The Creamiest Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe Ever

Creamy olive garden chicken gnocchi soup whispers comfort straight from italian kitchens.

Soft potato dumplings swim alongside tender chicken pieces in a luxurious broth.

Memories of warm restaurant moments come flooding back with each spoonful.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant favorite without complicated techniques.

Rich and hearty flavors blend seamlessly in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Subtle herbs and velvety texture make this soup a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this restaurant-inspired masterpiece.

Why Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Feels Like Dining Out

• Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a warm, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible ingredients that allow home cooks to swap or adjust components like adding more vegetables, using different herbs, or changing protein options to suit personal taste preferences.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Recreate the beloved Olive Garden soup in your own kitchen, saving money while enjoying a restaurant-style dish that impresses family and friends with minimal cooking skills required.
• Packed with Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with protein from chicken, vitamins from spinach and carrots, and comforting gnocchi, this soup delivers a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet provides solid nutritional value.

What Goes In Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the soup.
• Potato Gnocchi: Soft Italian dumplings that provide hearty texture and comfort.

• Onion, Celery, Garlic: Classic soup base that builds deep, rich flavor profile.
• Carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Fresh Spinach: Brings nutritional value and fresh green color to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Provides foundational savory flavor for the soup.
• Half-and-Half: Creates creamy, luxurious texture and smooth consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create silky roux.
• Butter, Olive Oil: Provides rich base for sautéing and adds depth of flavor.
• Dried Thyme, Dried Parsley Flakes: Adds herbal notes and traditional seasoning.
• Ground Nutmeg: Provides warm, subtle background spice.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

How To Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat up a large pot over medium warmth. Drop in butter and olive oil, creating a delicious foundation for your soup. Let the fats mingle and dance together until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Veggies

• Diced onion
• Chopped celery
• Minced garlic

Stir these veggie friends around the pot until the onions turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet essence into the cooking space.

Step 3: Build a Silky Roux

Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir and cook for a minute to eliminate that raw flour taste and create a smooth thickening base for your soup.

Step 4: Pour in Creamy Liquids

• Half-and-half
• Chicken broth

Move your whisk in gentle circles, watching the mixture transform into a luxurious, smooth liquid that starts to thicken with each stir.

Step 5: Infuse with Herbaceous Notes

• Dried thyme
• Dried parsley flakes
• Ground nutmeg
• Shredded carrots

Let these ingredients waltz together, releasing their aromatic magic into the soup.

Step 6: Simmer and Develop Depth

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then dial down the heat to a soft simmer. Allow the flavors to mingle and get to know each other.

Step 7: Add Hearty Protein and Pillowy Gnocchi

• Cooked, diced chicken
• Potato gnocchi

Let these ingredients swim in the creamy broth, becoming tender and absorbing all the wonderful flavors.

Step 8: Refresh with Greens

Toss in chopped fresh spinach, watching it wilt and add a vibrant green touch to your soup. The spinach will bring a pop of color and nutrition.

Step 9: Perfect the Seasoning

Sprinkle in salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust until the flavors sing in perfect harmony.

Step 10: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Watch as your friends and family’s eyes light up with anticipation of this comforting, creamy delight.

Tips For Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Boost Vegetable Flavor: Sauté vegetables in butter and olive oil to develop a richer, deeper taste profile that elevates the entire soup's complexity.
• Perfect Roux Technique: Cook flour briefly to eliminate raw taste, ensuring a smooth, velvety base that thickens the soup without graininess.
• Gnocchi Cooking Hack: Simmer gnocchi gently for 3-5 minutes to maintain their tender texture and prevent them from becoming mushy or falling apart.
• Spinach Wilting Trick: Add fresh spinach at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant green color and maintain its nutritional value while adding a fresh element to the soup.
• Seasoning Balance: Taste and adjust salt and pepper gradually to create a well-balanced flavor that doesn't overpower the delicate soup ingredients.

Store Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup The Right Way

• Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the soup completely before storing to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.
• Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and preserve the soup's creamy consistency.
• Avoid freezing this soup, as the cream and gnocchi may separate and lose their original smooth texture when thawed.
• If you want to prep ahead, store the chicken and vegetables separately from the broth, combining them just before serving to keep the gnocchi from becoming too soft and mushy.

Best Sides For Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Complement the creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay. These white wines cut through the richness and enhance the soup's delicate flavors.
• Craft Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread or herbed focaccia. The bread's crispy texture perfectly soaks up the soup's velvety broth and adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Balance Salad Side: Pair with a fresh mixed green salad topped with lemon vinaigrette. The bright, acidic notes of the salad will contrast nicely with the soup's creamy consistency and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Complement Beverage Choice: Opt for sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a light, crisp Italian-style sodas. These drinks cleanse the palate and prevent the meal from feeling too heavy.

Switch Things Up In Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Seafood Splash: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or tender white fish for a coastal-inspired version of the classic soup.
• Vegetarian Harmony: Swap chicken and gnocchi with roasted mushrooms and cauliflower gnocchi to create a plant-based alternative that's equally comforting.
• Spicy Mediterranean Mix: Add red pepper flakes, diced sundried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano to give the soup a bold, zesty Mediterranean flair.
• Creamy Herb Garden: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, and sage instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant and aromatic soup experience.

FAQ Time For Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• What is gnocchi and how is it different from pasta?

Gnocchi are soft, pillowy dumplings typically made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. Unlike traditional pasta, they have a denser, more dumpling-like texture and are often lighter and softer.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or additional vegetables. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the soup completely vegetarian.

• Is this soup similar to Olive Garden's original recipe?

This recipe is a close homemade replica of Olive Garden’s famous chicken gnocchi soup, capturing similar flavors and creamy texture. While not exactly the same, it provides a delicious restaurant-inspired experience.

• How healthy is this chicken gnocchi soup?

The soup contains vegetables like spinach and carrots, providing some nutritional value. However, it’s relatively rich due to butter, half-and-half, and cream, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as a comforting meal.