Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

I absolutely love the warmth and comfort this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe brings right to your table. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi that just melt in your mouth. Whenever I’m craving something cozy but still light enough for any season, this soup hits the spot perfectly.

What makes this recipe stand out for me is how easy it is to get restaurant-quality flavor without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. You’ll find that making this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe at home becomes your go-to for busy weeknights or casual weekend family dinners. Seriously, my family goes crazy for this one every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is all about balancing fresh veggies, tender chicken, and those soft, chewy gnocchi pieces. Opt for fresh garlic and good-quality chicken broth to really boost those flavors.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Using cooked and diced chicken saves time and allows you to use leftovers too.
• Celery stalk: Adds just the right crunch and earthy depth without overpowering the soup.
• White onion: Diced finely so it melts into the broth and provides subtle sweetness.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic really perks up the flavor; garlic powder won’t cut it here.
• Shredded carrots: Adds color, a hint of natural sweetness, and extra nutrients.
• Olive oil: For sautéing veggies—extra virgin is best for richness.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Control your salt intake and flavor balance better with low sodium.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, don’t be shy—seasoning makes all the difference.
• Thyme: A little herb magic that brightens the soup.
• Potato gnocchi: The star ingredient—soft, chewy, and perfect for soaking up the broth.
• Half and half: Gives your soup that creamy, luscious texture without being too heavy.
• Fresh spinach: Roughly chopped for a pop of color and nutrition added right at the end.

Variations

I love tweaking this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe based on what’s in my fridge or the season. Don’t hesitate to experiment a little—you might discover your own favorite twist.

• Add some heat: I’ve added crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne when I want a little spicy kick—it’s fantastic.
• Make it dairy-free: Swap half and half for coconut milk or an unsweetened dairy-free creamer to suit dietary needs.
• Veggie boost: Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or zucchini for a heartier, veggie-packed soup.
• Use rotisserie chicken: Saves so much prep time and still tastes great—perfect for last-minute dinners.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics to Perfection

Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Toss in the chopped celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and everything smells fragrant. This step builds the flavor base, so don’t rush it! Stir occasionally to prevent garlic from browning too much and turning bitter.

Step 2: Add Chicken, Broth, and Seasonings

Next, add your cooked and diced chicken to the pot, followed by the low sodium chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring everything to a boil—this ensures your broth is piping hot and flavors meld nicely. Once boiling, you’re ready to introduce the gnocchi for the next step.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi Just Right

Add the potato gnocchi gently into the boiling soup and stir carefully so they don’t stick together or to the bottom. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they float and become tender. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and let your soup gently cook for another 10 minutes to marry all the flavors. This simmer also helps thicken the soup slightly.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Spinach

Lower the heat to medium-low, then stir in the half and half along with the chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, just until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through. Be careful not to boil at this stage or the dairy might curdle. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed right before serving.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping mine with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few cracked black pepper bits for a little extra pop. Sometimes I add a small drizzle of good-quality olive oil or even chopped fresh basil to brighten it up right before serving. These simple touches take it from good to restaurant-worthy in seconds.

Side Dishes

Crisp garlic bread or a warm artisan baguette rounds out the meal beautifully. On cooler days, I prefer pairing this soup with a light mixed greens salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to keep the meal fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve this soup in charming ramekins or mini cast iron pots to impress guests. Adding a small sprig of thyme or a baby spinach leaf on top of each bowl gives it a lovely, homey touch that everyone notices and appreciates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps well for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain quality and freshness.

Freezing

Freezing soup with gnocchi can be tricky since gnocchi tend to get a bit mushy when thawed. I recommend freezing the soup base separately (without gnocchi), and adding fresh gnocchi when you reheat. This keeps the texture fresh and delicious.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low-medium heat to avoid curdling the cream. If you stored gnocchi separately, add it once the soup is hot and let it cook for a few minutes until tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe a try because it’s become such a staple in my kitchen—and for good reason. It’s straightforward, comforting, and customizable, making it a perfect recipe to keep in your mental recipe box for any time you want to feel nourished and cozy. Imagine coming home after a long day and having this ready to soothe and satisfy—trust me, your future self will thank you!

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