If you’ve ever craved that warm, comforting bowl from your favorite Italian spot, you’re going to love making this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe right at home. This delicious soup blends tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth infused with herbs, creating a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether for a cozy weeknight or a special gathering, this recipe brings all the rich flavors and cozy vibes you want without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things straightforward and fresh, each playing a key role in delivering that authentic Olive Garden experience. From the tender chicken to the fragrant herbs, every element adds texture, creaminess, or a splash of vibrant color to the soup.
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cooked and shredded: Provides hearty protein and a tender bite that complements the soup’s creamy base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and adds a subtle fruity richness to the start of your soup.
- 1 onion, chopped: Builds a flavorful foundation with its natural sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and enhances the savory character of the broth.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The liquid backbone that brings everything together and keeps the soup light yet satisfying.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, velvety texture that makes the soup feel indulgent.
- 2 cups spinach, chopped: Brightens the soup with fresh, vibrant greens and a healthy boost of nutrients.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses an earthy, slightly minty undertone to elevate the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a fragrant, piney aroma that balances the creaminess beautifully.
- 1 package gnocchi (store-bought or homemade): The star of the soup, these tender potato dumplings soak up the broth while adding satisfying texture.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that round out and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to awaken those rich flavors. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This base layer sets the tone for your soup, unlocking sweetness and depth that create irresistible comfort in every bite.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the chopped spinach, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Gently bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the herbs to infuse the broth while the spinach wilts down, adding a fresh pop of color and earthiness that balances the richness of the cream.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Stir in the gnocchi and let them cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they start to float to the top, becoming tender pillows soaking up all those luscious flavors around them.
Step 4: Add Shredded Chicken
Finish by stirring in your cooked, shredded chicken and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow everything to meld together beautifully. This final simmer helps the chicken absorb the broth’s flavor while keeping it juicy and tender.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season generously with salt and pepper to bring the entire dish into perfect balance. Give it a final stir and ladle into bowls, ready to warm your heart and soul.
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra garnishes like fresh spinach leaves, a sprinkle of dried herbs, or grated Parmesan cheese can elevate your bowl and provide an extra burst of flavor with every spoonful. These simple touches bring brightness, aroma, and a subtle salty contrast that complements the creamy base.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or even a side of roasted vegetables. The crunchy texture of garlic bread contrasts wonderfully with the soup’s velvet-like consistency, making your meal feel hearty and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the soup in small, elegant ramekins garnished with a sprig of rosemary or a drizzle of olive oil. You can also serve it family-style in a large, rustic bowl with breadsticks arranged around it to encourage sharing and warm conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making reheated soup taste even better the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that the texture of the gnocchi may change and become a bit softer. To freeze, cool the soup completely and transfer it into freezer-safe containers. It will last well for up to 2 months and is perfect for a quick meal any time you need comforting food fast.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid high heat to keep the cream from separating and preserve that silky texture you love. Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and can save you prep time without sacrificing flavor. Just shred it and add it in the final steps as the recipe suggests.
Is it better to use store-bought gnocchi or homemade?
Both options are great, but store-bought gnocchi is incredibly convenient and cooks quickly. Homemade gnocchi can add a personal touch if you have the time and want to impress guests.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, but it will change the flavor slightly. Also, be sure to check the gnocchi ingredients as some contain eggs or dairy.
How do I know when the gnocchi is fully cooked?
The easiest way to tell is when the gnocchi float to the surface of the soup, usually after 3 to 4 minutes of cooking. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, carrots, or celery to add extra texture and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels both special and easy, comforting and elegant. It’s perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on your own when you want a little cozy indulgence. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming your new go-to comfort meal for chilly evenings and anytime your soul needs a lift.
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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy and comforting dish featuring tender shredded chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup combines rich heavy cream with savory chicken broth and delicate seasonings like thyme and rosemary for a hearty yet elegant dining experience.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Carbohydrates
- 1 package gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering to create the base for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the chopped spinach, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the boiling soup. Cook them according to the package instructions, which is typically 3–4 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- Add shredded chicken and simmer: Stir in the shredded chicken and reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
- Season and serve: Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste. Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with extra spinach, fresh herbs, or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- You can cook and shred the chicken breasts ahead of time to reduce prep time.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer a few minutes longer to reduce the liquid.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried, adjusting quantities accordingly.
- Parmesan cheese makes a great garnish to enhance the flavor creaminess.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
