Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This cozy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. It combines tender shredded chicken with pillowy gnocchi and fresh spinach in a creamy broth that you can whip up on a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend afternoon.

I discovered this recipe after craving something hearty but easy. It quickly became a family favorite especially on chilly evenings when everyone wants something filling.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: adds richness and helps soften vegetables use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor
• Medium onion diced: provides a sweet and savory base take fresh onions with firm texture
• Garlic minced: offers aromatic depth choose plump fresh cloves
• Carrots diced: contribute natural sweetness and texture look for firm brightly colored carrots
• Celery diced: adds crunch and a hint of earthiness select celery stalks that snap easily
• Dried thyme and basil: bring classic Italian herb notes use fresh dried herbs stored properly for peak flavor
• Chicken broth: is the flavorful soup base opt for low sodium if you prefer more control over seasoning
• Cooked shredded chicken: gives protein and substance try using leftover roasted chicken or store-bought rotisserie
• Package of gnocchi: gives soft texture and heartiness look for fresh or frozen gnocchi for best results
• Fresh spinach: adds vibrant color and nutrition choose crisp leaves free from wilting
• Heavy cream: adds velvety richness use full fat for the best creamy mouthfeel
• Salt and black pepper: balance all flavors season gradually to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese optional: enriches each serving with a savory punch choose a good quality Parmigiano Reggiano if available

Instructions

Build The Flavor Base:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook gently for about five minutes until the vegetables soften and develop a sweet aroma. This step forms the foundation for the soup’s flavor.

Add Garlic and Herbs:

Stir in minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant but not browned. Add dried thyme and basil to infuse the broth with herbal warmth.

Simmer The Broth And Chicken:

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, then add shredded cooked chicken. This imparts hearty taste and protein to the soup.

Cook The Gnocchi:

Add the gnocchi and let them cook for about five to seven minutes until they float to the surface and become tender in texture. This ensures they are perfectly done without being mushy.

Finish With Spinach And Cream:

Stir in fresh spinach leaves and heavy cream. Cook for another two to three minutes until the spinach wilts and cream fully melds into the broth.

Season And Serve:

Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Serve hot with an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese which adds a lovely salty finish.

I love how the spinach adds a fresh bright pop against the creamy broth. It reminds me of cozy family dinners when this soup was a go-to on cold nights and everyone gathered around the table talking about their day.

Storage Tips

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep flavors fresh. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid breaking the cream’s texture. The gnocchi can absorb broth, so you may want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.

Ingredient Swaps

If you don’t have gnocchi, small pasta shapes like mini shells or tortellini work well. Instead of chicken broth, vegetable broth works fine for a lighter version. Kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach for a different leafy green twist.

Serving Ideas

Serve with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up the delicious broth. A simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the creamy richness of the soup nicely. Garnishing with fresh chopped parsley adds a fresh herbal touch.

This soup is the perfect comfort meal for any season and can easily be adapted to available ingredients.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What type of gnocchi is best to use?

Store-bought potato gnocchi works well, but fresh gnocchi will provide a more tender texture.

→ Can I substitute chicken broth with another stock?

Yes, vegetable broth can be used for a lighter, more delicate flavor.

→ How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?

The gnocchi float to the surface and become tender when fully cooked, usually in 5-7 minutes.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

It’s best served fresh, but it can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.

→ What garnishes complement this dish?

Grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs adds brightness.