Name: Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 cup carrots, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 lb gnocchi; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, creamy bowl of chicken gnocchi soup. The rich, velvety broth, tender bites of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a perfect blend of herbs make it the ultimate cozy meal. I’ve always been a fan of Olive Garden’s famous version, but making it at home takes it to the next level—it’s fresher, heartier, and just as indulgent.

What I love most about this homemade chicken gnocchi soup is how simple it is to prepare. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen—just a handful of pantry staples and a little time to let the flavors come together. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this soup is a guaranteed winner.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Rich & Comforting – The creamy broth is soothing and satisfying, making it perfect for chilly nights.
Better Than Takeout – Homemade always beats restaurant versions because you control the ingredients and flavors.
Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, this soup is a simple one-pot meal.
Customizable – You can adjust the ingredients to fit dietary needs or personal preferences.
Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love the soft gnocchi and creamy broth.

What Kind of Gnocchi Should I Use?

When making this creamy Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup, I always recommend using potato gnocchi. You can find them in the pasta aisle, refrigerated section, or even make them from scratch if you’re feeling ambitious. Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time, but if you prefer homemade, they add an extra level of freshness. Just make sure to cook them gently to avoid breaking them apart in the soup.

If you’re looking for gluten-free options, many brands offer gluten-free gnocchi made with alternative flours like rice or cauliflower. These are a great choice if you’re catering to dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste or texture.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so you can tweak it based on what you have in your kitchen. Here are some great substitution ideas:

Chicken: Swap shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut, or use turkey for a post-holiday twist.
Gnocchi: If you don’t have gnocchi, try small pasta like orecchiette, tortellini, or even diced potatoes.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk. You can also make it dairy-free with coconut milk or cashew cream.
Vegetables: Spinach is classic, but kale works well too. Add mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Broth: Chicken broth is ideal, but vegetable broth works if you want a vegetarian-friendly soup (just omit the chicken).
Thickener: If you want an extra creamy consistency, stir in a cornstarch slurry or a bit of flour while cooking.

With these easy swaps, you can make this soup fit your preferences while still keeping all the cozy, comforting flavors intact!

Ingredients for This Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the rich, comforting flavors that make this soup so special. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Butter & Olive Oil – These create a flavorful base for sautéing the vegetables, adding richness to the soup.
Onion, Celery & Carrots – A classic trio that builds depth and a slightly sweet, savory flavor.
Garlic – Adds an aromatic warmth that enhances the overall taste.
All-Purpose Flour – Helps thicken the soup to achieve a luxuriously creamy consistency.
Chicken Broth – The flavorful liquid base that infuses the soup with a savory depth.
Cooked Chicken – Shredded or diced, this makes the soup hearty and satisfying. Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
Gnocchi – These soft, pillowy dumplings are the star of the dish, soaking up all the flavors of the creamy broth.
Heavy Cream – Adds richness and a velvety texture that makes the soup indulgent.
Spinach – A pop of color and nutrients, bringing freshness to balance the creaminess.
Thyme & Italian Seasoning – These herbs enhance the soup with warm, savory notes.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Parmesan Cheese (Optional) – A sprinkle on top adds a salty, umami boost to each bite.

With these simple but flavorful ingredients, you’re on your way to making a restaurant-quality soup right in your own kitchen!

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots, stirring occasionally until they soften and become fragrant. This step helps build the base of the soup’s flavor. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for about a minute. This creates a roux, which will thicken the soup. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Gnocchi

Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Then, add the gnocchi and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they start floating to the surface. This means they are fully cooked and tender.

Step 4: Pour in the Cream and Seasonings

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let everything warm through without bringing it to a boil—this keeps the cream from curdling.

Step 5: Add the Spinach and Final Touches

Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. If you want an extra creamy texture, you can blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back in.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a little extra cracked black pepper. Serve with warm breadsticks or a side salad for the full Olive Garden experience!

How Long to Cook the Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking time:

Sautéing the vegetables: 5 minutes
Making the roux and adding broth: 5 minutes
Simmering with chicken and gnocchi: 5 minutes
Adding cream and spinach: 2-3 minutes

In total, you’ll need about 20 minutes of active cooking time, with a little extra for prep. The key is to let the flavors meld without overcooking the gnocchi or cream.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Want to make your soup restaurant-quality at home? Follow these tips:

Use fresh gnocchi if possible – While shelf-stable or frozen gnocchi work fine, fresh gnocchi have a softer texture and cook faster.
Shred rotisserie chicken for convenience – It’s a huge time-saver and adds great flavor. If cooking your own chicken, season it well before shredding.
Don’t overcook the gnocchi – As soon as they float to the top, they’re done. Overcooking can make them mushy.
Warm the cream before adding it – This prevents curdling and keeps the soup smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning – A little extra salt, pepper, or even a dash of red pepper flakes can make a big difference.
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving – This allows the flavors to blend even more, making the soup richer and more delicious.

With these simple tricks, your soup will turn out perfect every time!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this soup is simple to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the gnocchi – They cook quickly, so once they float, remove from heat to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Skipping the roux step – The flour helps thicken the soup, and skipping it could lead to a watery consistency.
Boiling the cream – High heat can cause the cream to curdle. Keep the heat low when adding dairy.
Adding spinach too early – Spinach wilts fast, so add it right before serving to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
Not seasoning properly – Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Sometimes a pinch of salt or black pepper makes all the difference.
Using low-quality gnocchi – Cheap, dense gnocchi can be gummy. Go for fresh or high-quality store-bought options.
Overloading with cheese – Parmesan is great, but too much can make the soup overly salty. Start with a little and add more if needed.

What to Serve With Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

This soup is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a side dish makes for a complete meal. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Bread

A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.

2. Olive Garden-Style Breadsticks

For the full restaurant experience, serve it with soft, fluffy breadsticks brushed with garlic butter.

3. Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with parmesan and croutons balances out the richness of the soup.

4. Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add a refreshing contrast.

5. Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a nutritious and tasty side.

6. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A crispy, cheesy sandwich pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the soup.

7. Antipasto Platter

Serve a small plate of cured meats, olives, and cheese for an Italian-inspired side.

8. Bruschetta

Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil adds a burst of flavor to the meal.

No matter which side you choose, this soup will be the star of the table!

Storage Instructions

This creamy Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup stores well, making it great for leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezer: This soup doesn’t freeze well because the cream can separate, and the gnocchi may become mushy. If you want to freeze it, leave out the cream and gnocchi, then add them fresh when reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling.

Estimated Nutrition

While the exact values depend on portion sizes and ingredient brands, here’s an estimate per serving:

Calories: ~350-400 kcal
Protein: ~20g
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Fat: ~18g
Saturated Fat: ~9g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~4g
Sodium: ~800mg

This soup is creamy and indulgent but still provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats. For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, the gnocchi may absorb some of the liquid, so you might need to add extra broth or cream when reheating.

2. Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Absolutely! Just add frozen gnocchi directly to the simmering broth. They may take an extra minute or two to cook but will work just as well.

3. How can I make this soup dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream. You can also use vegan butter instead of regular butter.

4. What type of chicken works best?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but you can also use grilled, baked, or leftover chicken breast. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the soup.

5. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free gnocchi and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

6. Why is my soup too thick?

The gnocchi can absorb liquid as it sits. If your soup thickens too much, add a little extra chicken broth or milk while reheating.

7. Can I add extra vegetables?

Of course! Mushrooms, zucchini, peas, or bell peppers all work great. Just add them in while sautéing the onions, celery, and carrots.

8. How do I make this soup spicier?

For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect homemade comfort food! It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and just as good (if not better) than the restaurant version. Save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with family and friends—it’s one you’ll want to make again and again!