Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming of a big, cozy bowl of soup that hits every comfort note, Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is exactly what you’re craving. Lusciously creamy, brimming with pillowy potato gnocchi, colorful veggies, and shredded chicken, this soul-warming classic brings the flavor and warmth of the iconic restaurant experience straight to your own kitchen. With this easy recipe, you’ll capture all those delicious Italian-American flavors in less time than it takes to drive to your nearest Olive Garden—plus, there’s nothing quite like filling your home with the aroma of a hearty, homemade soup bubbling on the stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simplicity: every ingredient has a tasty purpose, coming together for a creamy, comforting masterpiece. These staples pack in flavor, add heartiness, and deliver that signature rich, silky texture.
- Butter: Lays the decadent foundation and brings a mellow, rich flavor to the base of your soup.
- Olive oil: Helps the veggies sauté evenly and adds a fruity note to the overall dish.
- Onion: Grants deep sweetness and aromatic depth after softening alongside celery and garlic.
- Celery: Contributes a delicate crunch and subtle earthiness that balances the richness.
- Garlic: Don’t skip it! A must for building that hallmark savory flavor we all love in soups.
- All-purpose flour: Creates a simple roux, thickening the soup to a velvety consistency.
- Chicken broth: The backbone of the soup, infusing every bite with soul-soothing comfort.
- Milk: Adds creaminess without weighing the soup down—use whole milk for extra body.
- Heavy cream: Here’s where the magic happens; this is the secret to ultra-luxurious mouthfeel.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but any leftover cooked chicken fits right in.
- Carrots: For pops of sunset color and just a hint of natural sweetness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that ties everything together, making the whole soup sing with zesty, herby notes.
- Salt and black pepper: Always taste and adjust—seasoning brings out all the layered flavors.
- Potato gnocchi: These little dumplings are pure comfort—store-bought works beautifully, but fresh is next-level if you have it.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts into the soup at the end, adding vibrant color and a helpful nutrient boost.
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by melting the butter and olive oil together in a large soup pot over medium heat. When the mixture starts to sizzle gently, add your chopped onion, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavor base that makes your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup taste truly homemade!
Step 2: Make a Velvety Roux
Sprinkle the flour right over your sautéed veggies. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, letting the raw flour taste cook out and the roux take on a pale golden color. This little bit of patience pays off big time by thickening your soup to that signature creamy consistency.
Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid any lumps, then follow with the milk and heavy cream. Whisk until the mixture is totally smooth and starting to gently steam. This combo is the secret behind the soup’s irresistible, rich texture.
Step 4: Add Chicken, Carrots, and Seasoning
Now, stir in the shredded chicken, colorful carrots, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—not a rolling boil—to really meld the flavors together. Allow it all to bubble softly for 5 to 7 minutes, which tenderizes the carrots while infusing the soup with those comforting, layered notes you adore in Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the potato gnocchi straight into the pot. Cook according to package instructions (usually 3 to 5 minutes), watching for when they start to float to the surface—your cue that they’re perfectly soft and pillowy, ready to eat!
Step 6: Wilt in the Spinach
Just before serving, add the spinach so it stays vibrant and doesn’t get overcooked. Give the soup a good stir for about 1 to 2 minutes until the greens are just wilted. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed, then ladle into bowls to serve steaming hot.
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always a winning finish for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Freshly cracked black pepper, a handful of chopped parsley, or even a swirl of extra cream add flair and flavor to every bowl—don’t forget that small touch that makes soup feel special.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, classic Italian breadsticks are a perfect match, ideal for dunking and soaking up the soup’s creamy goodness. Try pairing with a crisp Caesar salad, focaccia, or a bright tomato-cucumber salad to balance out the warm, rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or family dinners, serve your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in mini bread bowls or pour into oversized mugs for a cozy feel. If you’re hosting, try topping each bowl with festive swirls of cream or a sprinkling of microgreens for a restaurant-worthy presentation right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, making it great for lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
While the creamy broth and gnocchi can change texture a bit with freezing, you can absolutely stash cooled soup in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. For best results, freeze without the gnocchi, then cook fresh gnocchi and stir into reheated soup before serving.
Reheating
Gently reheat soup over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, and don’t forget to check the seasoning before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and brings a lovely roasted flavor to Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Just shred it and stir it right in.
What type Soup
Store-bought potato gnocchi is convenient and perfect for this recipe. If you find fresh gnocchi at your market, it’s even more pillowy and delicious. You can also use gluten-free gnocchi to make this soup accessible for everyone.
Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup vegetarian?
Sure! Swap the chicken for additional veggies like mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup stays creamy and comforting, and the flavors are still spot-on.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even additional whole milk for a lighter soup. Just remember that it won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still be silky and delicious.
How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?
Add the gnocchi near the end of cooking, and only simmer for as long as the package suggests, usually 3 to 5 minutes. Overcooking is the main culprit behind mushy gnocchi, so timing is key!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about serving up a steaming pot of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup and sharing it with people you love. If you’re craving a cozy hug in a bowl or want to impress your family with a restaurant copycat that tastes even better at home, this recipe is your new go-to. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your tastebuds will thank you!
Print
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a beloved Olive Garden favorite with this homemade chicken gnocchi soup. Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and vibrant veggies, this soup is a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the Rest:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté onion, celery, and garlic until soft.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle in flour and stir to create a roux.
- Add Liquids: Whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Incorporate Ingredients: Add chicken, carrots, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add gnocchi and cook until tender, then stir in spinach.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- You can use rotisserie chicken or substitute with turkey or sausage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
