Name: The Best 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, optional

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 8 reviews

If you’re looking for pure comfort in a bowl, The Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is your golden ticket. Imagine a creamy, dreamy broth brimming with pillowy gnocchi, juicy pieces of chicken, and colorful veggies – it’s pure Italian-American cozy food made easy. This soup is irresistible any time of year, boasting hearty textures and rich, savory flavors that make every spoonful downright delightful.

The Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This soup comes together with simple, everyday ingredients that each play an important part. Each brings something unique, from creamy richness to irresistible aroma, ensuring The Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is always packed with flavor and texture.

Olive oil: Delivers a beautiful, subtle base flavor while helping those aromatics shine.
Onion (medium, diced): Adds sweetness and depth with every bite.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with a rich, savory fragrance.
Carrots (2 medium, diced): Bring a touch of sweetness and colorful appeal.
Celery (2 stalks, diced): Provides a gentle crunch and classic soup flavor.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Lends earthy warmth to the entire pot.
Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, slightly peppery herbal note.
Chicken broth (6 cups): Forms the heart of the soup, adding savory depth.
Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded): Make things easy with rotisserie or leftover chicken for incredible tenderness.
Gnocchi (16 oz package): These pillowy dumplings bring unbeatable texture and comfort.
Fresh spinach (2 cups): Wilts perfectly, adding color and a gentle earthy tang.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Provides that signature creamy, luscious consistency.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Allows you to highlight all those beautiful flavors.
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional): For that final savory flourish on top.

How to Make The Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir frequently as they soften and mingle together, about five minutes. This aromatic trio is the secret to a beautifully flavorful base!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

Now bring in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute, until it smells irresistible. Quickly sprinkle in your dried thyme and basil. These herbs release their oils in the heat and make your kitchen smell amazing – trust me, this is the moment your neighbors start peeking in!

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Carefully add your chicken broth to the vegetables. Stir everything together and crank up the heat just until it reaches a gentle boil. This is going to become the silky, savory backbone for The Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

Once the broth is bubbling, turn the heat down to let it simmer. Stir in your shredded chicken (rotisserie is perfect!) and the gnocchi. Simmer gently for five to seven minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top and become irresistibly tender.

Step 5: Wilt Spinach and Finish Creamy

Drop in the fresh spinach and pour in the heavy cream. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for just two or three minutes longer. The spinach will wilt beautifully, and the cream will transform your soup into something luxuriously rich. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as you like.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s steaming and finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan, if desired. Dive in – you’ve just made The Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe at home!

How to Serve The Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of freshly grated Parmesan is a classic finishing touch that melts right over the top. You can also add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a little chopped fresh basil to bring out the soup’s colors and flavors even more. Sometimes, a swirl of extra cream or a few crunchy croutons will make each serving extra special!

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal, but it’s also lovely served with a crusty loaf of Italian bread for dunking. Think warm garlic breadsticks, or even a simple green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette to balance the rich creaminess of the soup. You seriously can’t go wrong here!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests, try serving The Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls. Or portion it into small cups for party starters. For a touch of elegance, finish each bowl with a tiny drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprig of parsley.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup holds up beautifully in the fridge. Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. You can keep it refrigerated for up to three days – the flavors mingle and only get better!

Freezing

While most creamy soups can be tricky to freeze, this one actually does fine if you don’t mind a slight texture change with the gnocchi. For best results, freeze before adding the cream and spinach. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat, then add those ingredients at the very end.

Reheating

Gently warm the soup over low to medium heat, stirring often to keep the cream from separating and to ensure the gnocchi stay tender. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of extra broth or cream if the soup gets too thick.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for The Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe – it’s tender, flavorful, and a great time-saver when you’re in a hurry. Just shred it and toss it in!

What kind of gnocchi works best?

Potato gnocchi from the refrigerated or vacuum-sealed sections of the grocery store are ideal. They’re fluffy, cook quickly, and hold up nicely in the creamy broth.

Can I make this soup gluten free?

Yes! Look for gluten-free gnocchi at many grocery stores. Just double check the broth and other ingredients as well to keep everything safe for gluten-free eaters.

Is there a lighter version?

You can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter but still creamy soup. Use plenty of veggies and stick with lean chicken breast for a lighter touch.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to stir in mushrooms, peas, or even diced zucchini for extra color and texture. The Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a fantastic way to use up what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving something warm, satisfying, and downright cozy, there’s truly nothing like making The Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe at home. Give it a try and savor those creamy spoonfuls – I promise, your kitchen will be filled with smiles and plenty of happy seconds!