Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup after a long day? Whether you’re coming in from a rainy afternoon or just wrangling kids post-soccer practice, this creamy, dreamy soup is the culinary hug you didn’t know you needed. Plus, it brings restaurant-level coziness right into your kitchen—no waiting in line or dealing with parking lots. (Yes, please!)
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Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This soup isn’t just a fan favorite at Olive Garden—it’s become a staple in so many kitchens for good reason. It’s got the soul of a hearty chicken stew with the velvety finish of a rich chowder. It’s satisfying without being heavy, packed with fresh veggies, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi that feel like little clouds in every bite.
And let’s be real: when life’s chaos meets dinnertime, we need meals that are both quick and comforting. This recipe checks all the boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Home
Step 1: Sauté the veggies
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in your diced onion, carrots, and celery—aka the flavor trifecta. Let them cook down for about 5 minutes until softened. You’ll start to smell that magical base taking shape.
Step 2: Add the garlic and herbs
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. Add the dried thyme and basil, and give it all a good stir. Your kitchen probably smells amazing right now.
Step 3: Pour in the broth
Add the chicken broth and bring it all to a gentle boil. This is where that cozy soup vibe really starts to build.
Step 4: Add chicken and gnocchi
Reduce the heat and toss in your shredded chicken and gnocchi. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top like happy little dumplings.
Step 5: Stir in spinach and cream
Add the fresh spinach and pour in the heavy cream. Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes until it’s creamy and just the right level of dreamy.
Step 6: Season and serve
Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Ladle into bowls, top with Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy, and dive in!
Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Don’t skip the sauté. That first step builds flavor—like, a lot of it.
- Rotisserie chicken? Yes, please! Save time by grabbing a cooked bird from the store.
- Heavy cream alternatives? You can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk if you want to lighten it up a bit.
- Want more veggies? Toss in mushrooms or zucchini—whatever your family loves.
A Little Backstory (Because Every Good Recipe Has One)
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup has been a lifesaver on many nights when I needed a dinner that felt like a warm blanket. I remember making it one rainy evening when my kids were bummed about a canceled game. One bowl of this later, and morale was back up. (Soup really is magic.)
FAQs About Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook them until they float and are tender.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the veggies first, then toss everything but the spinach and cream into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours, then stir in spinach and cream at the end.
Bring the Restaurant Home with This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is your ticket to comfort food bliss—without the takeout price tag or having to wrangle the kids into the car. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients that feel indulgent yet nourishing. Whether you’re whipping this up for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, it delivers every time.
It’s the kind of recipe that becomes part of your regular rotation, the one you crave when the weather turns chilly or when life just needs a little more comfort and joy. Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve guests (and trust me, they’ll ask for seconds).
So go ahead, grab that spoon, and make room in your recipe box—this soup is here to stay.
Explore More Cozy Chicken Comforts
If you’re in love with the cozy, creamy goodness of this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll definitely want to try a few more warm-and-hearty favorites. These dishes pair wonderfully with chilly nights, busy schedules, or when you just want something soul-satisfying.
- For another creamy, comforting soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights, try the Crack Chicken and Rice Soup.
- Want a comforting casserole with serious crowd-pleasing vibes? The Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is always a hit.
- Feeling something with a bit of zing? Check out the fresh and flavorful Lemon Basil Chicken Kebabs for a bright twist on dinner.
- And if you love creamy pasta dishes, don’t miss the irresistible Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine.
Each of these recipes brings its own magic to the table—perfect companions for your next chicken-inspired dinner night.