Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup Recipe: Craving something cozy, creamy, and absolutely comforting? Olive Garden’s Chicken & Gnocchi Soup hits all the right notes. It’s not just soup—it’s a hug in a bowl. Fans rave about its velvety texture, tender gnocchi, and juicy chicken bites swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. This isn’t just another copycat recipe—this is your golden ticket to restaurant-style goodness from the comfort of your kitchen. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a hearty pick-me-up, this soup brings the soul-soothing flavors of Olive Garden right to your home.
What makes it stand out? It’s the balance. The gnocchi—those soft little potato dumplings—absorb the creamy broth beautifully. The shredded chicken offers satisfying protein, and the carrots, celery, and spinach sneak in a healthy twist. This soup is surprisingly easy to prepare, and yet it tastes like something you’d slave over for hours.
A Touch of Comfort in Every Bite
Olive Garden’s Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is the kind of meal that makes memories. Whether you’re curling up on the couch or gathering around the dinner table, each bite offers comfort, familiarity, and joy. It’s that one recipe that kids and adults alike will request again and again. And the best part? You can make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for another day.
Once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it not just for your family, but also for potlucks, dinner parties, and lazy Sunday afternoons. Let’s dive into the exact ingredients and tools you need to recreate this masterpiece.
Key Ingredients Needed
Essential Fresh Ingredients
To replicate that authentic Olive Garden flavor, using fresh ingredients is key. Here’s what you need:
- Chicken breast – Cooked and shredded, this is the protein hero of the dish.
- Gnocchi – You can use store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi.
- Carrots – Thinly sliced or julienned for a slight crunch.
- Celery – Adds a savory undertone and texture.
- Onion – Diced finely for a sweet, aromatic base.
- Spinach – Fresh baby spinach adds color and nutrients.
- Garlic – Minced, because let’s face it—no soup is complete without it.
Using fresh vegetables not only boosts the flavor but also ensures that each bite is packed with nutrients. The mix of tender gnocchi and vibrant veggies makes for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Pantry Staples You’ll Need
Beyond fresh produce and meat, here’s what to grab from your pantry:
- Olive oil – For sautéing the aromatics.
- Chicken broth – The savory base of the soup.
- Heavy cream – To bring that luscious, creamy texture.
- Salt and pepper – Seasoning essentials.
- Thyme and parsley – For subtle herby depth.
- Butter (optional) – For richness, especially if you’re skipping the heavy cream.
Keep these pantry items on hand, and you’ll be able to whip up a batch of this soup whenever the craving strikes. Trust us, it’ll strike often.
Tools and Equipment for the Perfect Gnocchi Soup
Kitchen Essentials for Soup-Making
Before you start cooking, make sure your kitchen is armed with the right gear. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven – For even heat distribution and easy stirring.
- Cutting board and knife – To prep all those fresh ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Precision is key when it comes to seasoning and liquids.
- Wooden spoon or ladle – For stirring without scratching your pot.
- Whisk – Especially helpful when adding cream to prevent curdling.
Each of these tools plays a small but vital role in ensuring your soup turns out silky and flavorful. Don’t underestimate the power of good kitchen equipment—it can be the difference between “meh” and “magnificent.”
Optional Tools to Make Cooking Easier
Want to speed things up or add some flair? Consider these extras:
- Mandoline slicer – For super thin, even veggie slices.
- Hand mixer or immersion blender – To blend a portion of the soup for extra creaminess (optional step).
- Soup storage containers – Ideal for leftovers or meal prepping.
With everything prepped and ready, you’re now set for the fun part—cooking!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1 – Prepping Your Ingredients
First things first, prep everything before you start cooking. Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, mince the garlic, and wash your spinach. Cook and shred your chicken if it’s not pre-cooked. This stage may seem basic, but getting organized now will make your cooking experience much smoother.
Step 2 – Sautéing the Aromatics
In your soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until the onions become translucent—about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
At this point, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’re well on your way to soup heaven.
Step 3 – Simmering the Base
Once your aromatics are nicely sautéed, it’s time to build the soup’s flavorful base. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with your wooden spoon to lift all those tasty browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble away for 10 to 15 minutes—this is when all the flavors start to meld together beautifully.
If you like a thicker soup, you can take a ladle of the broth and mix it with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and add it back to the pot. This gives the soup a slightly more velvety consistency without making it too heavy.
This is also the perfect time to season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Don’t go overboard—you can always adjust at the end. Taste-testing as you go is the secret weapon of every great home cook.
Step 4 – Adding Gnocchi and Spinach
Here comes the magic ingredient—gnocchi. Gently add the gnocchi to your simmering broth. They’ll cook quickly, usually in about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they float to the top, kind of like little edible buoys.
Once the gnocchi are cooked, stir in your fresh spinach. It wilts almost instantly, adding that vibrant pop of green and a dose of nutrients. The soup’s texture really starts to come together now—pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, silky broth, and just-wilted spinach all mingling in perfect harmony.
If you’re using pre-cooked shredded chicken, add it now too. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This lets the chicken absorb all those rich flavors from the broth.
Step 5 – Finishing with Cream and Seasoning
Now for the grand finale—adding the cream. Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring gently. This step transforms your already-delicious soup into something deeply satisfying and luxurious. The cream not only adds richness but also balances out the salt and spice with a mellow smoothness.
Once the cream is fully incorporated, do a final taste test. Need a bit more salt? A dash of black pepper? Maybe a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness?
Let the soup simmer gently for another 3-5 minutes, just enough to thicken slightly and meld everything together into a cohesive, creamy masterpiece.
Remove from heat, ladle into bowls, and serve hot—with crusty bread or Olive Garden-style breadsticks on the side if you really want to go all in.
Tips to Elevate Your Gnocchi Soup Game
How to Add More Flavor
- Use roasted chicken instead of plain boiled chicken to deepen the flavor.
- Add a parmesan rind to the broth while it simmers—just remove it before serving.
- Try a splash of white wine during the sauté phase for a restaurant-quality finish.
- Throw in fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for an aromatic twist.
Flavor is all about layering. Don’t rush the process, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Dairy-Free? Use coconut cream or oat milk for a creamy base.
- Gluten-Free? Make sure your gnocchi is gluten-free (many brands offer this).
- Vegetarian? Skip the chicken and use veggie broth—add mushrooms for a meaty texture.
- Low-Carb? Replace gnocchi with cauliflower florets or zoodles.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Customize it to suit your diet without compromising on taste.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Perfect Pairings for Your Gnocchi Soup
You’ve got a steaming pot of delicious Olive Garden-inspired gnocchi soup—now what? It’s time to think about what to serve alongside it. Sure, the soup can hold its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal to a full-fledged Italian dining experience.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Nothing beats dipping warm, garlicky bread into a creamy soup. Try making your own or heat up a frozen batch. Olive Garden’s signature breadsticks are soft, buttery, and loaded with flavor—definitely worth replicating.
- Fresh Garden Salad: Keep things light with a crisp Italian salad. Toss romaine lettuce with cherry tomatoes, red onions, olives, pepperoncini, and shredded parmesan. Drizzle with a zesty Italian vinaigrette.
- Antipasto Platter: Serving guests? Complement your soup with a simple antipasto plate—think marinated olives, salami, prosciutto, mozzarella balls, and roasted peppers.
- Roasted Veggies: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts offer a flavorful and healthy counterpoint to the soup’s creamy richness.
Planning a cozy dinner or feeding a crowd? This soup and its sides are sure to make everyone smile.
How to Store and Reheat Gnocchi Soup
Storing Leftovers the Right Way
This soup stores well, which means you can enjoy it for days after making it. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: If you plan on freezing the soup, consider holding off on adding the gnocchi and spinach until you reheat it. Gnocchi can get mushy in the freezer. Freeze the broth and chicken base separately for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low until warmed through, stirring frequently. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Keep in mind that cream-based soups should be reheated gently to prevent curdling. Patience pays off with that smooth, velvety texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Soup-Making Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them
Even a simple soup can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are a few common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Overcooking the gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks fast. If left in the pot too long, it gets mushy. Always add it toward the end of cooking.
- Too much cream: While rich and indulgent, overdoing the cream can make the soup too heavy. Stick to the recommended amount unless you’re going for an ultra-thick texture.
- Not seasoning enough: The key to great soup is balancing your seasoning. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.
- Crowding the pot: Don’t cram in too many ingredients. Leave room for the soup to simmer and breathe—it needs space to develop flavor.
Avoid these mistakes, and you’re on your way to soup perfection.
Nutrition Breakdown and Health Considerations
Is Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup Healthy?
This soup walks the line between indulgent and wholesome. Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per serving (approximate values based on typical recipe):
- Calories: 300–400
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25–30g
- Fat: 15–20g
- Fiber: 2–3g
To lighten it up:
- Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
- Choose whole wheat gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi.
- Add extra spinach or kale for more fiber and nutrients.
While this soup isn’t exactly “low-cal,” it’s satisfying and balanced enough to fit into most diets with a few small tweaks.
FAQs about Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Q1: What is Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup made of?
A: Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup, also known as Chicken & Gnocchi Soup, is made with potato gnocchi, tender shredded chicken, spinach, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and a creamy chicken broth. It’s hearty, comforting, and full of flavor.
Q2: Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
A: Yes! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure to add it at the right stage of cooking to avoid overcooking.
Q3: Is this soup suitable for freezing?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture of the gnocchi and cream may change slightly. For best results, store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Q4: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Just skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies or white beans for more protein and texture.
Q5: How can I thicken the soup if it’s too watery?
A: If your soup turns out thinner than you’d like, simmer it a bit longer uncovered, or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup to thicken it.
Q6: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
A: Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor. Just shred it and stir it in toward the end of cooking.
Q7: What goes well with Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup?
A: It pairs beautifully with garlic breadsticks, a fresh garden salad, or even a warm panini for a full Italian-style meal.
Q8: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Traditional gnocchi usually contains flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free gnocchi in many stores or make your own at home using gluten-free flour.
Q9: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Add all the ingredients (except the gnocchi, cream, and spinach) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Add gnocchi, cream, and spinach in the last 30 minutes.
Q10: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe typically makes about 6 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week.
Conclusion
Olive Garden’s Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting experience you can bring into your own kitchen with ease. With a handful of fresh ingredients, some pantry basics, and a little love, you can recreate this restaurant favorite at home in less than an hour.
Whether you’re feeding the family on a weeknight, prepping meals for the week, or hosting guests, this soup never fails to impress. Creamy, hearty, flavorful, and customizable—what more could you ask for?
Don’t forget to serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy it fresh, or save the leftovers for a delicious next-day lunch. Either way, you’re in for something special.
