Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup a creamy and hearty soup filled with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and flavorful vegetables, this recipe brings the comforting taste of Olive Garden right to your kitchen. Perfect for cozy evenings or when you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s rich and creamy, with a perfect balance of flavors.
The gnocchi adds a delightful texture, making it incredibly hearty.
Fresh spinach and veggies make it both comforting and nutritious.
Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a quick dinner.
Easily customizable with variations to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
1 pound potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer and allow it to thicken slightly.
Stir in the shredded chicken, half-and-half, and dried thyme. Add nutmeg if desired for extra depth of flavor.
Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer, then add the gnocchi. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the surface.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
Protein Options: Swap the chicken for cooked turkey or add Italian sausage for a different flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and omit the chicken, adding mushrooms or tofu for a hearty alternative.
Dairy-Free: Replace the half-and-half with coconut milk or almond cream for a dairy-free option.
Spices: Enhance the soup with a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
Gnocchi Types: Try whole wheat or cauliflower gnocchi for a healthier twist.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the soup (without the gnocchi) for up to 2 months. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating for the best texture.
Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or milk.
Related Recipes:
- Air Fryer Gnocchi
- Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
- 30-Minute Ricotta Gnocchi with Herbs and Tomatoes
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe. Just add it directly to the simmering soup without thawing.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
What can I use instead of spinach?
You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard. Just chop it finely and cook until wilted.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut. It adds great flavor and saves time.
How can I thicken the soup further?
If you’d like a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the simmering soup.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a warm and hearty meal. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for the ultimate dining experience.
📖 Recipe:
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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Enjoy the rich and creamy taste of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup right at home! This hearty recipe combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables for a comforting and satisfying meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
1 pound potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stir to coat, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
- Stir in shredded chicken, half-and-half, dried thyme, and nutmeg if desired. Simmer gently.
- Add gnocchi and cook for 3-5 minutes until gnocchi floats to the surface.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.
Use coconut milk or almond cream for a dairy-free version.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze (without gnocchi) for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
