cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and fill your kitchen with a rich, savory aroma. This step is the flavor foundation of your soup and worth the few extra minutes!

Step 2: Add Chicken, Broth, and Herbs

Stir in your shredded chicken, followed by the chicken broth, dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bringing everything together in this stage melds the flavors and infuses the stock with all that herby, chicken goodness. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Create That Signature Creamy Base

Once your soup is bubbling softly, pour in the half-and-half. The broth turns creamy right before your eyes, promising the signature luscious texture of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Stir in the gnocchi and let them cook for 3–4 minutes—they’ll float to the top when ready, signaling they’re perfectly tender.

Step 4: Stir in Fresh Spinach

For the grand finale, add your chopped spinach and cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until the leaves wilt and turn a vibrant green. This not only adds a pop of color but also infuses the soup with lovely freshness, balancing out the richness beautifully.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Ladle your homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup into big bowls, and don’t forget some crusty bread for dunking. With that creamy broth, soft gnocchi, and seasoned chicken, nobody will believe it didn’t come straight from a restaurant kitchen!

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a twist of black pepper can make your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup absolutely sing. If you want to take it up another notch, drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil or scatter a few fresh parsley leaves on top—just before serving for a burst of color and herbal brightness.

Side Dishes

There’s no better partner for this creamy soup than a slice of warm, crusty bread—whether it’s a classic baguette or soft breadsticks. You might also love a crisp green salad with bright vinaigrette, which perfectly balances the richness of the soup and makes you feel like you’re dining out at Olive Garden, right at home.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or cozy family meals, consider serving Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in wide, shallow bowls with an extra swirl of cream and a scatter of microgreens on top. If you’re hosting a gathering, ladle the soup into small cups or mugs for an elegant, appetizer-style course before the main meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, simply let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just know that the gnocchi will soften as it sits, soaking up more of the delicious broth.

Freezing

While you can freeze this soup, it’s best to do so before adding the gnocchi and spinach, as they can turn mushy after thawing. If you know you’ll be freezing leftovers, divide out the portion you want to reserve, freeze it without these final ingredients, and add them fresh when reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, until hot through. If the soup has thickened up in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half to loosen it to your desired consistency. Microwave reheating is also possible—just use short bursts and stir frequently to avoid overheating the cream.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a delicious time-saver and lends plenty of flavor, making prep even quicker without sacrificing taste.

What’s the best way to make this soup gluten-free?

Look for gluten-free gnocchi (many grocery stores carry it) and double-check the chicken broth label. With those tweaks, this soup can be easily adapted to gluten-free diets.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Frozen spinach works in a pinch! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding it to the soup to avoid watering down your creamy base.

How can I make the soup even creamier?

For a richer, more decadent texture, swap the half-and-half for heavy cream, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch plus 2 tablespoons water) before adding spinach. This thickens the broth up nicely!

Is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the soft gnocchi and mild flavors. You can even chop the veggies a bit finer or skip the spinach if you have picky eaters—this soup is endlessly customizable for family tastes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a warm hug in a bowl, Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is just the dish to bring comfort and joy to your table. With its easy steps, approachable ingredients, and unforgettable flavor, there’s every reason to give this recipe a try—don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a family tradition!

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious copycat recipe for Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi Soup that is creamy, comforting, and perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty soup is loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a flavorful broth.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups half-and-half
16 ounces potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped

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Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Stir in shredded chicken, chicken broth, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in half-and-half and gnocchi, cooking for 3–4 minutes or until gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
Add spinach and cook for 1–2 more minutes until wilted.
Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

For a creamier soup, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, stir in 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water before adding the spinach.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course, Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American