Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a signature dish from the famous Italian-American restaurant. It’s a hearty soup featuring a velvety broth made from heavy cream and chicken stock, combined with tender pieces of chicken, vegetables, and soft potato gnocchi. The soup is seasoned with thyme, sage, and Italian herbs, creating a deliciously comforting meal. It’s a popular option for those who crave a creamy, savory dish with a satisfying texture.

Making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup usually takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. The cooking time can vary slightly depending on how quickly the chicken is cooked and shredded, but the overall process remains quick and efficient. It’s a perfect option when you need a meal that doesn’t take all day but still offers rich, flavorful results.

This recipe for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup has proven to be a crowd-pleaser in many kitchens. The balance of creamy broth, tender chicken, and flavorful gnocchi makes every bite feel like a cozy, satisfying hug. The addition of spinach adds a fresh pop of color and nutrition, while the Parmesan enhances the soup’s depth. Whether made for a busy weekday dinner or served at a family gathering, it consistently brings smiles and satisfaction with every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love It Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Comforting & Creamy: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hearty dish. The creamy broth blends perfectly with tender chicken and soft gnocchi. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
• Quick & Easy: This recipe is simple to make at home. With basic ingredients and quick steps, you can prepare this soup in less than 30 minutes. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights.
• Healthy & Filling: Packed with vegetables, chicken, and wholesome gnocchi, this soup offers a balanced meal. It’s both nutritious and satisfying, filling you up without feeling heavy.

Ingredient Notes for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat choice, olive oil adds richness and helps sauté vegetables to start the soup’s base.
• Chicken Breast: This lean protein is the main ingredient for the soup. It adds tenderness and heartiness, making the soup filling.
• Onion: Chopped onions provide a natural sweetness and savory depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
• Carrots: Diced carrots add color, sweetness, and a slight crunch, balancing the soup’s richness.
• Celery Stalks: Celery provides a mild, fresh flavor and slight crunch that complements the other vegetables.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the soup with a fragrant and savory aroma, enhancing its depth of flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is the soup’s liquid base. It adds a savory, comforting taste that brings all the flavors together.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the soup rich and velvety. It adds a creamy texture that enhances the overall experience.
• Salt & Black Pepper: These seasonings balance the flavors and help elevate the taste, making the soup more savory.
• Dried Thyme: Dried thyme adds an earthy, aromatic flavor that pairs well with chicken and vegetables.
• Dried Sage: Dried sage brings a warm, slightly peppery flavor that complements the creamy base and chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs—such as basil, oregano, and rosemary—adds an Italian flair to the soup, enhancing its overall flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A small amount of red pepper flakes provides a gentle heat, adding a subtle spicy kick to the soup.
• Fresh or Frozen Gnocchi: Gnocchi are soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the soup’s flavors. Fresh or frozen options work equally well.
• Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant green color and a boost of nutrients, along with a mild, earthy flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor and a finishing touch to the soup’s creamy texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous note and enhances the visual appeal of the soup.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting dish loved by many. When making it at home, you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Start by using fresh ingredients like chicken, gnocchi, and spinach for the best results. Adding extra herbs or spices can elevate the flavor even more.

For a richer taste, consider adding heavy cream or a bit of parmesan cheese. This soup is very versatile, so feel free to make it your own. You can also swap out the chicken for other proteins, like turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

If you’re looking to make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup healthier, try using lower-fat ingredients. Opt for a lighter broth or non-fat milk instead of cream. Adding more veggies, like carrots or zucchini, will boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Variation

While the classic Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is beloved by many, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. You can customize the soup by adding or changing ingredients based on your preferences. Here are a few variations:

• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and use extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or squash. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Herb-infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to infuse more flavor into the broth.
• Gnocchi swap: Try sweet potato gnocchi or gluten-free gnocchi for a different twist.

These variations keep the essence of the original recipe while offering something new for everyone.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is best enjoyed hot. Here are some great ways to serve it:

• With crusty bread: Pair the soup with a warm slice of sourdough or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
• As a starter: Serve it as a starter before a larger Italian meal, like pasta or salad.
• Topped with cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup for added flavor and richness.
• In a bread bowl: For a fun twist, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl to elevate your dining experience.

This soup is so flavorful that it can stand alone as a meal, but pairing it with some simple sides will make it even better.

Storage Options

If you find yourself with leftovers, Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup stores well for later. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:

• Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: While the soup can be frozen, the gnocchi may become softer when reheated. If you plan to freeze it, consider removing the gnocchi and adding fresh gnocchi when reheating the soup.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup over low heat on the stovetop. Add a little extra cream or broth if the soup has thickened too much.

FAQs About Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup healthy?
While delicious, the soup can be high in calories and fat, so it may not be the best choice for those on a strict diet. However, it provides a good amount of protein and can be enjoyed in moderation.

Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home?
Yes, you can easily recreate the soup at home using simple ingredients like chicken, gnocchi, spinach, and heavy cream. There are many recipes online that guide you through the process.

Does Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup contain gluten?
Yes, the soup contains gluten because of the gnocchi, which is typically made from wheat flour. However, you can substitute gluten-free gnocchi to make it a gluten-free version.

Can I freeze Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
It’s not recommended to freeze Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup as the cream may separate and the gnocchi could become mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh for the best texture and taste.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is asignature dish from the famous Italian-American restaurant. It’s a hearty soupfeaturing a velvety broth made from heavy cream and chicken stock, combinedwith tender pieces of chicken, vegetables, and soft potato gnocchi. The soup isseasoned with thyme, sage, and Italian herbs, creating a deliciously comfortingmeal. It’s a popular option for those who crave a creamy, savory dish with asatisfying texture.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for a kick
• 1 lb fresh or frozen gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Measuring Spoons & Cups
• Colander
• Soup Ladle
• Soup Bowls

Method

 

1. Sauté the Chicken: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
3. Add the Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, half-and-half, and heavy cream. Stir in the salt, pepper, thyme, sage, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
4. Add the Gnocchi and Cook: Once the soup has simmered for about 5 minutes, add the gnocchi. If you're using fresh gnocchi, it will only need 2-3 minutes to cook; frozen gnocchi may take a bit longer. Stir occasionally to ensure the gnocchi doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
5. Stir in the Chicken and Spinach: Once the gnocchi is cooked, add the cooked chicken back into the pot, along with the chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Finish the Soup: Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the soup, creating a creamy, rich texture. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

The gnocchi adds an irresistible softness and texture to the soup, but be careful not to overcook it. Gnocchi cooks quickly and can become mushy if left in the soup for too long. It's best to add it towards the end of the cooking process for the perfect consistency.