Name: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, shredded; 1 celery stalk, diced; 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 tsp thyme; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade); Salt and pepper, to taste

There's nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a chilly evening. This hearty dish combines tender chunks of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of fresh vegetables in a rich, velvety broth. It’s the perfect comfort food for family dinners or a cozy night in.

I first discovered this recipe while trying to recreate my favorite restaurant dishes at home, and it quickly became a staple in our household. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and tastes just like the original – maybe even better! Let’s dive into the details so you can bring the Olive Garden experience to your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection! This Chicken Gnocchi Soup ticks all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing, satisfying meal.

First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can whip up this dish in under an hour. The steps are straightforward, and the results are foolproof.

Second, this soup is packed with flavor. From the juicy chicken to the lightly toasted gnocchi and the savory blend of Italian spices, every spoonful is a taste of perfection.

It’s also versatile! You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to use rotisserie chicken, switch up the veggies, or make it gluten-free, the options are endless.

Finally, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for next-day lunches or quick dinners during the week.

With all these perks, it’s no wonder this soup has become a family favorite. Ready to give it a try?

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy gnocchi are the star of this soup. Look for prepackaged gnocchi in the pasta aisle or make your own for a special touch.
Vegetables: A classic combination of celery, carrots, and spinach adds both flavor and nutrition. You can also include onions for extra sweetness.
Cream: Heavy cream creates the soup’s signature creamy texture. For a lighter option, half-and-half works well too.
Broth: Use a high-quality chicken broth or stock for the base. It’s the foundation of the soup’s rich, savory flavor.
Seasonings: A mix of garlic, thyme, and Italian seasoning ties everything together. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!

Finally, you’ll need a large soup pot and a sturdy wooden spoon for stirring. With these ingredients and tools in hand, you’re ready to get started.

How to Make This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to create a dish that rivals the restaurant version.

Cook the Chicken: Begin by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat, then sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Remove it from the pot, let it rest, and shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté diced onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Make the Broth Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the gnocchi. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the gnocchi start to float, indicating they’re done.
Add Cream and Spinach: Lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the heavy cream. Gently fold in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt into the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
Simmer to Perfection: Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of broth to thin it out.

In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious pot of Chicken Gnocchi Soup ready to serve. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Storage Options

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is just as good the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it for best results.

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Note that the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly after freezing, so you may want to cook fresh gnocchi when reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened during storage.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Protein Swap: Use cooked turkey, sausage, or even shrimp in place of chicken for a different twist.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free gnocchi or substitute with diced potatoes or rice for a gluten-free alternative.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a bit of heat.
Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

No matter how you customize it, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup is guaranteed to impress!

Ready to bring the cozy vibes of Olive Garden into your home? Give this recipe a try and let the rich, creamy flavors take center stage. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!