There is something truly comforting about the creamy, hearty goodness found in the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. This soup marries tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh greens, and savory vegetables in a luscious broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or want to impress family and friends with a beloved restaurant-style dish, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of flavor and texture you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that beautifully complement each other, creating a depth of flavor without fuss. Each component has a specific role, from adding freshness and crunch to enriching the broth’s creaminess and heartiness.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cooked and diced for tender protein throughout the soup.
- Celery: Chopped finely to add subtle earthiness and a slight crunch.
- White onion: Diced, providing a mild sweetness when sautéed.
- Minced garlic: Just enough to impart a fragrant, savory punch.
- Shredded carrots: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Olive oil: For sautéing, bringing out the flavors of the vegetables gently.
- Low sodium chicken broth: The flavor-packed base that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the ingredients.
- Thyme: A fragrant herb that infuses the soup with earthy warmth.
- Potato gnocchi: The star ingredient, fluffy and tender little pillows that soak up the broth deliciously.
- Half and half: Gives the soup its signature creamy texture without being too heavy.
- Fresh spinach: Roughly chopped, adding freshness and a pop of green to brighten the bowl.
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, diced onions, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté these aromatics for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and everything softens slightly. This step releases their natural sweetness, building the flavor foundation for the soup.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth
Next, stir in your cooked, diced chicken breasts along with the low sodium chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and the fragrant thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil; this helps combine all the flavors and prepares the soup for the gnocchi. The seasoning here is key to developing a balanced taste.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Once boiling, gently stir in the potato gnocchi. Let them boil for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they become tender and start to float to the top. Then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook gently for another 10 minutes. This slow simmer allows every ingredient to meld beautifully, thickening the broth slightly and softening the gnocchi perfectly.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Spinach
Finally, stir in the half and half and freshly chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup acquires that irresistible creamy texture the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is known for. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired before serving up this warm, satisfying bowl of goodness.
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few cracked black pepper flakes make wonderful finishes, adding a slight nuttiness and a bit of kick. Fresh chopped parsley or a few torn basil leaves bring a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note that perks up the comforting soup.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve this soup alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping. A simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully, cutting through the creamy richness with bright, crisp flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour the soup into rustic bowls and top each with a mini skewer of grilled chicken or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an elegant touch. You can also serve it in mini bread bowls for a fun and edible presentation that’s sure to impress guests or delight kids.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, but the gnocchi may absorb some broth overnight.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this soup, it’s best to hold back on adding the half and half and spinach until reheating. Freeze the broth and chicken base separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Add the dairy and greens fresh to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring often. Add the half and half and spinach when warm. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling and keep the soup creamy and smooth, just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that adds great flavor. Just dice or shred it and add it in step two as directed.
Is potato gnocchi the only type of gnocchi I can use?
Potato gnocchi is traditional here for its pillowy texture, but you could experiment with sweet potato or ricotta gnocchi if you want a different twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What can I use instead of half and half for a lighter option?
You can substitute half and half with milk for a lighter soup, but the broth won’t be quite as rich. Alternatively, use a mixture of milk and a small amount of cream to balance health and indulgence.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Adding extra gnocchi and hearty vegetables like mushrooms can help keep it filling and flavorful.
Is it possible to make this soup spicy?
Definitely! Add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables or a dash of hot sauce just before serving to give this classic soup a pleasant spicy kick that warms from within.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings restaurant-quality comfort right into your kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate that creamy, savory bowl of goodness anytime. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’re sure to fall in love with every spoonful and want to make it again and again.
Print
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that blends tender chicken, fluffy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and aromatic vegetables in a savory broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal full of flavor and warmth.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- ½ white onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped celery, diced onions, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Broth: Add the cooked, diced chicken breasts to the pot along with low sodium chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil to blend the flavors.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Gently stir in the potato gnocchi. Allow it to boil for 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi are tender, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.
- Finish with Dairy and Spinach: Stir in the half and half and the roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and tender. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute half and half with heavy cream for a richer soup or milk for a lighter version, but it may affect the creaminess.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in with the half and half, cooking until thickened.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Parmesan cheese when serving.
- This soup is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop to prevent curdling of the cream.
