Name: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving creamy comfort in a bowl, look no further than this luscious Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This beloved restaurant classic transforms everyday ingredients into a soul-warming delight, filled with pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a swirl of cream. Whether you’re serving your family on a cozy weeknight or looking to impress friends with homemade goodness, this recipe captures restaurant flavor in every spoonful—no reservations required!

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home is just how effortlessly these simple ingredients come together. Every item on the list plays a key part, lending distinctive flavor, body, and color for that signature creamy bowl you love.

Olive oil: Adds richness to the sautéed vegetables and infuses the soup base with flavor.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Brings a gentle sweetness and depth to the broth.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives a fragrant kick—don’t be shy with it!
Carrots (2 medium, diced): Brighten every bite with subtle sweetness and beautiful color.
Celery (2 stalks, diced): Adds savory backbone and crunch to the veggie trio.
Dried thyme (1 tsp): Brings a warm, earthy note that complements the creamy broth.
Dried basil (1 tsp): Lends gentle herby aroma reminiscent of Italian kitchens.
Chicken broth (6 cups): Forms the heart of the soup—choose a good-quality broth for best results.
Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded): Rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly for convenience and flavor.
Gnocchi (16 oz package): These soft potato dumplings turn each bowl into a hearty, satisfying meal.
Fresh spinach (2 cups): Wilts perfectly, adding color and a nutritious lift.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the soup luxuriously rich and velvety, just like the original.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Brings every flavor into balance—taste and adjust as you go.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving): A sprinkle on top finishes the dish with a salty, nutty flourish.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start with a large soup pot on medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once it’s glistening, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and smelling wonderful. This is your flavor base, so take your time and let those aromas develop!

Step 2: Add Garlic

When the veggies are nearly tender, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about one minute—just until you catch that irresistible, fragrant aroma. You don’t want it to burn, just to bloom and become irresistible. This step sets the stage for the soup’s comforting flavors.

Step 3: Add Herbs and Broth

Sprinkle in the dried thyme and basil, stirring well so every veggie gets coated. Pour in the rich chicken broth and give everything a happy little stir. Raise the heat to bring it all up to a lively boil—this is where the magic happens as the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

Once your broth is boiling, dial the heat down to a steady simmer. Add the shredded cooked chicken and those pillowy gnocchi to the pot. Let them simmer gently for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface and are cooked through—soft, tender, and ready to soak up the creamy goodness!

Step 5: Spinach and Cream Finale

Gently stir in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt beautifully in the hot soup. Pour in the heavy cream and let everything heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes. Season generously with salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting as you go. Just like that, your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is creamy, dreamy, and ready to be devoured.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls straight from the pot. If you like, finish with a shower of grated Parmesan cheese for that classic touch. Every spoonful will feel like a warm hug!

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

For ultimate coziness and a little wow factor, I love to shower each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. A sprig of fresh basil or a swirl of olive oil also adds a beautiful pop of color, making your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup feel restaurant-level fancy with hardly any extra effort.

Side Dishes

No Italian-inspired meal is complete without plenty of warm bread. Serve your soup with crusty baguette slices or soft garlic breadsticks to soak up every last silky drop. If you’d like something greener, a crunchy Caesar salad or a simple mixed salad rounds out the meal beautifully, offering a crisp, fresh balance to the hearty soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special presentation, serve the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in rustic bread bowls—it’s simple, dramatic, and downright delicious! Or, host a cozy soup night with a DIY toppings bar featuring some grated cheese, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes so everyone can crown their bowl just the way they like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more as it chills.

Freezing

Although the soup freezes fairly well, the texture of the gnocchi and cream can change slightly once thawed. For best results, freeze the base soup (before adding the cream and spinach), then add those last ingredients fresh when you reheat. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent the creamy broth from separating. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, splash in a little extra broth or cream to loosen things up as it heats. Avoid boiling, especially if you’ve already added the cream, to maintain that silky texture.

FAQs

How do I keep gnocchi from getting mushy in the soup?

Add the gnocchi only once your soup base is simmering, and cook until just tender—they’re ready when they float. Overcooking can make them too soft, so keep an eye on the pot.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds both flavor and convenience. Just shred or chop it before adding to your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Is there a dairy-free option for this soup?

If you’re avoiding dairy, you can swap the heavy cream for a rich, unsweetened non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or a plain oat cream. The flavor will change slightly, but the texture will stay beautifully creamy.

Can I prep any ingredients ahead of time?

Definitely! You can dice all your vegetables and shred the chicken a day or two ahead, storing them in airtight containers in the fridge. That way, tossing together Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a weeknight becomes even easier.

What can I do with leftover gnocchi?

If you have extra gnocchi, they can be sautéed in a bit of butter until golden and tossed into salads or other soups. They’re wonderfully versatile and taste great even outside the traditional Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about recreating a restaurant favorite at home, and Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate feel-good meal for any day of the week. From the creamy broth to those irresistible gnocchi, this recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to for sharing warmth and flavor with the ones you love!

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and hearty Olive Garden copycat recipe for Chicken Gnocchi Soup that is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal.

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the dried thyme and basil, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, and add the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
Stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian