Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you’re craving that warm, comforting soup that hits all the right notes, I’ve got something special for you: my take on the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s creamy, hearty, and bursting with fresh flavors. The first time I tried making this at home, I was amazed at how easy it was to get that cozy Olive Garden vibe without leaving my kitchen. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your soup turns out just right—and trust me, you’ll want seconds!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe work beautifully together to create that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. When shopping, try to pick fresh veggies and good quality chicken broth—you’ll notice the difference!

• Olive oil: Gives your veggies a nice, subtle richness as they sauté.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; I usually use yellow onions, but white works too.
• Garlic: Fresh is best here for that vibrant punch.
• Carrots: Bring a natural sweetness and a little texture.
• Celery: Adds an earthy, slightly herbal note that rounds out the base flavors.
• Dried thyme and basil: These herbs are key—they give the soup that comforting Italian flavor.
• Chicken broth: The backbone of the soup; homemade or good-quality store-bought works.
• Cooked chicken: Shredded for tender, meaty bites throughout the soup.
• Gnocchi: The star of the show; they soak up the broth and add irresistible pillowy goodness.
• Fresh spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the cream.
• Heavy cream: For that luscious, silky texture you crave.
• Salt and black pepper: To taste—these enhance all the flavors.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Perfect finishing touch for a salty, nutty boost.

Variations

I love that this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is so flexible—feel free to make it your own! Whether you want to lighten it up or bring in some extra veggies, there are plenty of ways to switch things up.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken; add mushrooms or chickpeas for protein.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like things with a bit of heat—I love that little unexpected pop of flavor.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan right before serving for extra gooey goodness.
• Healthier Swap: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and baby kale instead of spinach for more fiber.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Build Flavor

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, then sauté them for about 5 minutes. You want the veggies softened but not browned—it’s the gentle sweetness from these that builds your soup’s base. Once they look tender and smell amazing, stir in that garlic and cook it just a minute more until fragrant. Trust me, don’t skip this step; it’s where the magic begins!

Step 2: Add Herbs and Broth

Sprinkle in your dried thyme and basil. Give everything a quick stir so the herbs toast lightly and release their aromas. Then pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture up to a boil. Keeping an eye on this stage helps make sure you get a well-rounded flavor before adding the other ingredients.

Step 3: Simmer Chicken and Gnocchi

Once the broth is boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add your shredded chicken and gnocchi, stirring to combine. Here’s what I learned: gnocchi cook quickly and float when they’re done, usually in 5 to 7 minutes. Resist the urge to overcook them—they’re tender but can turn mushy fast. This step brings heartiness and texture to your soup.

Step 4: Stir in Spinach and Cream

Finally, toss in the fresh spinach and pour in the heavy cream. Cook another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the soup is nice and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your liking—you might want to start light and adjust. I always add a little extra pepper for some warmth.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your soup into bowls, and if you’re anything like me, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for that finishing, melty touch. Grab some crusty bread, dig in, and get ready to be amazed!

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple with a grating of fresh Parmesan cheese right on top—it melts in beautifully and gives every spoonful a little something extra. Sometimes I also add a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. It’s those little touches that make it feel restaurant-quality.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this soup are definitely a crunchy green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette and some buttery garlic bread. If you’re feeling indulgent, a warm focaccia or maybe some roasted veggies rounds out the meal nicely and keeps it feeling balanced without too much fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve made this for guests, I love serving it in small, rustic bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves on top. For special occasions, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds texture and a hint of sophistication. Presentation really elevates this humble soup—and your friends will be impressed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just give it a gentle stir and reheat gently on the stove—you’ll find the flavors taste even better the next day!

Freezing

I have to admit, freezing this soup is a bit tricky because of the cream and gnocchi, which can change texture. If you want to freeze it, I recommend omitting the cream and adding it fresh when reheating. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup slowly over medium-low heat on the stove to prevent curdling. Add a splash of broth or cream as you warm it to restore the silky texture. Avoid the microwave if you can; slow reheating really preserves the flavors and creaminess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe turns out—it’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly evening. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough to impress but simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. When I first made it, my family went crazy for the pillowy gnocchi and creamy broth combo. Give it a try and soon you’ll have your own go-to soup that everyone asks for again and again. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll wonder why you ever bought that soup from a can!

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