Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe: Creamy, Comforting, and Easy to Make at Home

Creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe has become a favorite for soup lovers everywhere. With tender chunks of chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy broth, this Italian-inspired soup delivers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Perfect for cozy weeknights, family dinners, or when you need a hearty, feel-good meal, this homemade version brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.

Inspired by the iconic soup served at Olive Garden, this recipe balances savory chicken, soft gnocchi, and vegetables in a creamy broth seasoned with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. The beauty of making it at home is the flexibility—you can adjust the thickness, spice level, and vegetable variety to suit your taste. Unlike the restaurant version, homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup lets you control ingredients, making it healthier without sacrificing the rich flavor.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup along with approximate calorie counts per serving:

Ingredient	Quantity	Approx. Calories
Chicken breast, cooked & shredded	2 cups	300 kcal
Potato gnocchi	2 cups	400 kcal
Baby spinach, chopped	2 cups	15 kcal
Carrots, diced	1 cup	50 kcal
Celery, diced	1 cup	20 kcal
Onion, chopped	1 medium	45 kcal
Garlic, minced	3 cloves	15 kcal
Chicken broth, low sodium	4 cups	60 kcal
Heavy cream	1 cup	800 kcal
Olive oil	1 tablespoon	120 kcal
Parmesan cheese, grated	¼ cup	110 kcal
Italian seasoning	1 teaspoon	5 kcal
Salt & black pepper	To taste	0 kcal

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until onions are translucent. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

2: Add Broth and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir in shredded chicken and simmer for 5–7 minutes to combine flavors.

3: Cook the Gnocchi

Add potato gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to package instructions, typically 3–5 minutes, until they float to the surface and are tender.

4: Add Cream and Spinach

Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add chopped spinach and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.

5: Finish and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-style touch.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

1. Protein Options: Swap chicken breast for thighs, rotisserie chicken, or even turkey for a different flavor profile.
2. Vegetable Additions: Add peas, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
3. Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to reduce calories.
4. Herb Enhancements: Fresh basil, parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor.
5. Cheese Variations: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses for a richer taste.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450–550 kcal
Protein	30–35 g
Carbohydrates	40–50 g
Fat	20–25 g
Fiber	3–5 g
Sodium	700–900 mg*

Serving Suggestions

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides:

• Crusty garlic bread or Italian breadsticks
• Light side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables for extra nutrition
• A glass of white wine or sparkling water to complete the meal

Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-style presentation.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup with leftover chicken?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and add it to the simmering broth toward the end of cooking. It saves time while keeping the flavor rich.

2. Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and substitute gnocchi with plant-based dumplings or pasta. For protein, add beans, tofu, or chickpeas.

3. How do I prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy?

Add the gnocchi toward the end of cooking and cook just until they float to the surface. Avoid overcooking and stirring too vigorously.

4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, store the soup without the gnocchi. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating to maintain its soft, pillowy texture.

5. Can I freeze Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Freezing is best done without the gnocchi or spinach, as they can become mushy. Freeze the broth and chicken, then cook fresh gnocchi and add greens when reheating.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings creamy comfort, hearty chicken, and pillowy gnocchi together in a flavorful Italian-inspired bowl. Quick to prepare and highly customizable, this soup delivers restaurant-quality taste in the comfort of your own kitchen. Perfect for cozy nights, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave a warm, nourishing meal, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.