Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Picture this: The warm, comforting aroma of rich butter and sautéed garlic mingling with fresh celery and carrots fills your kitchen. A creamy, velvety soup simmers gently on the stove, dotted with tender potato gnocchi, juicy shredded chicken, and vibrant spinach leaves. This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is more than just a bowl of goodness — it’s a hug in a pot, ready to brighten any chilly day or impress unexpected guests with minimal fuss.

There’s something so satisfying about creating a dish that feels restaurant-quality yet is incredibly quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re craving cozy comfort food or a weeknight meal that truly wows, this soup ticks all the boxes. And the best part? It’s a versatile recipe that you can tweak to suit your personal tastes or what’s in your pantry. Let’s dive into why this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe deserves a special spot in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

• Ready in 30 minutes: From start to finish, this recipe comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Uses simple ingredients: Most pantry staples and common fresh veggies make it easy to whip up without extra trips to the store.
• Perfect for beginners: Step-by-step instructions and forgiving cooking methods mean even kitchen rookies can succeed with this creamy soup.
• Impressive presentation: The vibrant green spinach, fluffy gnocchi, and golden broth make this soup look as good as it tastes.
• Customizable: Easily add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spice it up for a personal twist on this classic.

Why This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe Works

What sets this soup apart is the loving layering of flavors and textures, achieved through simple but deliberate techniques. Starting with a fragrant sauté of butter, onions, celery, and carrots creates a savory base. The addition of garlic and Italian seasoning lifts the flavor profile, while a touch of rubbed sage adds warmth and depth. Incorporating flour to make a light roux helps thicken the soup to a luscious creaminess without heaviness. Lastly, using potato gnocchi brings a delightful pillowy texture, while fresh spinach brightens and balances the richness. The careful timing ensures gnocchi stays perfectly tender, and that classic tang of balsamic vinegar at the end sharpens the whole dish beautifully.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Almost every ingredient in this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a kitchen staple, but each plays an essential role in building that crave-worthy depth of flavor and perfect texture.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy base flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.
• Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and aromatic depth.
• Celery: Offers a subtle crunch and fresh, earthy undertones.
• Matchstick carrots: Bring a hint of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Garlic: Infuses the soup with bold, savory warmth.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that captures that classic Olive Garden flavor.
• Rubbed sage: Gives a gentle, woodsy note that complements chicken beautifully.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup to a silky consistency.
• Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful, savory liquid base.
• Heavy cream: Brings lush creaminess and melts into the other ingredients.
• Potato gnocchi: Tender, pillowy dumplings that make every spoonful a delight.
• Rotisserie chicken: Perfectly cooked, shredded chicken for convenience and savory flavor.
• Fresh spinach: Adds freshness, color, and nutritional goodness.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds a gentle tang and balances the richness.
• Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance each flavor layer.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Butter: Can be swapped with olive oil or a dairy-free spread for a lighter or dairy-free version.
• Heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or vegan twist.
• Rotisserie chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken, store-bought shredded chicken, or even turkey.
• Potato gnocchi: Try cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb option, or substitute with small pasta shapes like mini shells or tortellini.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion, sliced celery, and matchstick carrots. Add a generous pinch of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Stir occasionally and let the veggies soften until tender and fragrant, about 8 minutes. The kitchen will start to fill with that irresistible aroma that screams comfort food.

💡 Pro Tip: Cook low and slow to draw out natural sweetness without browning the veggies.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add minced garlic, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and half a teaspoon of rubbed sage to the pot. Season with a couple pinches more salt and pepper. Stir frequently as the garlic becomes fragrant—just about a minute—so the herbs and garlic release their full flavor into the butter and veggies.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your garlic moving in the pan to avoid burning and bitterness.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the vegetable mixture. Stir constantly for a minute to cook the flour and absorb the butter. This step thickens your soup base, giving it that creamy, velvety texture everyone loves.

💡 Pro Tip: The flour should blend smoothly and lightly coat the veggies, never forming lumps.

Step 4: Deglaze and Add Liquids

Pour in about ¼ to ½ cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping gently to lift all those flavorful browned bits off the bottom. Then add the remaining chicken broth and 1 ½ cups of heavy cream. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

💡 Pro Tip: Stir constantly while adding liquids to keep the roux smoothly combined.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi and Chicken

Toss 1 pound of potato gnocchi and 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken into the simmering soup. Gently reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats and feels soft with a slight chew.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the gnocchi – it cooks quickly and should stay tender but not mushy.

Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Balsamic

Stir in 1 ½ cups of fresh chopped spinach and 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. Keep stirring until the spinach wilts but remains vibrant green. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

💡 Pro Tip: Adding balsamic vinegar brightens the soup and balances the creaminess perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Overcooking the gnocchi: Results in a gummy, mushy texture that steals the show away from this delightful soup.
• Undersalting: Skimping on salt at each step leads to a bland broth lacking depth and character.
• Burning garlic: Garlic added too early or cooked too long can turn bitter and harsh.
• Skipping the roux: Without the flour thickening, the soup can turn out overly thin and watery.
• Adding spinach too soon: Causes the greens to wilt excessively and lose their bright color and fresh flavor.
• Using poor-quality broth: The broth is the backbone of this soup, so a weak or overly salty broth can unbalance the entire dish.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version:

Spicy Kick

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéeing the aromatics or swirl in some hot sauce before serving to give the soup a warm, tangy heat that pairs wonderfully with the creamy base.

Mushroom Medley

Toss in sliced cremini or button mushrooms with the celery and carrots for an earthy fullness that deepens the flavor and adds a meaty texture.

Herb Garden

Freshen things up by stirring in chopped parsley, basil, or thyme right before serving to brighten the flavor with herbal notes reminiscent of a summer garden.

Dairy-Free Delight

Skip the heavy cream and butter, replacing them with coconut milk and olive oil — the soup stays creamy and luscious with subtle coconut undertones.

Vegetable Boost

Enhance nutrition and texture with diced red bell peppers, sweet corn kernels, or chopped kale added during the sauté step.

Cheesy Twist

Stir in grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese just before serving for a rich, nutty depth that melts into the creamy broth beautifully.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for that elegant touch. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds heat if you like it spicy.

Side Dishes

Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for soaking up every creamy spoonful. A light, crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, cozy feel. Or ladle into individual ramekins topped with breadcrumbs and broil briefly for a gratin-style golden crust that will impress even the pickiest eaters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Stir well before reheating.

Freezing

This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze without the gnocchi. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating to keep texture perfect.

Reheating

Gently reheat over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup becomes too thick. Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi during reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken or replace it with hearty mushrooms or plant-based protein.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, just add a couple of extra minutes to the simmering time until they float and are cooked through.

What if I don’t have homemade rotisserie chicken?

Store-bought shredded chicken or leftover cooked chicken work perfectly and save time.

How long does this soup last in the fridge?

Properly stored, it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving.

Can I use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream?

Low-fat milk can be used, but the soup won’t be as creamy or rich. You might want to thicken it a bit more with extra flour or cornstarch.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener and substitute gnocchi with gluten-free options available at many stores.

Why is balsamic vinegar added?

Balsamic vinegar adds a subtle brightness and tang that balances the creamy richness and rounds out the flavor.

Can I prepare the soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the base and vegetables in advance and finish cooking the gnocchi and chicken just before serving for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is pure comfort captured in a bowl—a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that warms your soul. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself, it’s effortless to make yet feels special enough for any occasion. The layers of rich butter, herbs, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi come together to create an unforgettable hug of flavors you’ll want to savor again and again.

Have you tried this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍲

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