Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
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.
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
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste and dietary needs. Whether you're adding extra vegetables, proteins, or experimenting with spices, the key is to balance flavors and ensure all ingredients are cooked to tender perfection. Take your time and savor the process—it's worth it!