Cozy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe That Warms the Soul

Cozy winter nights call for a comforting olive garden chicken gnocchi soup that warms you from the inside out.

Our kitchen has perfected this restaurant-inspired classic with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.

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

Soft spinach leaves add a pop of color and nutrition to each spoonful.

Home cooks can easily replicate this beloved dish without complicated techniques or expensive equipment.

Hearty and satisfying, this soup becomes an instant favorite that makes everyone feel cherished.

Jump in and savor every delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing meal.

Why Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Feels Like A Hug

• Customize with Ease: Perfect for home cooks who want to personalize their meal by adding different vegetables or swapping protein types without complicated modifications.
• Nourish Quickly: Packed with protein, vegetables, and comforting gnocchi, this one-pot wonder delivers a complete meal in minimal preparation time.
• Warm Family Comfort: Creates a hearty, satisfying dish that brings everyone together around the table, offering a cozy dining experience that feels like a warm hug.
• Master Cooking Skills: Teaches fundamental techniques like creating a roux, sautéing vegetables, and achieving perfect meat temperature, helping home chefs build culinary confidence.

Everything That Goes Into Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Chicken: Tender meat cubes ensure even cooking and a delicious texture throughout the soup.

• Garlic, Onions, Carrots, Celery: These ingredients create a flavorful foundation and add depth to the soup's overall taste profile.

• Flour: A key ingredient that helps create a smooth roux and thickens the soup's consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich liquid base that enhances the soup's flavor and creates the primary cooking liquid.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, velvety texture and creates a creamy, rich finish to the soup.

• Dried Thyme: Brings a subtle herbal note that complements the chicken and vegetable flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add a comforting, hearty element to the soup.
• Fresh Spinach: Introduces a pop of color and adds nutritional value with its vibrant green leaves.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and providing a base for developing the soup's initial flavors.

How To Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup At Home

Step 1: Chopping Chicken Into Uniform Cubes

Carefully dice chicken into small, consistent pieces to ensure even cooking and tender meat throughout the dish.

Sautéing Aromatic Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add minced garlic and cook until it becomes golden and releases its incredible fragrance.

Step 2: Preparing Vegetable Base

• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery

Stir frequently and cook until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Creating Smooth Roux

Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to develop a light, golden base.

Step 4: Blending Broth Smoothly

Pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking thoroughly to combine with the roux and eliminate any potential clumps.

Step 5: Cooking Chicken Perfectly

Add diced chicken to the simmering liquid, cooking until the meat turns completely opaque and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Adding Creamy Richness

• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 7: Cooking Gnocchi

Introduce gnocchi to the soup, allowing them to cook for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they are tender and fully cooked.

Step 8: Wilting Fresh Spinach

Gently fold fresh spinach into the soup, letting it wilt and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Step 9: Letting Flavors Meld

Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together and reach the perfect serving temperature.

Step 10: Serving The Soup

Ladle the creamy, comforting soup into bowls and serve immediately while hot and delicious.

Smart Tips For Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Dice with Precision: Cut chicken into uniform small cubes to guarantee even cooking and maximize meat tenderness throughout the dish.
• Roux Mastery: Whisk flour carefully into vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and develop a smooth, rich base for the soup.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety without overcooking the protein.
• Gnocchi Timing: Watch closely when adding gnocchi, removing from heat once they float to the surface to maintain perfect soft texture.
• Spinach Wilting Technique: Add spinach at the end of cooking, allowing it to gently wilt and preserve its vibrant green color and nutritional value.

Tasty Twists On Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like tofu cubes or white beans, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, and choose gluten-free gnocchi to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a lower-carbohydrate soup that still delivers robust flavors.

Best Sides For Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Savor Rich Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay that complements the creamy soup's richness and cuts through its velvety texture.
• Craft Crisp Bread Selection: Select a rustic sourdough or crusty artisan bread to provide delightful crunch and perfect sauce-soaking capabilities with the gnocchi soup.
• Enhance Herbal Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed greens salad with fresh herbs like parsley and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy profile and add refreshing contrast.
• Elevate Cheese Accompaniment: Serve a small plate of aged Parmesan or Gruyère cheese on the side, offering a salty, nutty complement that enhances the soup's depth of flavor.

How To Store Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Properly

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Carefully pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring gnocchi and chicken retain their quality.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle to distribute warmth evenly and prevent cold spots.
• Pour soup into saucepan, reheat over medium-low heat.

Answers To Your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Questions

• Is gnocchi difficult to cook in this soup?

Not at all! Gnocchi cooks quickly, about 3-4 minutes. They’ll float to the surface when perfectly tender, making it easy to know they’re done.

• Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, just ensure chicken is fully thawed and diced uniformly before cooking. Pat it dry to help achieve better browning and prevent excess moisture.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They’re lean, cook evenly, and absorb the soup’s rich flavors perfectly. Chicken thighs can also work for slightly more robust taste.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Olive garden chicken gnocchi soup brings comfort and warmth to winter dining with its creamy, hearty blend of tender chicken and pillowy potato dumplings. Homemade Italian-style goodness awaits when you savor each spoonful of this luxurious, restaurant-inspired soup.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 package gnocchi
• 4 cups chicken broth

Vegetables:

• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup celery
• 1/2 cup carrots
• 1/4 cup onions

Creamy Base and Seasonings:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by dicing into small, uniform cubes, ensuring even cooking and tender meat texture.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot, stirring frequently and cooking until vegetables become slightly softened and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Incorporate flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a light roux and prevent lumping, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Gently pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking thoroughly to blend the roux and eliminate any potential clumps.
6. Introduce diced chicken to the simmering liquid, cooking until the meat is completely opaque and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Pour heavy cream into the pot, stirring to create a rich, velvety consistency, and season with dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
8. Add gnocchi to the soup, allowing them to cook for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they are tender and fully prepared.
9. Fold fresh spinach into the soup, letting it wilt and integrate seamlessly with the other ingredients.
10. Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and reach an ideal serving temperature.
11. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Prep chicken uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and tender bites throughout the soup.
• Toast flour briefly to eliminate raw taste and enhance the soup’s depth of flavor without creating a heavy base.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with rotisserie, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
• Control soup thickness by adjusting cream and broth ratios, allowing personalized texture preferences from lighter to more indulgent versions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 80mg