Name: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup carrots, shredded or finely diced; 1 cup celery, diced; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 1 pound potato gnocchi; 1½ cups fresh spinach, chopped; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’ve ever found yourself craving something irresistibly creamy, hearty, and cozy on a chilly evening, look no further than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, loaded with tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, colorful veggies, and a luxuriously rich broth. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the restaurant classic or brand new to this Italian-American favorite, you’ll find it’s wonderfully simple to make at home — and guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together for truly exceptional flavor and texture. Each component brings something special, whether that’s silky richness, savory depth, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Butter: Lends creaminess and helps sauté the veggies for a rich base flavor.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps the butter from burning as you sauté.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped for a naturally sweet background note that flavors the entire soup.
Garlic cloves: Brings a gentle aromatic lift — mince them for even distribution of flavor.
Carrots: Shredded or diced, they add color and a touch of sweetness in every spoonful.
Celery: Diced for a fresh, slightly earthy crunch that balances the other vegetables.
All-purpose flour: Acts as the thickener for that classic luxurious texture you expect from Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Chicken broth: Provides savory depth and forms the backbone of your soup’s flavor.
Whole milk: Gives creamy body without weighing things down.
Heavy cream: For ultra richness and that signature silky finish.
Cooked chicken breast: Shredded for easy bites throughout — rotisserie chicken works great in a pinch!
Potato gnocchi: These plump, chewy pillows soak up all the creamy broth and make the soup so satisfying.
Fresh spinach: Chopped and stirred in just at the end for a splash of color and nutrition.
Dried thyme: Adds a subtle, woodsy note that rounds out the flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing the whole dish into perfect balance — season to taste.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter with olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once bubbling, toss in your chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté everything together, stirring frequently, until the veggies become soft and fragrant — about 5 to 7 minutes. This step infuses the soup base with gentle sweetness and depth.

Step 2: Create a Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly across the vegetables. Keep stirring! This forms a roux, which will thicken your soup later. You want to cook out that raw flour taste — just 1 to 2 minutes is all it takes. You’ll notice the mixture turns a rich, golden color and begins to smell nutty.

Step 3: Add Liquids for Creaminess

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, followed by the milk and heavy cream. Keep stirring until everything is silky-smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes; this is what gives Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup its signature creamy consistency.

Step 4: Load Up on Chicken, Gnocchi, and Seasonings

Now for the fun part — stir in the shredded cooked chicken breast, potato gnocchi, dried thyme, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Let the soup bubble away gently for 7 to 8 minutes. The gnocchi will soak up all that creamy broth and become tender and pillowy.

Step 5: Brighten and Finish

Just before serving, add the chopped spinach. Give everything a final stir and let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the greens have wilted beautifully into the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning — sometimes a little extra salt or pepper brings everything together perfectly.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

To bring your homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup to the next level, finish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper or a handful of finely grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add minced fresh parsley or basil for a lovely herbal note that lifts the entire dish.

Side Dishes

This soup is famously filling, but it pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of garlic bread or warm focaccia for dunking. If you want to round out your meal, serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad tossed in Italian dressing for that unmistakable Olive Garden experience at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make dinner extra special? Ladle your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup into individual ovenproof mini-crocks, top with a little mozzarella, and broil until bubbly for a comforting twist. Or serve it as a starter in dainty espresso cups at a cozy dinner party — a little taste of luxury to begin the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any soup left, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup will keep for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!

Freezing

While this soup’s creamy base means it doesn’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months if needed. Allow it to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When reheating, a quick stir and an extra splash of broth or milk will help bring back the creamy consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. If the soup seems too thick (which can happen as gnocchi absorb liquid), add a bit more chicken broth or milk until it’s just right. Stir well to keep everything creamy and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut and adds even more flavor to your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Just shred the meat and add it as directed — it’s a time-saver on busy weeknights.

What’s the best way to keep the soup from getting too thick?

The gnocchi will naturally thicken the soup as it sits. If you like a thinner consistency or are reheating leftovers, simply stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk until the texture is just the way you want it.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free gnocchi. The result will be just as creamy and comforting.

Is it possible to use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Of course. If you’d like a lighter version of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half. Your soup will still turn out rich and creamy, albeit with a bit less decadence.

Can I add any extra vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, peas, or even chopped zucchini for additional nutrition and variety. Just make sure any added veggies are cut small so they cook through evenly with the soup.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a big pot of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup to your own kitchen is pure comfort in every spoonful. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and satisfying gnocchi, it’s a recipe you’ll return to any time you need something warm and wonderful. Gather your loved ones and give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious copycat version of Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home with this easy recipe. Creamy and comforting, this soup is perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup carrots, shredded or finely diced
1 cup celery, diced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 pound potato gnocchi
1½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender.
Make Roux: Sprinkle in flour and stir to form a roux.
Add Liquids: Whisk in chicken broth, milk, and cream. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Finish Soup: Stir in chicken, gnocchi, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until gnocchi are tender.
Add Spinach: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.