Craving a warm, hearty bowl of soup? You’ll love this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Style recipe! I’ll show you how to create this creamy delight right at home. With fresh ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy the magic of Olive Garden in your kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that warms the soul and tastes simply divine! Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: This creamy chicken gnocchi dish is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with veggies and protein, this meal is both hearty and healthy.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to include your favorite vegetables or spices!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Celery
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Chicken broth
- Cooked chicken breast
- Gnocchi
- Fresh spinach
- Heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Gathering the right ingredients is key for this soup. Start with one tablespoon of olive oil. You will need one medium onion, diced, and two cloves of minced garlic. Two medium carrots, diced, and two celery stalks, diced, add great flavor. For herbs, use one teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried oregano.
Next, get four cups of chicken broth to create a rich base. You will also need one pound of cooked chicken breast, shredded, and a package of gnocchi (16 oz). Fresh spinach, about two cups, gives a lovely green touch. Finally, grab one cup of heavy cream for creaminess. Salt and pepper are crucial for taste. Don’t forget grated Parmesan cheese for serving!
These ingredients come together to create a warm, comforting dish everyone will love. Each one plays a part in making the soup rich and flavorful. So, gather them up and get ready to cook!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Vegetables
First, grab a large pot and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 medium diced onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to turn translucent. This step brings out its sweet flavor.
Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Stir it in well and cook for about 30 seconds. Then, toss in 2 diced carrots and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook these veggies for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking. This mix adds great texture to your soup.
Cooking the Soup Base
Now, it’s time for the herbs! Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried oregano. Stir it around to coat the vegetables. This will give your soup a fragrant base.
Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. This helps all the flavors meld together.
Adding Proteins and Gnocchi
Next, mix in 1 pound of shredded cooked chicken and 1 package (16 oz) of gnocchi. Stir them in well so everything is combined. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. The gnocchi will float to the top when they are done. This means they are ready to eat!
Final Touches
After the gnocchi is cooked, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach and 1 cup of heavy cream. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt down nicely.
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. This step is key for balancing the flavors. Now, serve your delightful soup hot! Don’t forget to sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for that extra flavor boost. Enjoy your tasty Chicken Gnocchi Soup!
Tips & Tricks
How to Make Gnocchi from Scratch
Making gnocchi at home is fun and simple. Here’s an easy recipe:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and boiled
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt
1. Mash the boiled potatoes until smooth.
2. Add flour, egg, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll the dough into long ropes. Cut into small pieces.
4. Shape each piece with a fork for a nice texture.
If you want a quick option, store-bought gnocchi works well too. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.
Ensuring Creamy Texture
To get that rich, creamy texture in your soup, follow these tips:
- Avoid curdling: Add cream on low heat. Stir gently and do not boil after adding it.
- Blend flavors: Use fresh herbs like thyme and oregano. They enhance the creamy taste.
Mixing the cream slowly helps keep it smooth.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Chicken Gnocchi Soup with these tasty sides:
- A fresh garden salad with light dressing
- Garlic bread for dipping
For garnishing, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. It adds a nice salty kick. Enjoy your meal!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and oregano can enhance the flavor of the dish significantly compared to dried herbs.
- Gnocchi Cooking Time: Be mindful not to overcook the gnocchi; they are done as soon as they float to the surface.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove.

Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily change the vegetables in this soup. Try adding:
- Zucchini for a refreshing crunch
- Peas for a sweet bite
- Mushrooms for a rich flavor
Feel free to use different proteins too. Instead of chicken, you could use:
- Turkey for a lighter option
- Shrimp for a seafood twist
- Tofu for a plant-based meal
These swaps keep the recipe fun and fresh. Experiment with what you have in your kitchen.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free meal, you can find gluten-free gnocchi at stores. Look for brands that use:
- Rice flour
- Potato flour
- Chickpea flour
These options work well in the soup. When using gluten-free gnocchi, check your broth and cream. Make sure they are gluten-free too.
Spice It Up
Want to add some heat? You can stir in:
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Cayenne pepper for bold flavor
Fresh herbs also boost the taste. Add them at the end for the best flavor. Try using:
- Basil for a sweet note
- Parsley for freshness
- Thyme for earthiness
These additions make your Chicken Gnocchi Soup even more delicious. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store leftover Chicken Gnocchi Soup, let it cool first. Transfer it into an airtight container. Make sure to keep it sealed well. This prevents any odors from the fridge. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, you might want to freeze it.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze Chicken Gnocchi Soup, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. The soup will expand as it freezes. It’s best if used within three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir it often to keep the texture nice. If it seems thick, you can add a little broth or cream. This keeps the soup creamy and tasty.
FAQs
What is Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy and hearty dish. It features tender gnocchi, chicken, and fresh veggies. The soup has a rich flavor from herbs like thyme and oregano. This dish has roots in Italian cuisine. It gained fame through restaurants like Olive Garden, where it became a fan favorite.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. To meal prep, cook the soup as normal. Let it cool down before storing it. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to two months.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes, this soup is great for kids. You can adjust the flavors to make it milder. If your child prefers less spice, use less thyme and oregano. The soup has healthy ingredients like chicken, spinach, and carrots. These provide protein and vitamins, making it a nutritious choice for families.
This blog post guided you through making delicious Chicken Gnocchi Soup. We covered all the ingredients, from veggies to cream. You learned step-by-step instructions for prep and cooking. Tips for texture, serving suggestions, and fun variations helped expand your options.
As you try this recipe, remember that it’s flexible. Feel free to customize it to your taste. Enjoy creating a warm bowl of soup that warms your heart and home. Happy cookin

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Delight
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- to taste salt and pepper
- for serving grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the dried thyme and oregano, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.


