Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich and creamy comfort food that’s packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a velvety broth. Inspired by the popular soup served at Olive Garden, this homemade version is easy to make and just as delicious. With a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors, it’s an ideal soup for chilly days, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is incredibly creamy and flavorful, with tender pieces of chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach. The soup comes together quickly and is perfect for a cozy meal that feels indulgent without being overly heavy. The broth is rich and comforting, and the gnocchi adds a wonderful texture that’s both filling and light. It’s a restaurant-quality soup that you can easily make at home, and it’s perfect for meal prep or serving to a crowd!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

• 1 bag (16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or more if desired)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked and shredded chicken, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion softens and the chicken begins to brown slightly.

2. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

3. Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the soup and cook according to package instructions (usually about 2-3 minutes). The gnocchi will rise to the top when cooked through.

4. Add the Spinach: Once the gnocchi is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.

5. Finish the Soup: If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add More Vegetables: You can add carrots, celery, or zucchini to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic in step 1.

• Spicy Version: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicier kick.

• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the soup.

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and replace it with extra vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.

• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi if you need a gluten-free version of the soup.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: While this soup can be frozen, gnocchi may become a bit soft upon reheating. If you plan to freeze, you can store the soup without the gnocchi and add it after reheating.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it if it thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works just fine! Simply add it to the soup and cook as directed. It may take a little longer than fresh gnocchi, but it will still cook well in the broth.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to add gnocchi, you can cook it separately and add it just before serving to avoid it getting too soft when reheating.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?

Yes, you can use small pasta like ditalini, orzo, or small shells if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.

4. How do I know when the gnocchi is done?

Gnocchi is done when it floats to the top of the soup. It usually takes just 2-3 minutes to cook in the broth.

5. Can I use a rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup when instructed.

6. Can I make this soup without cream?

Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter version of the soup.

7. What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or a simple green vegetable like steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts.

8. Can I freeze the soup?

While you can freeze the soup, the gnocchi may lose its texture upon freezing and reheating. If you plan to freeze, consider freezing the soup without the gnocchi and adding it freshly cooked when reheating.

9. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach is perfect for this recipe. Just chop it and stir it into the soup toward the end of the cooking process, allowing it to wilt.

10. How can I thicken the soup if needed?

If you find the soup too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the soup. Let it cook for a few minutes to thicken.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting, and satisfying meal that brings the beloved restaurant flavors right to your kitchen. With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, velvety broth, it’s the perfect soup to enjoy on a cold day or when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort. Quick to make and full of flavor, this soup will become a family favorite in no time. Enjoy the creamy goodness and warmth in every spoonful!