Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup – A Comforting Classic

If you’re a fan of creamy, hearty soups, then Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi Soup is an absolute must-try! 🍲 With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy base loaded with fresh veggies, this soup is the epitome of comfort in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly night or you’re simply craving something indulgent, this recipe will deliver all the flavor and warmth you need. 🌟

In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to recreate this popular restaurant dish at home. Get ready for an easy, satisfying meal the whole family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Creamy and Hearty – The creamy base combined with soft gnocchi and tender chicken makes each bite melt in your mouth. 😋

✅ Quick and Easy – With a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a bowl of restaurant-quality soup in no time! ⏱️

✅ Family-Friendly – It’s a comforting meal that even the pickiest eaters will adore! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup fits any occasion. 🥳

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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

To make your own Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, here’s everything you’ll need:

🥩 For the Soup Base:

• 2 tablespoons butter – This adds richness and flavor to the soup. 🧈
• 1 medium onion – Chopped finely. 🧅
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced. 🧄
• 2 large carrots – Peeled and diced. 🥕
• 1 celery stalk – Chopped. 🌿
• 1 cup spinach – Fresh spinach works best for this recipe. 🍃

🍗 For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience! 🍖
• 4 cups chicken broth – Adds the necessary depth and flavor to the soup. 🍲
• 1 cup heavy cream – For that silky, creamy texture! 🥛
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a beautiful earthy flavor. 🌱
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste. 🧂
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – For a little spice. 🌶️

🍽️ For the Gnocchi & Final Touches:

• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi – This is what makes the soup so comforting! 🥔
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – A touch of cheese to finish off your soup. 🧀
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley – Chopped, for garnish. 🌿

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Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking your chicken. You can either cook the chicken breasts in a skillet or use the stovetop method to get a quick, juicy result.

1️⃣ Pan-Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

2️⃣ Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred it with two forks. Set it aside. 🐔

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🥕 Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot or skillet, you can cook your veggies for the soup base.

1️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables: In a large soup pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.

2️⃣ Add Garlic & Spinach: Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt. 🌱

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🍲 Step 3: Make the Soup Base

Now that your veggies are cooked, it’s time to build the soup base.

1️⃣ Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil.

2️⃣ Add the Seasonings: Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine the seasonings into the broth. Let the soup simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. 🧂

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🥔 Step 4: Add the Gnocchi

This is where the magic happens! Gnocchi is the star ingredient, turning this soup from just delicious to absolutely comforting.

1️⃣ Add the Gnocchi: Drop the gnocchi into the simmering broth and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Once they start to float, that’s your cue they’re done!

2️⃣ Add the Cream: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, then reduce the heat to low. This is what gives the soup its creamy texture and luscious taste. 🥛

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🍽️ Step 5: Finish the Soup

1️⃣ Add the Shredded Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken that you set aside earlier. Let the soup cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so everything heats through.

2️⃣ Final Touches: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The cheese will melt into the soup, adding an extra layer of richness.

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Serving Suggestions

Once your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some fun ideas:

🍽️ Serve with Crusty Bread – A warm loaf of Italian bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. 🍞

🥗 Pair with a Fresh Salad – A light, crisp salad will balance out the richness of the soup. 🥗

🧀 Add More Cheese – Top each bowl with extra Parmesan or shredded mozzarella for an extra cheesy finish! 🧀

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), don’t worry! This soup stores beautifully for the next day.

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.

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Substitutions & Variations

Make this recipe your own with these substitutions:

✔️ Use Different Meats – Swap chicken for turkey or even sausage for a different twist! 🍖
✔️ Add More Veggies – Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or even potatoes for more texture and flavor. 🥔
✔️ Make it Lighter – Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. 🥛
✔️ Use Gluten-Free Gnocchi – For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free gnocchi to suit dietary needs. 🌾

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time? Yes! This soup actually gets even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

2️⃣ Can I Freeze This Soup? You can freeze this soup, but the gnocchi may become a bit mushy once thawed. If freezing, I recommend leaving the gnocchi out and adding them fresh when reheating.

3️⃣ Can I Use Store-Bought Gnocchi? Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought gnocchi works just as well as homemade. 🥳

4️⃣ Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken? Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Just shred it and add it to the soup at the end. 🍗

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Conclusion – A Cozy Bowl of Comfort

There’s no denying that Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is one of the best comfort foods out there. 🍲 With its creamy texture, hearty chicken, and delicious gnocchi, it’s a meal that’s both filling and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

So grab your ingredients and get ready to create a bowl of warmth and happiness. Trust me, once you try this homemade version, you won’t want to order takeout again! 😍