Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Craving a cozy bowl of soup that tastes like pure comfort? Look no further than this Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s creamy, loaded with pillowy gnocchi, packed with tender chicken, and has heaps of veggies in every bite. The blend of fresh spinach and carrots adds beautiful color, while aromatic herbs and a splash of cream create a swoon-worthy broth that wraps you in warmth. If you’re looking for a family favorite that tastes like it came straight out of your favorite Italian-American restaurant (but even better!), this is the recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple but essential ingredients to capture the magic of restaurant-quality soup at home. Each ingredient serves a special role in the overall taste, texture, and color of your Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
- Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates the base for your soup’s silky texture.
- Olive oil: Balances flavor and helps sauté the onions and veggies to perfection.
- Onion (diced): Infuses the broth with essential savoriness.
- Shredded carrots: Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to each bite.
- Diced celery: Adds crunch and rounds out the traditional soup flavor base.
- Minced garlic: For delicious depth and a fragrant, inviting aroma.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the broth, giving that irresistibly creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth: Lends savory, comforting warmth to every spoonful.
- Whole milk: Lightens the cream while keeping everything ultra-smooth.
- Heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously rich and velvety.
- Cooked shredded chicken: A timesaver that brings protein and hearty texture (rotisserie chicken is perfect!).
- Potato gnocchi: The star of the show—soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all that flavor.
- Fresh spinach (chopped): Lends gorgeous color and a pop of freshness at the end.
- Dried thyme: Adds a herby backbone that ties all the flavors together.
- Nutmeg: A secret ingredient for warmth and depth (don’t skip it!).
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing every layer.
How to Make Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting the butter and heating the olive oil together in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, shredded carrots, and celery. Sauté them for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Sprinkle the minced garlic over your softened veggies and let it cook for just about a minute, stirring constantly. Next, sprinkle in the flour and keep stirring for another 1 to 2 minutes—you’re building a rich, flavorful roux that will give your Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup that signature velvety body.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking, which keeps the soup base smooth. Then, add the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking again until everything is luxuriously combined. Now you can already see that creamy soup coming together!
Step 4: Add Chicken, Gnocchi, and Seasoning
Stir in the shredded chicken, potato gnocchi, thyme, nutmeg, and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir, bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a lively simmer. Let everything mingle for 10 to 12 minutes—until the gnocchi are fluffy and tender, and your soup has thickened to perfection.
Step 5: Finish With Spinach
Just before serving, sprinkle in your chopped spinach and stir it in. Let it wilt for 1 to 2 minutes—the leaves will turn a gorgeous vibrant green, adding excitement and freshness to your Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Taste, adjust the salt and pepper, and you’re ready to ladle up comfort by the bowlful!
How to Serve Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Garnishes
A few finishing touches can make this soup extra special. Try sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over each bowl, or add a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of green. A twist of freshly cracked black pepper or even a drizzle of good olive oil gives it that chef’s kiss!
Side Dishes
Pair your Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with a basket of warm, crusty bread—perfect for dunking and soaking up that creamy broth. A simple green salad on the side keeps things light and balances out the richness of the soup. Breadsticks, of course, are always a classic companion if you’re craving the full Italian restaurant experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your soup in big, wide bowls to show off all that colorful goodness. For a dinner party or special meal, ladle it into mugs for easy sipping, or hollow out small sourdough bread boules for a show-stopping presentation. Top each serving with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a tiny spinach leaf for that irresistible “wow” factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—just know the gnocchi will continue to soak up flavor and become even more tender.
Freezing
To freeze Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, let it cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers. For the best texture, consider freezing the soup without the gnocchi and spinach, then adding them fresh after reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen things up. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring every minute until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—just be sure to remove any skin and shred it into bite-sized pieces. It’s quick, tasty, and gives your Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup that homemade feel in record time.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and using gluten-free packaged gnocchi. Make sure your broth is certified gluten-free as well!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’d like a lighter version, replace some or all of the heavy cream with half-and-half or even evaporated milk. The soup will still be creamy and luscious, just with a bit less richness.
How do I keep the spinach vibrant and not overcooked?
Add the fresh spinach at the very end, just before serving. Stir it in and let it wilt for only a minute or so—this keeps the leaves bright green and tender without turning mushy.
Is Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup freezer-friendly?
It is, but for the best texture, freeze the soup without the gnocchi and spinach, then add them fresh when you reheat. This helps the gnocchi stay pillowy and the spinach stay bright!
Final Thoughts
If you love creamy, soul-warming soups, you owe it to yourself to try this Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s sheer comfort in a bowl and destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen—invite a friend over, grab a spoon, and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
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Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Loaded with shredded chicken, potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a blend of savory seasonings, this soup is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Main Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle in flour and stir continuously to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, milk, and cream until smooth. Add shredded chicken, gnocchi, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 10–12 minutes.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for heavy cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
