If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, chances are you’ve fallen in love with their famous Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and carrots, this comforting bowl of goodness has become a fan favorite. The best part? You don’t need to head to the restaurant — you can recreate this cozy classic right at home. Perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or meal prep, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Restaurant taste at home – enjoy the same creamy flavor without leaving your kitchen.
- Quick & easy – ready in under 40 minutes with simple steps.
- Comfort food favorite – warm, hearty, and satisfying for the whole family.
- Versatile & customizable – add extra veggies or swap in rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Budget-friendly – make a large batch for a fraction of the restaurant price.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Here are the key ingredients that make this soup so irresistible:
- Chicken – provides protein and adds hearty flavor to the creamy base.
- Potato Gnocchi – soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the rich broth beautifully.
- Fresh Spinach – adds color, nutrients, and freshness to balance the creaminess.
- Carrots & Celery – create depth, sweetness, and texture in the soup.
- Onion & Garlic – the aromatic base that builds savory flavor.
- Heavy Cream & Chicken Broth – combine to form the signature rich, velvety broth.
- Italian Seasoning – infuses the soup with classic Tuscan-inspired flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Cook the chicken – In a large pot, sauté diced chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables – In the same pot, add butter, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Build the base – Stir in flour to create a light roux, then slowly whisk in chicken broth for a smooth consistency.
- Add creaminess – Pour in heavy cream and stir well to form a rich, velvety soup base.
- Bring in flavor – Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently.
- Add gnocchi – Toss in potato gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 3–4 minutes.
- Finish with chicken & spinach – Return the cooked chicken and add fresh spinach. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Serve & enjoy – Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan, and serve warm with crusty bread.
Expert Tip: For extra richness, let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving — the flavors deepen as it sits.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter – use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add heat – sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-free option – choose gluten-free gnocchi and use cornstarch instead of flour.
- Shortcut chicken – rotisserie chicken works perfectly for busy nights.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions without the gnocchi (they can become mushy). Add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
Similar Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, you’ll also fall in love with these cozy and flavorful bowls. Try my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe for a cheesy, comforting classic, or warm up with the bold flavors of Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup: A Cozy Delight. For something lighter yet equally satisfying, don’t miss the refreshing Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Fresh Citrus Flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes! Pre-packaged potato gnocchi works great for this recipe and keeps things quick and easy.
Q2: How do I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker texture, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water and simmer until thickened.
Q3: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Add everything except the gnocchi and spinach, cook on low for 6 hours, then stir them in 30 minutes before serving.
Q4: What to serve with Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
It pairs perfectly with garlic bread, salad, or a warm baguette for dipping.
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is creamy, cozy, and absolutely satisfying — a true restaurant classic made easy for home cooks. Whether you’re craving comfort food on a cold evening or planning a family dinner, this recipe will win everyone over. Try it this week, and don’t forget to share your delicious creation with friends and family!
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cooked & diced)
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 package 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently.
- Add gnocchi and cook 3–4 minutes, until they float.
- Stir in diced chicken and spinach. Cook 2–3 minutes until heated and wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with Parmesan and bread.