Imagine wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of rich, creamy soup—pillowy gnocchi, tender pieces of chicken, vibrant spinach, and whispers of thyme and garlic mingling in every bite.
This dreamlike delight is none other than Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a dish beloved by diners for its indulgent flavors and comforting feel.
But what if we told you that you didn’t need a reservation to experience this culinary hug? With our step-by-step recipe, you can bring the magic of Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup straight to your kitchen.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone just starting to experiment with recipes, this guide will have you ladling up bowls of joy in no time.
Why Everyone Loves Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
What makes this soup so hard to resist? For most people, it’s the perfect mix of rich, creamy textures and fresh, bright flavors. The velvety broth is pure comfort, and the gnocchi — those soft, pillowy potato dumplings — add little chewy bites of happiness.
Throw in tender chicken, fresh spinach, and the cozy warmth of garlic and herbs, and you’ve got a dish that feels like home in every spoonful.
It’s the perfect dish for chilly evenings, when you need something hearty to warm up, or for those times when nothing else but comfort food will do. Families, foodies, and Olive Garden enthusiasts alike rave about this soup—and when you recreate it at home, you’ll see why!
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before jumping into the recipe, let’s gather the essentials.
Ingredients Needed for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this iconic soup at home:
- For the Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- For the Proteins and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works beautifully)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- For the Creamy Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flourish
Equipment Needed
To make this recipe seamless, you’ll need a few key tools in your kitchen:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife for prep work
- Ladle for serving
Now that your ingredients and tools are ready, it’s time to cook!
Step-by-Step Recipe for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating up some butter and olive oil in a big pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s all melted, toss in your diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and your kitchen smells amazing.
Step 2: Make It Creamy
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, giving everything a good stir. Add thyme, salt, and a nice pinch of black pepper. Let it simmer gently for around 10 minutes so the flavors can come together perfectly.
Step 3: Add the Good Stuff
Now for the stars of the show—stir in your shredded chicken and gnocchi. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the top (that’s their fun little way of telling you they’re done).
Step 4: Time for Some Greens
Toss in the chopped spinach and stir until it wilts into the soup. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Your Olive Garden-inspired soup is ready to go! Ladle it into bowls, sprinkle on some parsley or Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy it warm with crusty bread or a side salad. Dig in and savor every bite!
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife for prep work
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 medium carrots finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks chopped
For the Proteins and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works beautifully)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach roughly chopped
- 1 pound gnocchi store-bought or homemade
For the Creamy Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried or fresh
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flourish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Start by heating up some butter and olive oil in a big pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s all melted, toss in your diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and your kitchen smells amazing.
Step 2: Make It Creamy
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, giving everything a good stir. Add thyme, salt, and a nice pinch of black pepper. Let it simmer gently for around 10 minutes so the flavors can come together perfectly.
Step 3: Add the Good Stuff
- Now for the stars of the show—stir in your shredded chicken and gnocchi. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the top (that’s their fun little way of telling you they’re done).
Step 4: Time for Some Greens
- Toss in the chopped spinach and stir until it wilts into the soup. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve It Up
- Your Olive Garden-inspired soup is ready to go! Ladle it into bowls, sprinkle on some parsley or Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy it warm with crusty bread or a side salad. Dig in and savor every bite!
Notes
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in your bowl? Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on six servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22 grams
- Carbohydrates: 28 grams
- Fat: 13 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
Serving Suggestions
For the perfect pairing, enjoy this soup with:
- Side of Breadsticks – Recreate Olive Garden’s buttery breadsticks for dunking (or pick up some from the bakery section!).
- Simple Green Salad – A crisp, fresh salad drizzled with Italian dressing balances out the richness.
- Tomato Basil Bruschetta – Add a little crunch and tang with this classic appetizer.
- Italian Lemon Cream Cake – Finish off the meal with a sweet, citrusy dessert that perfectly complements the savory soup.
Storage and Leftovers for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation.
- Use an airtight container to keep the soup fresh and avoid fridge odors.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
- For longer storage, freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy.
Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
I know this soup is already pretty much perfect, but here are a few extra tips to really nail it:
- Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi—they cook fast! Once they float to the top, give them a minute or two and they’re ready to serve.
- Switch up the protein! If chicken isn’t your favorite, try using cooked sausage or shrimp instead.
- Going vegetarian? Skip the meat and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- Boost the heartiness by adding extra veggies like mushrooms, peas, or corn.
- Perfect for meal prep! This soup reheats beautifully, making it great for parties or busy weeknights.
- Pair with crusty bread for dipping or top with crispy croutons to take it up a notch.
Conclusion
You’re now ready to create a masterpiece, inspired by the Olive Garden’s classic Chicken Gnocchi Soup! With just a few simple ingredients and some kitchen tools, you can bring this beloved comfort food to your table any day of the week. Whether enjoying it with family or indulging in some much-needed self-care, this delicious soup is sure to warm both your tummy and your soul. So go ahead and give it a try – I promise, you won’t be disappointed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to restore its creamy texture.
Q: Can I substitute the gnocchi with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the gnocchi with pasta, rice, or even diced potatoes. Each option brings a slightly different texture to the soup, but all are delicious!
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this soup dairy-free by substituting the cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. Be sure to use a plant-based butter or olive oil as well for sautéing. The result will still be rich and flavorful.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if necessary to adjust the consistency.
Q: What vegetables can I add to this soup?
Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! Chopped spinach, kale, zucchini, or even diced carrots can be wonderful additions. Simply add them during the cooking process to ensure they become tender and well-integrated into the soup.
Q: How can I make this soup more filling?
To make the soup heartier, consider adding cooked shredded chicken, crumbled sausage, or even some white beans. These additions will add extra protein and texture, turning the soup into a satisfying meal on its own.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Of course! While fresh herbs add vibrancy and aroma, dried herbs can also work wonderfully. Simply use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh herbs, as dried herbs tend to have a more concentrated flavor.
