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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup – Creamy, Cozy & Restaurant-Style Comfort

If you love rich, creamy, soul-warming soups, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect comfort meal. Inspired by the iconic restaurant favorite, this homemade version is even better—cozier, creamier, fresher, and packed with wholesome ingredients that elevate every spoonful. Tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and delicate herbs come together in a velvety broth that feels like a warm hug. The soft potato gnocchi soak up all the flavor while adding a satisfying bite, the vegetables bring brightness and depth, and the creamy base ties the entire soup into a luxurious bowl of Italian-inspired comfort. This recipe is incredibly easy, quick to make, and perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cold-weather cravings. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or simply yourself—this is the kind of soup that makes everybody say, “I need another bowl!”
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Vegetables
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
Broth
  • 6 cups chicken broth
Pasta
  • 1 package potato gnocchi
Seasonings
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
Oil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
Dairy
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Ladle

Method
 

Step 1 — Sauté the vegetables
  1. Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery.
  3. Cook 6–8 minutes, until softened.
  4. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Step 2 — Add broth & seasonings
  1. Pour in chicken broth.
  2. Stir in dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3 — Add chicken
  1. Add shredded chicken to the pot and stir.
  2. Simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 4 — Add gnocchi
  1. Add the gnocchi directly into the simmering soup.
  2. Cook 3–4 minutes, or until they float and become soft.
Step 5 — Add cream
  1. Lower heat.
  2. Stir in heavy cream until the soup becomes rich and velvety.
Step 6 — Add spinach
  1. Stir in fresh spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.
Step 7 — Taste & adjust
  1. Add extra salt, black pepper, or herbs based on your preference.
Step 8 — Serve
  1. Ladle soup into bowls and enjoy the silky, creamy texture.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Keeps 3–4 days
Gnocchi absorbs broth—add extra liquid when reheating
Freezer
Best frozen before adding gnocchi and cream
Add both after reheating
Reheating
Warm gently over low heat
Add broth if the soup thickens
🥄 Variations
1. Extra Creamy
Add ½ cup cream cheese.
2. Protein-Boosted
Add white beans or chickpeas.
3. Veggie-Loaded
Add mushrooms, zucchini, kale, or peas.
4. Spicy Version
Stir in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
5. Light Version
Use milk instead of heavy cream.
6. Dairy-Free
Use coconut milk for creaminess.
7. Keto Version
Replace gnocchi with cauliflower florets.
8. Lemon-Herb
Add lemon zest and fresh basil for a bright twist.
9. Tomato-Infused
Add diced tomatoes for a richer Italian flavor.
10. Slow Cooker Version
Cook everything except cream & gnocchi for 4–5 hours on LOW.
Stir in cream & gnocchi 20 minutes before serving.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
No—they cook directly in the broth.
2. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes—just add 1–2 extra minutes.
3. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—it makes this recipe even easier.
4. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut milk.
5. What broth works best?
Chicken broth adds richness, but vegetable broth works too.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely—this soup is very customizable.
7. Why did my soup thicken too much?
Gnocchi absorbs liquid. Add broth when reheating.
8. Can kids eat this?
Yes—it’s mild, creamy, and kid-friendly.
9. How do I make it thick and hearty?
Add extra gnocchi or mash some vegetables.
10. Can I freeze leftovers?
Freeze before adding cream and gnocchi for best texture.
🏁 Conclusion
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is creamy, cozy, comforting, and full of Italian-inspired flavor. With tender chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs, every bowl delivers rich satisfaction and warm comfort.
It’s easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and adaptable with endless variations. Whether you’re craving restaurant nostalgia or homemade comfort, this soup brings warmth, flavor, and joy to every spoonful.