Cozy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Home Chefs

Comfort arrives with this Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender potato dumplings and succulent chicken pieces.

Memories of cozy Italian restaurants dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a hearty meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Gentle seasonings whisper stories of traditional kitchens and grandmother’s secret recipes.

Packed with nutrition and flavor, this soup delivers pure satisfaction.

You will fall in love with how simple ingredients become something extraordinary.

Grab your apron and let’s make magic happen in your kitchen.

Storing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Avoid microwaving to prevent gnocchi from becoming tough.
• Keep gnocchi and soup in separate containers if possible. This prevents gnocchi from becoming soggy and maintains the best texture when reheating.

FAQs

• What are gnocchi, and how do they taste?

Gnocchi are soft, pillowy Italian dumplings made from potato, flour, and eggs. They have a delicate, tender texture with a mild potato flavor that absorbs the soup’s creamy broth beautifully.

• Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that saves time and adds extra richness to the soup. Simply shred the meat and add it to the pot.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes, this soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop and become more complex after a day, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Highlights

• Simplify Weekend Brunch: Transform the classic Eggs Benedict into a stress-free casserole that feeds a crowd without individual plating or complicated techniques.
• Overnight Prep Magic: Assemble the dish the night before, allowing flavors to meld and saving precious morning cooking time for enjoying with family and friends.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ham for bacon, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheeses to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core.
• Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast: Perfectly suited for weekend gatherings, holiday brunches, or special occasions where you want a restaurant-quality dish without the complex preparation.

Ingredients For Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps sauté vegetables.
• Olive Oil: Adds depth of flavor and prevents butter from burning.
• Onion: Offers a sweet, aromatic foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, pungent flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Carrots: Brings subtle sweetness and adds nutritional value.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the savory liquid base for the soup.
• Heavy Cream, Milk: Provide a luxurious, creamy texture and rich mouthfeel.

• Shredded Chicken: Adds protein and makes the soup hearty and filling.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
• Thyme: Introduces a subtle, earthy herb note to the soup.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add substance and comfort to the soup.
• Spinach: Brings a fresh, green element and boosts nutritional content.

Cooking Directions For Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Base

Melt butter and drizzle olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame. Toss in diced onions, minced garlic, and shredded carrots.

Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and release their aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Liquid Foundation

Pour in chicken broth, rich heavy cream, and smooth whole milk.

Gently coax the mixture to a soft, bubbling simmer, stirring occasionally to blend the liquids harmoniously.

Step 3: Introduce Protein and Herbs

Fold in tender shredded chicken, sprinkle fragrant thyme leaves, and season with salt and black pepper.

Allow the soup to simmer peacefully for 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and deepen.

Step 4: Add Pillowy Gnocchi

Slip soft potato gnocchi into the simmering soup.

Watch as they dance and float to the surface, typically taking 3-4 minutes to indicate they’re perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Incorporate Fresh Greens

Scatter chopped spinach across the soup’s surface.

Let the delicate leaves wilt and soften for about 2 minutes, adding a vibrant pop of color and nutritious green goodness.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Ladle the steaming, creamy soup into bowls and serve immediately for maximum comfort and flavor enjoyment.

Expert Notes For Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Choose soft, pillowy gnocchi that absorbs the creamy broth without falling apart during cooking.
• Shred rotisserie chicken for a quick flavor boost and tender meat texture in the soup.
• Chop spinach just before adding to maintain bright green color and prevent wilting too much.
• Use fresh thyme for a more robust herb flavor compared to dried herbs.
• Control soup thickness by adjusting cream and milk ratio to match your preferred consistency.

Flavor Twists For Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with a medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version that packs incredible flavor.
• Spicy Southwest: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper to create a zesty southwestern-style soup with extra kick.
• Seafood Swap: Substitute shredded chicken with tender chunks of white fish or succulent shrimp for a coastal-inspired Mediterranean variation.
• Creamy Pesto Fusion: Stir in a few tablespoons of basil pesto during the final simmering stage to introduce a rich, herbaceous dimension to the classic soup.

Suggested Complements For Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the creamy soup into deep ceramic bowls, garnishing with fresh cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. The warm gnocchi and tender chicken create a hearty meal perfect for chilly evenings.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty Italian bread or garlic toast for dipping. The bread soaks up the rich, velvety broth, adding extra texture and making the meal more filling.
• Fresh Side Salad Pairing: Complement the soup with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy salad balances the soup's creamy richness and provides a refreshing contrast.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive garden chicken gnocchi soup brings comfort to winter dinners with creamy, hearty goodness. Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant favorite with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen skills.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a fragrant base for the soup.
2. Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, and julienned carrots, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender.
3. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk, gently elevating the temperature to a delicate simmer.
4. Incorporate shredded chicken, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper, allowing flavors to meld for approximately 10 minutes.
5. Carefully add prepared gnocchi, cooking until they gracefully rise to the soup’s surface, typically 3-4 minutes.
6. Fold in fresh spinach leaves, letting them gently wilt and infuse the soup with vibrant green color and earthy flavor.
7. Taste and refine seasoning, ensuring a harmonious blend of herbs and spices.
8. Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls, serving immediately to capture maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting the cream-to-broth ratio for your preferred consistency.
• Swap traditional gnocchi with gluten-free or cauliflower gnocchi to make the recipe celiac or low-carb friendly.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack that adds extra flavor depth to the soup.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall kitchen stress.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 366 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg