Name: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 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; to taste salt; to taste black pepper; grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 7 reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a steaming bowl of comfort, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is about to become your new go-to recipe. Creamy, rich, and brimming with pillowy gnocchi, juicy chicken, and vibrant veggies, it’s the perfect marriage of heartiness and warmth that hits all the right notes, whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or something extra cozy to share with friends.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup so crave-worthy is how these simple ingredients join forces to deliver layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a special role in building that nostalgic restaurant experience right in your own kitchen.

Olive oil: Adds a golden, savory base for sautéeing vegetables and building flavor from the very start.
Onion: Diced finely, onion creates a sweet, aromatic undertone that supports the entire soup.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the broth with irresistible depth—don’t skip it!
Carrots: These bring color, sweetness, and just a bit of crunch to every bite.
Celery: Essential for that classic soup flavor, celery provides subtle savoriness and plenty of texture.
Dried thyme: A wonderful herb that brings earthiness and classic Italian notes to the soup.
Dried basil: Adds warmth and complexity, perfectly complementing the rich chicken and cream.
Chicken broth: Six cups lay down the savory, comforting base that makes the soup so satisfying.
Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken offers protein, texture, and soaks up all those herby, creamy flavors.
Gnocchi: The secret to the soup’s uniqueness; these soft potato dumplings soak up every bit of flavor.
Fresh spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a light nutrient boost towards the end of cooking.
Heavy cream: Swirled in at the end for a velvety, rich finish you can taste in every spoonful.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, these finish the soup and balance all the flavors.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For serving—this is that final umami touch that takes each bite up a notch.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and let them sauté for about 5 minutes. You’ll know you’re ready to move on when the veggies start to soften and your kitchen is filled with an irresistible savory aroma. This is the foundation for all the flavors that follow.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just one minute. Don’t walk away—it goes from fragrant to burnt fast! Sprinkle in the dried thyme and basil, letting them bloom in the heat so all those Italian herbal notes come alive.

Step 3: Pour in Chicken Broth

Now it’s time to add the chicken broth. Pour all six cups into the pot, scraping up any golden bits stuck to the bottom. This broth will soon become the creamy heart of your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken and all the gnocchi. Let it all bubble together for about 5-7 minutes, until those gnocchi float right to the top and turn perfectly tender.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Cream

Right before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream. Let them warm through for 2-3 minutes—the spinach will wilt beautifully, and the cream will make every spoonful luxuriously silky. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve with Style

Ladle the soup into bowls and, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle each one with a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese. Grab your spoon and get ready for cozy comfort in every bite.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

A finishing touch can make a world of difference. A big handful of freshly grated Parmesan gives your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup that classic, nutty bite. You can also add a crack of black pepper, a few fresh basil leaves, or even a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.

Side Dishes

This soup is dreamy on its own, but it truly shines alongside a warm, crusty bread or soft garlic breadsticks—just like the restaurant. Pair it with a simple green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette, or serve as a cozy starter before a pasta main course for the ultimate Italian feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Make weeknight dinners memorable by serving Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in rustic soup bowls or shallow pasta dishes. For gatherings, ladle it into mini mugs for an appetizer, or serve with garnishes on the side so everyone can personalize their bowl. However you present it, this soup is sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’re in for a treat tomorrow! Simply allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture of the gnocchi and the creaminess of the broth hold up beautifully.

Freezing

While this soup can be frozen, the gnocchi texture can change once thawed—they may become a bit softer. If you still want to freeze, let the soup cool and store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. For the very best results, consider freezing the base and adding fresh gnocchi after thawing when you reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour the soup into a pot and warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently until hot. You can also microwave individual servings in bursts, stirring between each, to evenly heat without curdling the cream. Add an extra splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened overnight.

FAQs

Do I need to cook the gnocchi before adding to the soup?

No need! Just add the uncooked gnocchi directly into your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup during cooking. The gnocchi will cook through and become tender while the soup simmers.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply choose a gluten-free gnocchi from your grocery store or local Italian market. Everything else in Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is naturally gluten-free!

What’s the best kind of chicken to use?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, but feel free to use leftover grilled or poached chicken breast or thighs—whatever you have on hand. The tender texture soaks up all the creamy flavors beautifully.

How can I make this soup even creamier?

If you love indulgence, add an extra splash of heavy cream or a handful of grated Parmesan at the end. For a twist, stir in a spoonful of mascarpone or cream cheese until fully melted for a silkier Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added during the sauté step to up the veggie goodness. Just keep the creamy, herby spirit of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup intact for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings restaurant-worthy comfort and nostalgia to your own kitchen in under an hour. It’s creamy, filling, and absolutely soul-soothing—just what you need for a cozy night in. Don’t wait until your next Olive Garden visit to enjoy it; give this recipe a try and share it with someone who needs a little extra comfort today!