Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Creamy, comforting, and packed with savory flavors, Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a cozy classic that brings restaurant luxury right to your home kitchen. With pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and a rich, herby broth, this soup hits the spot whether it’s a chilly winter evening or you just need a satisfying meal that hugs you from the inside out.
It’s easy to see why this soup has become a fan-favorite. It combines the heartiness of a stew with the smooth silkiness of a creamy soup, making every bite rich and rewarding. Whether you’re recreating your favorite dish from Olive Garden or simply searching for a standout dinner, this recipe delivers big on comfort and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
If you love the idea of comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this recipe is for you. It’s indulgent without being heavy, and the gnocchi adds an irresistible soft texture that keeps you coming back for more. Even picky eaters tend to fall for this one! Plus, it’s all made in one pot, which means fewer dishes and more enjoyment.
The balance of creamy broth with bright veggies and herbs makes it a repeat-worthy meal, perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxing weekends.
What Kind of Gnocchi Should I Use?
You can use shelf-stable gnocchi from the pasta aisle, refrigerated gnocchi, or even homemade if you’re up for it. The key is making sure the gnocchi is cooked just until tender, so it soaks up all that delicious creamy broth without getting mushy. If you like a bit more bite, go with refrigerated gnocchi, which tends to hold its shape beautifully.
Ingredients for the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This soup is layered with classic flavors and a few pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating that signature comforting taste.
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Onion
- Celery
- Carrot
- Garlic
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken broth
- Cooked chicken breast
- Half and half
- Potato gnocchi
- Fresh spinach
- Thyme
- Salt & pepper

How To Make the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine, cooking for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Add the Liquids
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Stir in the Chicken and Gnocchi
Add the cooked, shredded chicken and uncooked gnocchi. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the gnocchi is soft and pillowy.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach
Reduce the heat and pour in the half and half. Add the fresh spinach and cook just until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or grated Parmesan on top.
Serving and Storing This Cozy Soup
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup makes a hearty main course and typically serves 4 to 6 people. It’s a fantastic option for family dinners, meal prep, or even as a starter for a pasta night. Serve with warm garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal.
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerated, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb more liquid over time, so you might need to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
What to Serve With Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Garlic Bread
You can’t go wrong with buttery garlic bread to dip into the creamy soup.
Simple Side Salad
A green salad with vinaigrette adds a fresh and crunchy contrast.
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Adds a savory veggie side with texture that pairs well with the soup’s creaminess.
Caprese Skewers
Tomato, mozzarella, and basil on toothpicks bring a refreshing bite to the table.
Baked Zucchini Fries
Crunchy and light, these add a fun twist to your meal.
Cheese-Stuffed Breadsticks
A fun and gooey addition that kids and adults both adore.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Earthy, roasted flavor balances out the richness of the soup.
Want More Soup Ideas?
If this cozy bowl of comfort hit the spot, here are a few more warm, spoonable favorites worth checking out:
- Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak
- Irresistible Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Avgolemono
- Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup
- Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready anytime comfort food cravings strike.
And let me know in the comments how you made it your own. Did you add mushrooms or maybe swap in kale? I’d love to hear your spin on it!
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Conclusion
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting bowl of pure satisfaction. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it turns any dinner into a warm hug. Keep it classic or add your own twist — either way, this is a recipe worth saving and repeating.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hearty one-pot recipe made with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich, flavorful broth. This copycat version brings restaurant comfort food to your home and makes a perfect weeknight dinner. Great for meal prep, family gatherings, and cozy meals.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
2 cups half and half
1 pound potato gnocchi
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil, stirring until thickened slightly.
5. Add shredded chicken and uncooked gnocchi. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until gnocchi are soft and cooked through.
6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in half and half and spinach. Let spinach wilt, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Notes
This soup thickens as it sits; add extra broth when reheating if needed.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time on prep.
Fresh baby spinach works best, but frozen (thawed and drained) can be used in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg


