Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Cozy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Home Chefs

Nestled in culinary memories, this Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup delivers comfort wrapped in creamy warmth.

Soft potato dumplings dance alongside tender chicken pieces in a velvety broth.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers home-cooked goodness.

Fragrant herbs and rich cream transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience.

Families adore this soul-satisfying recipe that brings Italian-inspired magic to dinner tables.

Weekend cooking becomes a delightful adventure with these straightforward steps.

Each spoonful promises pure, delectable happiness that’ll make you feel like a kitchen hero.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make this soup creamy and rich?

Heavy cream provides the luxurious, velvety texture while creating a smooth base that coats the chicken and gnocchi perfectly.

  • Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and saves time, making the recipe even easier to prepare at home.

  • Is gnocchi difficult to cook in soup?

Gnocchi cooks quickly and easily in the soup, typically taking just 5 minutes to become tender and absorb the delicious flavors.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, use low-sodium chicken broth, and add extra vegetables like kale or zucchini to boost nutritional value.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup That Warms the Soul

  • Craft a Comforting Meal: This soup delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen, making it perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings without leaving home.
  • Simplify Cooking Complexity: Requiring basic kitchen skills and straightforward steps, home cooks of all levels can successfully prepare this delicious Olive Garden-inspired soup with confidence.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal preferences, making this recipe flexible for different dietary needs and taste profiles.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a hearty, nutritious meal in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy families seeking a delicious dinner solution that doesn't compromise on taste or quality.

Ingredients Needed for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that provides the primary flavor and substance of the soup.
  • Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that add a comforting texture to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid base that creates the foundation of the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Rich dairy ingredient that adds a luxurious and creamy consistency.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Celery, Carrots, Spinach: Fresh vegetables that contribute depth of flavor and nutritional value to the soup.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile.
Seasonings and Thickeners:
  • Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth texture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavors.
Cooking Fats:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Provide a rich base for sautéing vegetables and adding depth to the soup's flavor.

Step-by-Step Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat a generous amount of butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium warmth. Gently cook the following ingredients until they become soft and fragrant:
  • Chopped onions
  • Diced celery
  • Minced garlic

Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Create a Silky Base

Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture and stir continuously for one minute. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to create a smooth, lump-free liquid.

The mixture will begin to thicken and develop a rich, creamy texture.

Step 3: Build Depth of Flavor

Add these ingredients to the pot:
  • Heavy cream
  • Shredded cooked chicken
  • Sliced carrots

Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes.

This allows the flavors to meld together and create a luxurious, comforting base.

Step 4: Finish with Soft Pillows

Gently stir in:
  • Prepared gnocchi
  • Fresh spinach leaves

Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the gnocchi becomes tender and the spinach wilts beautifully into the soup.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give the soup a final gentle stir to distribute the seasonings.

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and serve immediately for a soul-warming meal that captures the essence of Olive Garden’s beloved recipe.

Tips to Master Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Swap store-bought gnocchi with homemade for a fresher, more authentic taste that elevates the entire soup's flavor profile.
  • Freeze leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheating gently to prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy or falling apart.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack that adds extra richness and saves preparation steps during cooking.
  • Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely to your taste preferences.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, reducing overall calorie content without compromising creamy texture.

New Twists for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Gluten-Free Gnocchi Soup: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free gnocchi for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegetarian Potato Dumpling Soup: Swap chicken with white beans or plant-based chicken substitute. Add extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for protein and texture.
  • Dairy-Free Comfort Soup: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Select unsweetened almond milk as a lighter alternative liquid base. Replace butter with olive oil.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Soup: Substitute gnocchi with roasted cauliflower florets. Reduce carrots and use more leafy greens. Add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary for depth of flavor.

Perfect Pairings with Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty soup with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete, comforting meal that brings everyone together around the table.
  • Lunch Companion Delight: Pack the soup in a thermos for a warm, satisfying midday meal at work or school, paired with a small side of crackers or crusty bread.
  • Dinner Party Starter: Present the soup in elegant bowls as a sophisticated first course for an Italian-inspired dinner gathering, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
  • Wellness Bowl Transformation: Top the soup with extra spinach, a drizzle of olive oil, and some grilled chicken strips for a protein-packed, nutritious meal that feels both indulgent and healthy.

Keeping Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Fresh

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the soup is completely cooled before storing.
  • Freeze the soup without gnocchi for best results, as pasta can become mushy when thawed.
  • Transfer frozen soup to the refrigerator overnight for safe thawing before reheating.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Olive garden chicken gnocchi soup brings creamy comfort to winter dinners. Hearty potatoes, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi create a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) gnocchi
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup (150 grams) onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) celery, diced
  • 1 cup (100 grams) carrots, shredded
  • 1 cup (30 grams) spinach, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a fragrant base for the soup.
  2. Gently sauté diced onions, celery, and minced garlic until vegetables become translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux and eliminate raw flour taste.
  4. Slowly pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky smooth consistency.
  5. Incorporate heavy cream, tender shredded chicken, and julienned carrots into the developing soup.
  6. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
  7. Add pillowy gnocchi and fresh spinach leaves, stirring carefully to distribute ingredients evenly.
  8. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until gnocchi becomes perfectly tender and spinach wilts delicately.
  9. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
  10. Ladle the creamy, comforting soup into warm bowls and serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

  • Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting the flour and broth ratio for a perfect creamy consistency.
  • Swap regular gnocchi with gluten-free or cauliflower gnocchi to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or kale for additional nutrients and texture.
  • Enhance flavor by using rotisserie chicken or seasoning the chicken with herbs before shredding for deeper taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 333 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star