There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup to soothe the soul on a chilly day. This creamy, hearty soup combines tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables in a luxurious broth that tastes just like the restaurant favorite.

I discovered this recipe when I was craving the cozy comfort of Olive Garden but wanted to skip the drive. After a few tweaks to make it more home-cook friendly, this soup has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests. Let’s dive in and make this restaurant-quality dish right at home!

Why You'll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible soup that brings the flavors of Olive Garden to your own kitchen.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is perfect even for beginner cooks. You can have a steaming pot of soup ready in under an hour.

This soup is also versatile and customizable. Whether you’re using leftover chicken, swapping out veggies, or adding extra spices, it adapts beautifully to your preferences.

Another reason to love it? It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy restaurant-quality food. Skip the takeout bill and whip up a large batch of this delicious soup at home.

Lastly, the creamy broth, tender gnocchi, and juicy chicken make this soup a family favorite. Even picky eaters will come back for seconds.

With so much to love, this recipe is destined to become a go-to in your meal rotation.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich, comforting experience.

Chicken is the star of this dish. You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breast, or even leftover turkey. For a quick option, try store-bought diced chicken.

The gnocchi gives this soup its signature heartiness. Look for packaged potato gnocchi in the pasta section of your grocery store. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade gnocchi takes it to the next level.

Vegetables like celery, carrots, and spinach add texture and color. The fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the soup, but you can use frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand.

The broth combines chicken stock with heavy cream to create a velvety base. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be slightly less creamy.

A handful of seasonings – garlic, thyme, and parsley – enhance the flavor of the soup. Feel free to adjust the herbs to suit your taste.

For equipment, you’ll need a large pot, a sharp knife for prepping ingredients, and a ladle for serving.

How To Make This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creating this hearty soup is simpler than you might think. Let me guide you through the steps.

Start by prepping your ingredients. Dice the celery, carrots, and onion, and mince your garlic. If your chicken isn’t pre-cooked, cook and shred it before starting.

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the diced onion, celery, and carrots until they soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, and parsley. Let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Stir in the potato gnocchi and let them cook in the broth until they float to the surface, about 3-4 minutes. This step ensures the gnocchi are tender and flavorful.

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and add the fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the soup is rich and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

The soup is ready to serve when everything is heated through, and the gnocchi are tender. From start to finish, you’ll have a delicious, comforting soup in under an hour.

Storage Options

This soup stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

In the refrigerator, the soup will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.

To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Keep in mind that gnocchi may soften slightly upon reheating, but the flavor remains just as delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this soup is how adaptable it is. Here are a few variations to try:

Swap the chicken for Italian sausage for a spicier twist. Brown the sausage in the pot before adding the vegetables.
Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. Add mushrooms or chickpeas for extra protein.
Add a pop of flavor with sun-dried tomatoes or a splash of white wine in the broth.
Use kale instead of spinach for a slightly heartier green. Just be sure to remove the tough stems.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.

Feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients to make this soup your own. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own spin, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!