Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy, and hearty dish that has become a fan favorite. It features tender pieces of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a savory, velvety broth made with vegetables and cream. This soup is perfect for a cozy dinner, especially on colder days, and now you can recreate this beloved restaurant classic in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup captures the heart of Olive Garden’s famous dish, offering a warm and comforting experience in every spoonful. The combination of soft gnocchi, juicy chicken, and creamy broth will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling cozy and content. It’s a filling and well-rounded soup that’s perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying as a comforting meal on its own. Plus, it’s easy to make at home and much more affordable than ordering out.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Sauté or bake the chicken until fully cooked, then shred it using two forks. Set it aside.
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Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, bringing the soup to a simmer over medium heat.
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Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the soup and continue simmering for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi starts to float to the surface. This indicates that the gnocchi is cooked and ready.
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Add the Chicken and Seasoning: Stir in the shredded chicken, thyme, sage (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Add the Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and tender.
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Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Use Ground Chicken: If you prefer, you can swap the shredded chicken for cooked ground chicken or even turkey for a leaner version.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or another plant-based cream in place of heavy cream, and substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
- Add More Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup while cooking the vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding. You can thaw it in the microwave or cook it directly in the pot and then shred.
Can I use a different type of gnocchi?
Absolutely! You can use homemade gnocchi or any store-bought gnocchi. Some people even substitute it with small pasta like orzo or elbow macaroni for a twist.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You could also add a chopped jalapeño to the vegetable mix for some heat.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream, but the soup will be less rich and creamy. For a creamier texture, try using half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works fine in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the soup.
What type of chicken should I use?
You can use any cooked chicken you like, such as rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or leftover chicken from another meal. Shredded chicken works best for this soup.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup is great for meal prep and will actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?
The gnocchi will float to the top of the soup when it’s done cooking. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the type of gnocchi you’re using.
What should I serve with this soup?
This soup is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple salad, garlic bread, or crusty rolls for dipping.
Conclusion
Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, comforting dish that’s easy to recreate at home with just a few simple ingredients. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi, it’s a perfect meal to enjoy during colder months or whenever you crave something warm and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to be a hit!
Print
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe and Guide
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-673695df69488190a02addd0304b97f5-wp-tasty/c/67c603fc-830c-800c-94e8-ef591cd23e48#:~:text=Yield-,68servings,-CategorySoupComfort
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, savory broth. This homemade version of the restaurant favorite is perfect for cozy dinners, offering all the flavor and warmth you love, with easy-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or enjoying a satisfying meal on your own, this soup will become a go-to recipe, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Sauté or bake until fully cooked, then shred using two forks. Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Broth and Cream: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add gnocchi and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi begins to float to the surface.
- Add the Chicken and Seasoning: Stir in shredded chicken, thyme, sage (optional), salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add the Spinach: Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Ground Chicken: Swap shredded chicken for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or another plant-based cream in place of heavy cream, and substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan to make it dairy-free.
- Add More Vegetables: Zucchini, mushrooms, or peas can be added for more flavor and texture.
- Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to make the soup spicy.
- Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth to adjust the consistency if needed.
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