Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There's nothing like the creamy comfort of Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup. With its rich broth, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a blend of fresh vegetables, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

I first tried recreating this soup after a family dinner at Olive Garden left me craving more. After a bit of experimenting in the kitchen, I landed on a recipe that brings all the cozy, restaurant-quality goodness straight to my table. It’s easy to make, perfect for weeknights, and guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ready to bring this restaurant favorite home? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This copycat recipe is a total game-changer for soup lovers. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and family-friendly appeal, it’s bound to become a staple in your meal rotation.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. From start to finish, this soup comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but want something homemade and delicious.

Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The creamy broth and fluffy gnocchi are irresistible, even for picky eaters. Plus, the comforting combination of chicken and vegetables makes it feel like a complete meal in a bowl.

Lastly, it’s budget-friendly. With simple, everyday ingredients like chicken, spinach, and store-bought gnocchi, you can feed a family of four for a fraction of what it costs to dine out.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at canned soup the same way again!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this soup lies in its simple ingredients, each carefully chosen to replicate the flavors of Olive Garden’s iconic dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to, but leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully if you’re short on time.
• Gnocchi: Store-bought potato gnocchi is perfect for this recipe. You’ll find it in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients. If you don’t have spinach, kale or Swiss chard can work as substitutes.
• Heavy Cream: This is the key to achieving the soup’s signature creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the soup won’t be as rich.
• Vegetables: A classic mirepoix of onions, carrots, and celery forms the flavor base, while garlic adds a fragrant, savory touch.

You’ll also need chicken broth, butter, flour, and a blend of Italian herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley to complete the dish. A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot is ideal for cooking this soup.

How To Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this soup at home is easier than you might think! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfection:

1. Cook the Chicken: Begin by sautéing diced chicken in a large pot with a bit of olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened. This creates a flavorful base for the soup.
3. Create the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for about a minute, then slowly whisk in chicken broth. This will thicken the soup and give it a creamy consistency.
4. Simmer and Add Gnocchi: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cooked chicken and gnocchi. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface.
5. Add Cream and Spinach: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
6. Season to Taste: Finish with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.

This soup tastes like it simmered all day, but it comes together in less than 30 minutes!

Storage Options

This soup is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigeration: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While the creamy base can separate when frozen, you can freeze the soup without the cream and add it fresh when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, to prevent the cream from curdling.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this soup is its versatility. Here are a few ways to customize it to your liking:

1. Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. Add More Veggies: Throw in some diced zucchini, corn, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
3. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
4. Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and olive oil instead of butter.
5. Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh basil or dill for a unique twist on the classic flavors.

Don’t be afraid to get creative – this recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable!

Warm, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or packing it for lunch, one thing’s for sure: it’ll have everyone asking for seconds. So grab your apron and get ready to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen. Happy cooking!

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