There's nothing like a warm, creamy bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup to comfort you on a chilly day. This velvety soup is packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

I first discovered this recipe while trying to recreate one of my favorite restaurant meals at home. After a few tweaks and experiments, it has become a go-to recipe for family dinners and gatherings. It’s hearty, easy to make, and so satisfying that everyone keeps coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into what makes this soup so special!
Why You'll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Get ready to enjoy a soup that hits all the right notes of comfort and indulgence. This recipe takes the flavors of Olive Garden’s classic dish and makes them accessible for any home cook.
First, it’s unbelievably quick and easy to prepare. You can have this restaurant-quality soup on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknights when time is tight.
It’s also a complete meal in a bowl. With tender chunks of chicken, soft gnocchi, and plenty of veggies like spinach and carrots, it’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone in your family.
Not only is this recipe budget-friendly, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your tastes or use up what you already have on hand.
Lastly, the flavors are spot on. From the creamy broth to the perfectly cooked gnocchi, this soup delivers all the comforting goodness of the Olive Garden original without ever leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to bring it all together.
The chicken forms the protein base of this dish. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick option or cook your own chicken breasts or thighs for an extra layer of flavor.
Gnocchi is the star of the show, providing soft, pillowy bites that soak up the creamy broth. While store-bought gnocchi is convenient, homemade gnocchi adds a special touch if you have the time.
The broth is a combination of chicken stock and heavy cream, creating the perfect balance of richness and savory depth. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even milk, though the soup will be less creamy.
Vegetables like spinach, carrots, and celery add freshness and texture. Baby spinach works wonderfully here, but kale is an excellent substitute if you prefer a heartier green.
A blend of herbs and seasonings, including thyme, parsley, and garlic, ties the flavors together. Fresh herbs add brightness, but dried herbs are a great alternative when you’re short on time or ingredients.
Make sure you have a large pot or Dutch oven to cook the soup evenly. A ladle is also handy for serving those perfect portions!
How To Make This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this delicious soup at home is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for a foolproof result every time.
Start by cooking your chicken if it isn’t pre-cooked. Season with salt and pepper, then sauté in olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside to cool before shredding or dicing.
In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil and sauté your onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the herbs and shredded chicken, letting everything meld together for about 10 minutes.
Gently stir in the gnocchi and let them cook in the simmering broth. They’ll rise to the top when they’re done, usually within 3-4 minutes.
Add the spinach and heavy cream, stirring until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
This soup comes together in about 40 minutes, making it a great option for busy evenings. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some crusty bread on the side.
Storage Options
Leftovers of this soup store beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.
For refrigeration, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.
If you want to freeze it, avoid adding the gnocchi and spinach before freezing, as they don’t hold up well during thawing. Instead, add these fresh when reheating. The soup base can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own!
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free gnocchi at your local grocery store, or make your own using gluten-free flour.
Add a touch of spice by including a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
For an extra protein boost, toss in some cooked Italian sausage or crumbled bacon.
You can also experiment with different greens, like kale or Swiss chard, to add a unique twist to the soup.
With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and let this comforting dish bring warmth and joy to your table.
PrintOlive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Recreate the famous Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home with this easy recipe! Creamy, flavorful, and loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, this hearty soup is perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 lb cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, shredded or diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Stir in the chicken, dried thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and milk, stirring gently. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the top.
- Add spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve warm with crusty bread or salad.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can use rotisserie chicken.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the soup.
- Customize with extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
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