If you’ve ever craved the creamy, hearty goodness of Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’re in for a treat! This easy, one-pot recipe captures all the flavors of the classic dish—tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a velvety broth packed with spinach and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s a bowl of comfort you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Tastes just like the original, if not better!
- One-Pot Meal: Simple cleanup for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Comforting: Perfect for warming up on chilly days.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:
- Shredded chicken (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- Potato gnocchi for that signature soft texture
- Fresh spinach for a pop of green and nutrients
- Heavy cream for a luxuriously creamy broth
The full list of ingredients and exact measurements is in the recipe card below.
Directions
- In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and celery in olive oil until softened.
- Add shredded chicken, chicken broth, and seasonings. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the gnocchi and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and fresh spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan on top.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh gnocchi: It cooks faster and has a better texture than frozen or shelf-stable versions.
- For a thicker soup: Add a slurry of cornstarch and water, or mash a few gnocchi directly in the pot.
- Rotisserie chicken hack: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and effort.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap chicken for Italian sausage for a spicier version.
- Substitute kale for spinach if you prefer a heartier green.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter soup.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Breadsticks or Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad or Caesar salad balances the richness.
- Beverage Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water with lemon.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it’s too thick.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well, but it’s best to freeze it without the gnocchi and spinach, then add them fresh when reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer for the broth, and skip the cheese garnish.
3. What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
A hand mixer or stand mixer shreds cooked chicken in seconds!
4. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and drain it well before adding to the soup.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is everything you love about the original but made right in your own kitchen. Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly delicious, it’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or any time you need a bowl of warmth.
Check the recipe card below for all the details, and let’s bring a taste of Olive Garden to your table tonight!
Print
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a perfect copycat of the Olive Garden favorite. It’s packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, flavorful broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Easy to make at home and perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Sprinkle in flour, stirring continuously to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cooked chicken and gnocchi to the pot. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until gnocchi is tender.
- Stir in spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful option.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the creamy flavor.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg