The Ultimate Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe and Guide

Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is one of those dishes that instantly makes you feel at home. With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh veggies, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food. While it’s a favorite at the restaurant, you can easily recreate it at home—fresh, budget-friendly, and customizable.

Homemade soup has an unmatched charm: it fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and lets you control the quality of ingredients. This recipe gives you all the flavor of the original but with the flexibility to adjust to your family’s tastes. In this guide, we’ll cover ingredients, cooking techniques, and tips so you can master this Olive Garden classic anytime you crave it.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This soup is rich and creamy yet balanced with veggies like spinach and carrots, making it hearty without being heavy. It comes together in about 30–40 minutes, perfect for weeknights when you want something quick but impressive.

It’s also customizable—lighten it with milk, bulk it with extra chicken, or add seasonal veggies. Kids love the soft gnocchi, adults appreciate the creamy broth, and everyone enjoys having a restaurant-quality meal at home. Pair it with breadsticks or salad, and you’ve got comfort food that delights every time.

What You’ll Need

To recreate Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll need simple, everyday ingredients that come together to build big flavor:

• Chicken – 2 cups cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works great).
• Gnocchi – 1 pound (potato-based, store-bought or homemade).
• Vegetables – 1 cup diced carrots, 1 cup chopped celery, 1 small onion (finely chopped), and 2 cups fresh spinach.
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced.
• Broth – 4 cups chicken broth for the base.
• Cream – 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half for richness.
• Butter & Oil – 2 tablespoons each, for sautéing and depth of flavor.
• Flour – 1/4 cup, to help thicken the soup.
• Seasonings – 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste.

These pantry staples and fresh ingredients are easy to find, affordable, and the perfect mix for making this restaurant favorite at home.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1. Prep the Base
   • In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add 1 onion, 1 cup carrots, 1 cup celery, and 3 cloves garlic. Sauté until tender (about 5–6 minutes).
2. Build the Creamy Broth
   • Stir in 1/4 cup flour, cooking for 1 minute to eliminate the raw taste.
   • Slowly whisk in 4 cups chicken broth and 2 cups heavy cream until smooth.
3. Add Chicken & Gnocchi
   • Stir in 2 cups shredded chicken and 1 lb gnocchi. Simmer for 10 minutes until gnocchi are soft and soup thickens.
4. Finish with Spinach & Herbs
   • Stir in 2 cups spinach, 1 tsp thyme, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
   • Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer 3–4 minutes more.
5. Serve
   • Ladle into bowls, pair with warm breadsticks, and enjoy your cozy homemade Olive Garden-style soup!

You Must Know

Before diving in, there are a few key things that make this soup turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t skip the flour step. Cooking the flour with butter and oil creates a light roux, which thickens the soup and keeps the texture creamy, not watery.
• Use good quality gnocchi. Potato-based gnocchi give the best soft, pillowy texture. Some brands can be dense or gummy, so pick one you trust—or make your own.
• Fresh spinach matters. While frozen spinach can work, fresh leaves bring a vibrant color and fresher taste. Add them at the very end so they don’t overcook.
• Shred chicken finely. Smaller pieces blend better into the soup and make every spoonful balanced with meat, gnocchi, and veggies.
• Season in layers. Add a pinch of salt when sautéing veggies, then again after broth, and finally before serving. Layered seasoning builds depth.

Keeping these tips in mind ensures your soup is creamy, flavorful, and restaurant-quality every single time.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Making a good soup is easy, but making a great one comes down to technique:

• Control the heat. Keep the soup on a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Boiling can break down the cream and make the broth separate.
• Taste as you go. Since chicken broth brands vary in saltiness, always taste before adding extra salt. You want it seasoned but not overwhelming.
• Add gnocchi at the right time. Drop gnocchi in once the broth has thickened. Overcooking can make them fall apart and turn mushy.
• Balance thickness. If your soup feels too thick, stir in a little extra broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered a few more minutes.
• Rest before serving. A few minutes off the heat allows the flavors to meld and the texture to settle. Like many creamy soups, it tastes even better after resting.

These small steps elevate your homemade chicken gnocchi soup from “good” to “exceptional.”

Add Your Touch Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

One of the best things about making Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home is the freedom to make it your own. A few easy tweaks can completely change the flavor or lighten it up:

• Protein swaps – Try turkey, leftover roasted chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Veggie upgrades – Add mushrooms, peas, zucchini, or kale to give the soup more color and nutrients.
• Lightened-up version – Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, or add extra broth for a thinner, lighter soup.
• Herb variations – Fresh parsley, rosemary, or basil can add bright flavor. Just stir them in at the end for freshness.
• Spice it up – A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne gives the soup a subtle kick without overpowering it.

These small personal touches make the recipe flexible enough to fit your taste, season, or dietary needs.

Storing & Reheating

This soup keeps beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal:

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• Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, so leftovers taste even better.
• Freezer – Because it’s cream-based, freezing can slightly change the texture. If you want to freeze, do so before adding the cream and spinach. Add them fresh when reheating.
• Reheating – Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk. Avoid boiling—it can separate the cream.
• Single portions – Keep in microwave-safe containers for quick lunches. Just heat on medium power, stir halfway through, and enjoy.

Handled properly, this soup stays delicious and comforting even after a couple of days.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A few professional tricks can make your Chicken Gnocchi Soup taste even closer to the Olive Garden classic:

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• Use rotisserie chicken – It saves time and adds rich flavor from the roasted skin.
• Don’t rush the sauté – Let onions, carrots, and celery soften slowly; this builds a deeper base flavor.
• Whisk the cream slowly – Add cream after the broth has simmered a bit, whisking gently so it blends smoothly.
• Keep gnocchi tender – They only need a few minutes to cook; overcooking makes them mushy.
• Finish with fresh herbs – A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme right before serving brightens the flavor.
• Serve with breadsticks or salad – Pairing it like Olive Garden makes it feel like a full restaurant meal at home.

These small steps transform a simple pot of soup into something that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant kitchen.

FAQ for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Easy weeknight dinner ideas

2. Can I freeze Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Creamy soups don’t always freeze well. For best results, freeze the soup before adding cream and spinach. Add those fresh when reheating.

3. Do I have to use heavy cream?
No—half-and-half or milk works too, though the broth will be lighter. For a dairy-free option, try unsweetened oat milk or coconut milk.

4. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Frozen gnocchi work perfectly. Just add them directly to the simmering broth and cook a couple of minutes longer.

5. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi and substitute cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) instead of flour for thickening.

Conclusion

Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is comfort food at its best—creamy, hearty, and easy to make at home. With simple ingredients and a few smart tips, you can enjoy this restaurant favorite anytime without the wait or cost.

It’s flexible enough to adjust to your taste, great for leftovers, and perfect with breadsticks or salad. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, this soup always delivers comfort in a bowl.