How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup | Step-by-Step Recipe and Guide

Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is pure comfort—creamy broth, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach. It’s cozy, filling, and easy to make at home with simple ingredients. This guide shows you not just the recipe but also tips and tricks to make it taste even better than the restaurant version.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

It’s rich, comforting, and quick to make. Families love the chewy gnocchi, creamy base, and mild flavor. The recipe is budget-friendly, easy to customize, and perfect for both weeknights and gatherings. One pot, big flavor, total comfort.

What You’ll Need

To make this Olive Garden–style Chicken Gnocchi Soup, gather:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (diced or shredded)
• 1 cup carrots (sliced thin)
• 1 cup celery (sliced)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
• 16 oz package potato gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1. Cook chicken – Heat oil in a large pot, cook chicken until golden, remove and set aside.
2. Sauté veggies – In the same pot, cook onion, celery, carrots, and garlic until softened.
3. Build broth – Stir in chicken broth, water, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 10 minutes.
4. Add gnocchi – Return chicken to the pot, add gnocchi, and cook until they float (about 3–4 minutes).
5. Make it creamy – Stir in cream and spinach, simmer until thickened and spinach wilts.
6. Season & serve – Taste, adjust with salt and pepper, and ladle into bowls warm.

You Must Know

• Use fresh gnocchi if possible—they cook faster and taste better.
• Don’t overcook spinach—add it at the very end so it stays bright and fresh.
• Heavy cream vs half-and-half—cream makes it richer, half-and-half keeps it lighter.
• Shred chicken finely for the true Olive Garden texture.
• Soup thickens as it cools—add a splash of broth when reheating.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

• Low and slow simmering brings out flavor without overcooking.
• Sauté veggies first for depth—don’t skip this step.
• Cook gnocchi last—they’re ready when they float; overcooking makes them mushy.
• Taste often—adjust salt, pepper, and herbs near the end.
• Let it rest 5 minutes before serving—this allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Extra veggies – Mushrooms, zucchini, or peas work well.
• Spice lovers – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Cheese boost – Stir in grated Parmesan for richness.
• Herb twist – Fresh basil or parsley brightens flavor.
• Protein swap – Try rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey.

Storing & Reheating

Budget-friendly dinners

• Fridge – Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezer – Best without gnocchi (they get mushy). Freeze broth + chicken + veggies, then add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
• Reheat gently – Warm on the stove over low heat; add broth or cream if too thick.
• Microwave option – Heat in short bursts, stirring often.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Crowd-pleasing casseroles

• Cut gnocchi smaller for kids or lighter bites.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Make it ahead—flavors deepen overnight.
• Keep it creamy—don’t let it boil hard after adding cream.
• Serve with breadsticks or salad for the full Olive Garden feel.

FAQ for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, cook straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes.

Quick and easy recipes

Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap cream for coconut milk or a plant-based alternative.

Can I use dark meat chicken?
Yes, thighs add more flavor and stay juicy.

How do I thicken the soup?
Simmer longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

What goes best with it?
Warm bread, garlic knots, or a crisp side salad.

Conclusion

Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is comfort made simple—creamy broth, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach all in one pot. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and customizable, making it perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or when you just need something cozy. With a few smart tips, you can make it taste even better than the restaurant version.

So grab your pot, gather those ingredients, and enjoy this classic at home. Once you try it, it will become a regular in your kitchen rotation—warm, hearty, and always satisfying.