There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This creamy, hearty soup is loaded with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a medley of fresh vegetables, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or cozy nights at home.
I discovered this recipe while trying to recreate the magic of Olive Garden at home. After a few tweaks, I perfected a version that’s just as indulgent but even better because it’s made with love. Ready to bring restaurant-quality comfort food to your kitchen? Let’s dive in.
Why You'll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Get ready to fall head over heels for this homemade version of a fan-favorite. Not only does it capture the signature flavors of Olive Garden's beloved soup, but it’s also incredibly simple to make.
First off, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It comes together in under 40 minutes, and you only need one pot, which means fewer dishes to clean.
It’s also a budget-friendly option. You can make a big batch that serves the whole family for a fraction of the cost of dining out.
And let’s talk about versatility! Whether you’re catering to picky eaters or looking for a recipe that adapts to dietary preferences, this soup is easily customizable.
Finally, it’s a true comfort food classic. The creamy broth, tender gnocchi, and flavorful chicken make it the ultimate meal for cold evenings or whenever you need a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Let’s break down the key components that make this soup so special.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and shred easily, but you can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Gnocchi: These pillowy dumplings are the star of the show. You can find pre-packaged gnocchi in most grocery stores, typically in the pasta or refrigerated section.
Vegetables: A combination of carrots, celery, and onion provides a flavorful base for the soup. Don’t skip the fresh spinach, which adds a pop of color and extra nutrients.
Broth and Cream: The soup’s rich, velvety texture comes from a mix of chicken broth and heavy cream. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of cream.
Seasonings: A blend of garlic, thyme, and parsley enhances the soup’s savory flavor profile, while salt and pepper help balance the dish.
You’ll also need a large pot or Dutch oven to cook everything evenly and efficiently.
How To Make This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this delicious soup at home is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in no time.
Start by cooking your chicken. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool before shredding it with two forks.
In the same pot, sauté your onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to release its aroma.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the shredded chicken, followed by the gnocchi. Simmer for 3-5 minutes or until the gnocchi floats to the top, signaling it’s done.
Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly. Season with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Give the soup a final stir and let it simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or a side salad for the full Olive Garden experience.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, this soup stores beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Transfer it to an airtight container and allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly upon thawing, so you might want to add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy consistency if needed.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly flexible, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Protein Swap: Use turkey, sausage, or even tofu for a different spin.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth for a meatless option.
- Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free gnocchi to accommodate dietary needs.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or peas for additional flavor and texture.
Experimenting with variations is half the fun of cooking. Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
With this recipe, you can enjoy the comforting taste of Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup without ever leaving your kitchen. It’s a guaranteed hit that you’ll find yourself making again and again!
PrintOlive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Savor the comfort of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with this easy homemade recipe! A creamy blend of chicken, gnocchi, and vegetables makes it a perfect meal for any day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cooked and shredded)
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Stir in half-and-half, shredded chicken, carrots, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package instructions until tender.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, hearty soup!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Substitute half-and-half with heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
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