There's nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of creamy, flavorful Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious broth packed with vegetables, making it the perfect choice for cozy nights or family dinners.

I first recreated this recipe during a chilly weekend when I was craving the warmth of my favorite Olive Garden classic. With a few simple tweaks, I discovered how easy it is to make this restaurant-quality soup right in my kitchen. Let me show you how!

Why You'll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a soup that tastes like it simmered all day but is ready in under an hour. This recipe brings comfort, flavor, and convenience to your table.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need advanced cooking skills or fancy equipment to whip up this satisfying dish. With just a handful of steps, you’ll have a pot of homemade soup that rivals the original.

This soup is a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup for you. Everything from the sautéing to the simmering happens in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

It’s also endlessly adaptable. You can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs by swapping ingredients, adding extra veggies, or experimenting with different herbs.

Lastly, it’s pure comfort food. Whether you’re serving it on a cold winter evening or enjoying it with a warm slice of bread, this soup has a way of bringing everyone to the table.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess and heartiness.

The gnocchi is the star of the dish. These soft, pillowy dumplings soak up the flavors of the creamy broth, adding a delightful texture. While store-bought gnocchi works perfectly, you can use homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.

For the protein, cooked chicken is both convenient and versatile. Rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced, is an excellent option for saving time, but you can also use chicken breasts or thighs that have been cooked and chopped.

The vegetables add depth and nutrition. A combination of onions, celery, and carrots creates a classic base, while fresh spinach lends a pop of color and freshness. If you’re not a fan of spinach, kale is a great alternative.

The creamy broth comes together with chicken broth, heavy cream, and a touch of flour for thickening. The creaminess is key to mimicking Olive Garden’s signature richness, so don’t skimp here.

Finally, a mix of seasonings like thyme, garlic, and a dash of nutmeg elevates the flavor profile. Nutmeg, in particular, adds a subtle warmth that complements the creamy broth beautifully.

How To Make This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this soup is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for a delicious, comforting meal.

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté diced onions, sliced celery, and chopped carrots until softened and fragrant. This forms the aromatic base of your soup.

Next, add minced garlic and a sprinkle of thyme, stirring for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it – you just want to release its aroma.

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. This helps to thicken the soup as it cooks. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Stir in the cooked chicken and gnocchi, letting them warm through in the simmering broth. The gnocchi will cook quickly and rise to the surface when done, usually within 2-3 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Toss in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for a minute or two. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Your soup is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this soup are a treat, and it stores beautifully for later. Transfer any remaining soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy consistency.

If you’d like to freeze the soup, do so before adding the gnocchi and spinach. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and add fresh gnocchi and spinach during the final steps.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to make it your own.

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. While the soup will be slightly less rich, it will still be delicious.

Add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value. Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can be diced and sautéed alongside the onions and celery.

If you’re vegetarian, replace the chicken with cannellini beans or diced tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

To give the soup a flavor twist, try adding cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky touch. A pinch of red pepper flakes also adds a delightful kick.

Finally, play around with the herbs. A blend of Italian seasoning or fresh parsley can add new layers of flavor to this already tasty dish.

Ready to enjoy a bowl of cozy, creamy goodness? This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe will quickly become a family favorite!