Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach — a restaurant favorite made at home.
Introduction
If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden, you know their Chicken Gnocchi Soup is legendary. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food. The best part? You don’t need to go out to enjoy it — this recipe brings the restaurant experience straight to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and just 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or impressing guests with a homemade classic.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups spinach, chopped
1 lb potato gnocchi
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried rosemary
(Optional garnish: grated Parmesan cheese)
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in chicken broth, add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Gnocchi
Add gnocchi and cook 2–3 minutes until soft and floating.
- Finish the Soup
Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and cooked chicken. Simmer 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts and soup thickens slightly.
- Serve
Ladle into bowls and serve warm. Top with grated Parmesan if desired.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Tips for Success
Use store‑bought gnocchi for convenience, or make homemade for extra flair.
Substitute half‑and‑half for a lighter version.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
For richer flavor, sauté vegetables in butter instead of olive oil.
Variations
Turkey Twist: Swap chicken for ground turkey.
Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and omit chicken.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms or zucchini for more texture.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded mozzarella or Asiago before serving.
Serving Ideas
Pair with warm breadsticks or garlic bread.
Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad for a full Olive Garden‑style meal.
Offer small bowls as a starter at dinner parties.
Freeze leftovers in portions for quick lunches.
Storytelling Element
Picture a steaming bowl of creamy soup, flecked with spinach and dotted with tender gnocchi. The aroma of garlic and herbs fills the kitchen, and each spoonful delivers comfort and satisfaction. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down, savor the moment, and feel like you’re dining out — without leaving home.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is creamy, hearty, and ready in just 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and big flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation all year long.