Cozy Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of olive garden chicken gnocchi soup that feels like a warm embrace from an Italian grandmother.

Soft potato dumplings nestle alongside tender chicken pieces in a creamy broth.

Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a melody of rich flavors.

Culinary magic happens when simple components blend seamlessly into something extraordinary.

Nutritious and satisfying, this soup promises to chase away winter chills with its velvety texture.

Curious cooks can recreate this restaurant favorite right in their own kitchen.

You will fall in love with every spoonful of this soul-warming dish.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup That Feels Just Like Olive Garden

• Comfort in a Bowl: Dive into a hearty soup that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Whip up this restaurant-style soup in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and nutritious veggies, this soup pleases even picky eaters while providing a balanced meal.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families seeking a delicious, satisfying dinner that requires minimal cooking skills and cleanup.

What’s Used in Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Chicken: Tender and juicy protein that gives the soup its hearty base. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breast for easy preparation.
• Parmesan Cheese: Classic Italian cheese that adds rich, savory flavor as a garnish.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic mirepoix blend for deep soup flavor. Fresh vegetables provide better taste and texture.
• Spinach: Adds vibrant green color and nutritional boost. Fresh spinach works best for optimal texture.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and traditional Italian flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Creates the soup's liquid foundation. Low-sodium broth allows better seasoning control.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers rich, luxurious texture and smooth mouthfeel. Full-fat version recommended for best results.

• Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy Italian potato dumplings that make the soup substantial. Store-bought works perfectly.
• Dried Thyme, Rosemary: Classic herb combination for authentic Italian seasoning. Use dried herbs for concentrated flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and building initial flavor base.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance overall taste. Adjust according to personal preference.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Pieces

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Carefully add chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides.

Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery

Cook until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Infuse Aromatic Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pot and stir for one minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Broth

Pour chicken broth and water into the pot.

Sprinkle dried thyme and rosemary.

Bring liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Pillowy Gnocchi

Drop potato gnocchi into the simmering broth.

Cook according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes until they float.

Step 6: Add Creamy Richness

Slowly pour heavy cream into the pot.

Toss in chopped spinach and stir until leaves wilt completely.

Step 7: Reunite Chicken

Return previously cooked chicken pieces back to the pot.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance overall flavor.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Ladle soup into bowls and generously top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy immediately while hot.

Soup Tips For Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

• Choose ripe, crisp spinach and high-quality potato gnocchi for the best flavor and texture in your soup.
• Brown chicken pieces thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors before removing from the pot during initial cooking stages.
• Add heavy cream slowly and stir gently to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy soup texture.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use gluten-free gnocchi to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
• Use fresh thyme and rosemary instead of dried herbs if available to intensify the aromatic profile of your soup.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Stored for Another Cozy Bowl

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until temperature reaches 165°F.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent separation.

What Matches Gnocchi Soup

• Elevate Comfort with Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy soup's richness and cut through its velvety texture.
• Bread Companion Strategy: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or herbed focaccia to soak up the delicious broth and add delightful crunch.
• Salad Sidekick Selection: Prepare a light Italian-style mixed green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's hearty profile.
• Texture-Enhancing Topping: Sprinkle extra crispy pancetta or toasted pine nuts on top for added depth and interesting textural contrast.

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup Takes

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace potato gnocchi with gluten-free gnocchi made from rice flour or cassava. Use cornstarch instead of wheat-based thickeners for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or white beans. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a protein-packed meat-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap gnocchi with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and maintain creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar savory flavor profile.

FAQs

• What are the main ingredients in Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

The soup features chicken, potato gnocchi, carrots, celery, onions, spinach, heavy cream, and chicken broth, creating a rich and hearty combination of flavors and textures.

• Is this soup similar to the Olive Garden restaurant version?

This homemade recipe closely mimics the restaurant’s original soup, with similar ingredients and cooking techniques that capture the authentic taste and creamy consistency of the Olive Garden classic.

• Can I make this soup healthier?

You can substitute whole milk for heavy cream, use lean chicken breast, add more vegetables, or use low-sodium chicken broth to create a lighter version of the soup without compromising its delicious flavor.

• How difficult is this recipe for home cooks?

This soup is relatively easy to prepare, requiring basic cooking skills like chopping vegetables, browning chicken, and simmering ingredients. Beginners can successfully make this soup with some basic kitchen experience.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup delivers creamy comfort with tender potato dumplings and succulent chicken swimming in a rich, herb-infused broth. Hearty spoonfuls promise warmth and satisfaction that bring Italian restaurant magic right to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 (12-ounce) package potato gnocchi
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. Create a rich, flavorful base by searing chicken pieces in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown and caramelized, then transfer to a holding plate.
2. In the same pot, sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until they soften and release their aromatic essence, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable medley, stirring quickly to prevent burning and allow the herbs to release their fragrant oils.
4. Pour chicken broth and water into the pot, incorporating dried thyme and rosemary for depth of flavor. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer, allowing herbs to infuse for 12-15 minutes.
5. Carefully drop potato gnocchi into the simmering liquid, cooking until they float to the surface and achieve a tender, pillowy texture.
6. Stream heavy cream into the soup, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency. Fold in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt and integrate seamlessly with the creamy broth.
7. Reintroduce the previously seared chicken back into the soup, ensuring each piece is thoroughly heated and coated with the rich, herbal liquid.
8. Fine-tune the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, balancing the soup’s complex flavor profile.
9. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, crowning each portion with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory depth.

Notes

• Choose bite-sized chicken pieces for even cooking and quick preparation, ensuring each piece browns uniformly.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that still maintains creamy texture.
• Use store-bought rotisserie chicken as a time-saving alternative to cooking chicken from scratch, which adds extra flavor depth.
• Consider gluten-free gnocchi or replace with cauliflower gnocchi for lower-carb dietary needs without compromising soup’s richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg