Cozy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Home Cooks

Comfort arrives with this olive garden chicken gnocchi soup that whispers warmth from first spoonful.

Soft potato dumplings float alongside tender chicken pieces in a creamy broth.

Memories of cozy Italian restaurants drift through each delicious bite.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soul-satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Rich textures and subtle herbs dance across your palate with surprising depth.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant favorite with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup – Cozy, Creamy Goodness

• Maximize Nutrition Easily: Packed with protein from chicken, vegetables like carrots and spinach, and hearty gnocchi, this recipe provides a balanced, wholesome meal in one pot.
• Customize with Confidence: Adaptable ingredients allow easy swaps for dietary preferences, making it versatile for different tastes and nutritional needs.
• Impress without Stress: Restaurant-inspired dish that looks gourmet but requires minimal cooking skills, guaranteeing a crowd-pleasing meal every single time.

Ingredients List For Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that adds heartiness to the soup.
• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that provide a comforting texture.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid base that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Rich dairy component that creates a creamy, luxurious consistency.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep, savory flavor foundation.
• Carrots: Sweet root vegetable that adds color and subtle sweetness to the soup.
• Spinach: Fresh, nutrient-rich leafy green that brings a pop of color and earthiness.

• Flour: Essential for creating a smooth, thickened soup base.
• Butter, Olive Oil: Combination of fats that provide rich flavor and help with sautéing.
• Thyme: Herbaceous seasoning that adds a subtle, warm flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's overall taste.

Simple Steps To Creamy Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they release their fragrant aroma and become translucent.

Step 2: Create Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.

This creates a golden base that will thicken your soup beautifully.

Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth, velvety mixture.

Step 3: Build Soup Flavors

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Diced carrots
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, comforting taste.

Step 4: Cook Soft Gnocchi

Gently drop potato gnocchi into the simmering soup.

Cook for 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi are pillowy soft and float to the top, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the broth.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Greens

Stir in fresh spinach leaves and cook just until they wilt and turn a vibrant green.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Chef’s Tips For Flavor

• Create a perfect roux by cooking flour and butter together, which helps thicken the soup without lumps and enhances the creamy texture.
• Stir gnocchi gently and avoid overcooking to maintain their soft, pillowy texture and prevent them from becoming mushy or falling apart.
• Use homemade chicken broth or add a splash of white wine while simmering to develop a more complex, rich taste profile in the soup.
• Add fresh spinach at the very end of cooking to preserve its bright green color, nutrients, and delicate texture without overcooking.
• Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein like tofu for a versatile and adaptable soup recipe.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Fresh Add-Ins

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free gnocchi from specialty stores to maintain recipe integrity.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with white beans or roasted cauliflower. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap gnocchi with roasted cauliflower chunks or zucchini noodles. Reduce cream quantity and use half-and-half for lighter consistency.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Select olive oil margarine in place of butter to eliminate dairy components while preserving rich flavor profile.

Presenting Chicken Gnocchi Soup Comfortably

• Italian Bread Basket: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up the creamy soup's delicious broth.
• Salad Companion: Pair with a crisp caesar salad or mixed green salad topped with parmesan shavings for a complete meal.
• Wine Pairing: Complement the soup's rich flavors with a light white wine like pinot grigio or chardonnay for an elevated dining experience.
• Garnish Upgrade: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, extra black pepper, or grated parmesan cheese on top to enhance visual appeal and add extra flavor layers.

Soup Storage For Busy Weeks

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi as they might become mushy when thawed.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature, typically 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Pre-packaged gnocchi works perfectly and saves time in the kitchen.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the soup without the gnocchi. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating to maintain the best texture.

• What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can work as alternatives, though the soup will be slightly less rich and creamy.

• How do I prevent the gnocchi from becoming mushy?

Add gnocchi towards the end of cooking and avoid overcooking. Stir gently and cook just until they’re tender.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich, creamy Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen. Pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and velvety broth combine for a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 lb gnocchi

Main Vegetables:

• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a substantial pot over medium heat, melting butter and olive oil together to create a flavorful base.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and translucent, releasing their delicate essence.
3. Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to develop a golden, nutty roux that will thicken the soup.
4. Gradually introduce chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking methodically to eliminate any potential lumps and create a silky, smooth liquid.
5. Fold in tender shredded chicken, julienned carrots, fragrant thyme, and season with salt and pepper, allowing the ingredients to meld together during a 10-minute gentle simmer.
6. Carefully add pillowy gnocchi to the simmering soup, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they become light and tender, absorbing the rich flavors.
7. Introduce fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they delicately wilt and integrate into the soup’s landscape, bringing a vibrant green color and nutritional boost.
8. Taste and refine seasonings, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors before ladling the steaming soup into warm bowls, ready to be savored.

Notes

• Swap out heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream to make the soup dairy-free and lighter in calories.
• Toast flour slightly before adding to create a deeper, nuttier flavor profile in the roux base.
• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for faster preparation and added convenience during busy weeknights.
• Consider adding small diced celery alongside carrots for extra vegetable nutrition and traditional mirepoix flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg