If you’re looking for a soul-warming meal that can brighten even the dreariest days, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is exactly what you need. Creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a medley of fresh vegetables, it’s a bowl of pure coziness. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes this soup feel like a warm hug from your favorite Italian restaurant, right from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend feast, this recipe captures the heart of Olive Garden’s beloved soup with a personal homemade touch.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each adding a unique burst of flavor, texture, or color. Fresh vegetables deliver natural sweetness and vibrant hues, creamy elements bring richness, and aromatic herbs create that classic Italian flair that makes every spoonful so irresistible.

Butter: Provides a rich base and helps soften the veggies, enhancing their natural flavors.

Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s savory foundation.
Celery: Brings a crisp texture and subtle earthiness to balance the creaminess.

Matchstick carrots: Offer a gentle sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
Garlic: Infuses the soup with its unmistakable, aromatic punch.

Italian seasoning: Combines herbs like basil and oregano to give that authentic Italian vibe.
Rubbed sage: Adds a warm, slightly peppery note to the flavor profile.
All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the soup to that perfectly creamy consistency.

Chicken broth: The savory base that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess and rounds out the texture with indulgence.
Potato gnocchi: These pillowy pasta dumplings are the heart of the dish, making every bite delightfully tender.

Shredded rotisserie chicken: Convenient, flavorful protein that’s juicy and ready to warm your soul.
Fresh spinach: Sprinkles of green that add freshness and a slight earthiness, brightening the soup.
Balsamic vinegar: Just a splash to elevate the flavors with a subtle tangy richness.

Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Must-haves for seasoning to taste and bringing all ingredients into harmony.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. The butter sets a luscious base to soften your veggies. Toss in the diced yellow onion, sliced celery, and matchstick carrots, seasoning generously with salt and pepper for flavor. Cook these, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes until they turn tender, releasing their natural sweetness and filling your kitchen with a comforting aroma.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings

It’s time to build layers of flavor! Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, rubbed sage, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything cook together for about a minute, allowing the fragrant garlic and herbs to blossom without burning. This is where your soup starts to sing with classic Italian notes that make it truly special.

Step 3: Create the Thickened Base

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the veggies and stir vigorously for another minute. This crucial step transforms your soup by thickening it and creating that silky, velvety texture. Next, deglaze the pan by pouring in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chicken broth, scraping up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. It’s flavor gold!

Step 4: Stir in Broth and Cream

Now pour in the remaining chicken broth and the heavy cream. These liquids bring creaminess and depth, turning your broth into the dreamy base of the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and let the mixture heat up just until it begins to simmer. This is where the soup’s character really starts to take shape.

Step 5: Cook Gnocchi and Chicken

Drop in the potato gnocchi and shredded rotisserie chicken. Gently simmer over medium-low heat for about 3 to 5 minutes. During this time, the gnocchi will puff up and become tender while the chicken warms through, infusing the soup with hearty, satisfying protein that makes it a complete meal.

Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Balsamic Vinegar

Stir in fresh spinach and a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. Watch the spinach gently wilt into the soup, adding vibrant color and fresh flavor. The balsamic vinegar adds a subtle note of acidity that balances the creamy richness perfectly. Finally, season to taste with salt and pepper, and your soup is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

Enhance your bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with a few simple garnishes. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese adds extra brightness and a touch of indulgence. A crack of fresh black pepper on top perfectly finishes the presentation and layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

This soup is a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks makes for an even richer dining experience. A crisp garden salad can add a refreshing counterpoint, while roasted vegetables complement the soup’s comforting vibes for a truly balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a fun and rustic touch. You can also ladle it into pretty soup mugs with a side of homemade focaccia for a beautiful, inviting presentation that lets the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup shine as the star of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, so your next meal will be just as delightful, if not better.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is possible but with a little caution. The creamy base and gnocchi can change texture when frozen and thawed. For best results, freeze the soup without the gnocchi and spinach, then add them fresh when reheating. This keeps the soup tasting vibrant and the gnocchi tender.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or curdling. If your soup thickens too much upon reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up. Add fresh spinach and gnocchi last to maintain their delightful texture and color.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi can make this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup even more special. Just be sure to cook the gnocchi fully in boiling water first, then add them to the soup at the end to avoid overcooking.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or any dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different but still wonderfully comforting.

Can I prepare this soup in advance for a dinner party?

Definitely. You can make the base soup a day ahead and refrigerate. Add the gnocchi and spinach fresh when reheating for the best texture and taste, ensuring your guests get a piping hot and fresh bowl.

What kind of chicken works best for this soup?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is ideal because it’s flavorful, juicy, and ready to use. However, you can also poach chicken breasts or thighs yourself—just be sure to shred them finely before adding to retain that perfect tender texture.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Sure thing! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, peas, or even zucchini for extra nutrition and variety. Just keep in mind cooking times, adding veggies that need more time earlier in the process to ensure everything is tender.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is truly a treasure to have in your recipe collection. It’s the perfect blend of cozy comfort and elegant flavor, making winter nights warmer and every day feel like a little celebration. I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself and fall in love with this heartwarming dish that never fails to bring joy with every spoonful.