Cozy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe Made Simple

Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup revamps ordinary ingredients into a spectacular culinary experience that feels like comfort wrapped in a delicate, velvety embrace.

Rich and luxurious, this soup whispers stories of traditional Italian kitchens where passion meets simplicity.

Delicate potato dumplings dance alongside succulent chicken pieces in a creamy landscape that beckons hungry souls.

Vibrant vegetables add unexpected texture and depth to each spoonful, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Home cooks can easily replicate this beloved restaurant classic with just a few carefully selected ingredients.

Skilled preparation turns humble components into a magnificent meal that warms both heart and stomach.

Why Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Hits All the Cozy Notes

• Craft a Comfort-Packed Creamy Delight: Dive into a luxurious soup that wraps you in warmth with its velvety texture and rich, satisfying flavors that feel like a culinary hug.
• Whip Up a Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this restaurant-inspired soup in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Transform Simple Ingredients into Flavor Magic: Elevate everyday vegetables and chicken into a restaurant-quality dish that turns basic ingredients into an extraordinary, creamy soup experience that'll impress everyone at the dinner table.

Ingredients That Make This Gnocchi Soup Irresistible

• Onion: Sweet base that provides depth of flavor and aromatic foundation for the soup.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Celery: Provides subtle herbal note and classic soup vegetable background.
• Garlic: Intense aromatic ingredient that enhances overall soup complexity.

• Chicken: Tender protein that makes the soup hearty and satisfying, preferably pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.
• Half & Half: Creamy dairy that creates rich and smooth soup texture.

• Chicken Broth: Foundational liquid that provides savory soup base and enhances overall flavor.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create smooth, silky consistency.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add substantial and comforting element to the soup.
• Spinach: Fresh green that provides nutrition and bright color to the final dish.
• Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb that adds fresh, slightly peppery finish.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Create initial cooking base and add subtle richness to the soup.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all other ingredients.

• Grated Cheese: Adds final layer of flavor and creamy texture to the soup.

How to Simmer Up a Gnocchi Soup That’s Restaurant-Worthy

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onion
• Diced carrots
• Chopped celery
• Minced garlic

Season with salt and pepper. Cook while stirring frequently until vegetables become soft and fragrant, about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Create Creamy Soup Base

Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables, stirring continuously for 3 minutes. Slowly pour in chicken broth, one cup at a time. Stir in half & half until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Simmer Chicken

Add pre-cooked chicken to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Finish with Gnocchi and Greens

Cook gnocchi according to package instructions. Add cooked gnocchi and fresh spinach to the soup, allowing spinach to wilt. Stir in fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle grated cheese on top before serving.

Tips for Tender Chicken and Pillowy Gnocchi

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose crisp vegetables and high-quality chicken for maximum flavor depth and authentic taste.
• Control Vegetable Texture: Dice carrots, celery, and onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent bite in every spoonful.
• Prevent Flour Clumping: Sprinkle flour gradually and whisk continuously to create a smooth, lump-free base for the creamy soup.
• Manage Simmering Temperature: Maintain a gentle simmer to prevent separation of cream and ensure a silky, cohesive soup consistency.
• Enhance Final Presentation: Add fresh spinach and basil leaves just before serving to preserve vibrant color and maximize herb aromatics.

Reheat This Creamy Soup Without Losing Texture

• Refrigerate the soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the gnocchi and soup separate prevents soggy texture. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months, ensuring you label with the date.
• Reheating Methods
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan, warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency. Heat until the soup reaches 165°F, which guarantees food safety and maintains delicious flavor.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Perfect Pairings to Round Out a Bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy soup's richness, balancing the heavy texture with its light, crisp notes and subtle oak undertones.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Warm, rustic sourdough provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up the soup's velvety broth, adding a delightful textural contrast and tangy flavor.
• Match with Mixed Green Salad: A light, zesty salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the soup's creaminess, offering a refreshing counterpoint and adding nutritional balance to the meal.
• Enjoy with Herbed Focaccia: Fragrant, olive oil-brushed focaccia topped with rosemary and sea salt enhances the soup's herbal notes while providing a satisfying, crunchy accompaniment.

Fun Spins to Switch Up Classic Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Rustic Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with roasted butternut squash or white beans for a hearty plant-based version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain rich flavor profiles.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and smoked paprika to create a bolder, zestier soup. Garnish with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for extra kick.
• Creamy Seafood Edition: Swap chicken for tender shrimp or lump crab meat. Incorporate fresh dill and a splash of white wine to elevate the maritime essence of the soup.
• Mediterranean Herbal Blend: Introduce oregano, thyme, and a touch of lemon zest. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and add sun-dried tomatoes for an authentic Mediterranean experience.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings comfort from Italian kitchens straight to your table. Creamy texture and hearty ingredients create a delightful experience that warms souls and satisfies hunger with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked white meat chicken (shredded or cut into small bites)
• 1 pound potato gnocchi

Vegetables and Herbs:

• ½ cup onion (diced)
• ½ cup carrots (diced)
• ½ cup celery (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach (stems removed)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups half & half
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Coarse salt
• Fresh black pepper
• Fresh grated Parmesan and/or Romano (for serving)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious stockpot, combine unsalted butter (or ) and extra virgin olive oil () over medium heat, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
2. Introduce finely chopped yellow onion (1 medium), diced carrots (2 medium, approximately ), diced celery stalks (2 stalks), and minced garlic cloves (3 cloves). Season with kosher salt () and freshly ground black pepper ().
3. Sauté the vegetable mixture, stirring consistently, until the ingredients become tender and translucent, releasing their aromatic essence, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Dust the softened vegetables with all-purpose flour (), continuously stirring to create a smooth roux and prevent any lumps from forming. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5. Gradually pour in low-sodium chicken broth (or 32 fluid ounces), whisking constantly to integrate the liquid seamlessly with the roux, creating a smooth consistency.
6. Incorporate heavy cream (or 8 fluid ounces), stirring until the soup becomes creamy and develops a rich, velvety texture.
7. Add pre-cooked, shredded chicken breast (), allowing the meat to warm through and absorb the soup’s flavors. Simmer gently for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Meanwhile, prepare store-bought potato gnocchi () according to package instructions, typically boiling in salted water until they float to the surface.
9. Introduce the cooked gnocchi and fresh baby spinach leaves () into the soup, letting the spinach wilt and become tender while maintaining its vibrant green color.
10. Enhance the soup’s flavor profile by stirring in chopped fresh basil leaves () and adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
11. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese () for an extra layer of richness and complexity.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, preventing gnocchi from becoming mushy.
• Freeze soup without gnocchi for maximum freshness, adding pasta when reheating to maintain perfect texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation, saving time without compromising rich flavor profile.
• Select fresh, soft gnocchi from refrigerated section over dried pasta for authentic Italian restaurant-style consistency.
• Replace half & half with whole milk or heavy cream depending on desired richness and dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 423 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 684mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 70mg