Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’re in for a treat with this easy-to-follow recipe.

This homemade version brings the flavors of creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy gnocchi right into your kitchen.

Using fresh spinach and pantry staples, you can have this comforting dish ready in less than 30 minutes.

One trick I personally love is roasting the chicken first to deepen the flavor and add a nice texture.

With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll find yourself enjoying a bowl of this restaurant favorite without stepping out of your house.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 cup Onion (chopped)
• 1/2 cup Celery (chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 cups Chicken Broth
• 2 cups Half-and-Half
• 1 cup Cooked Chicken (chopped)
• 1/2 cup Carrots (shredded)
• 1 cup Spinach (chopped)
• 1 pkg Gnocchi (16 oz.)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic.

Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

Step 2:

Stir in the all-purpose flour to the pot with vegetables.

Cook and stir for 1 minute to combine well.

Step 3:

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously.

Add the half-and-half and keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 4:

Add the chopped cooked chicken to the pot.

Stir in shredded carrots, chopped spinach, salt, black pepper, and thyme.

Simmer the mixture gently for a few minutes.

Step 5:

Add the gnocchi to the soup.

Continue to cook for about 5 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the soup is heated through.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh vegetables and herbs will make your soup taste better.

If possible, try to use fresh spinach and thyme instead of dried herbs.

Adjust the Thickness

If you prefer a thicker soup, use a bit more flour when making the roux.

For a thinner soup, add a little extra chicken broth.

Careful with the Gnocchi

Gnocchi cooks quickly and can become mushy if overcooked.

Check frequently to make sure they are just tender.

Flavor Balance

Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.

A bit more salt and pepper can enhance the flavors if it tastes too mild.

Make-Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead and reheated.

If making ahead, add the gnocchi when reheating to avoid sogginess.

What to Serve with Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garlic Bread

A warm and crusty garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy consistency of the soup.

The buttery garlic flavor complements the savory ingredients in the soup.

It’s also handy for dipping!

Caesar Salad

A light Caesar salad balances the richness of the chicken gnocchi soup.

The crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons bring a refreshing contrast.

It’s a classic combo that always works well.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

For something a bit different, roasted Brussels sprouts make a great side dish.

The slight bitterness of the sprouts complements the creaminess of the soup.

Adding a touch of balsamic glaze can bring out their natural sweetness.

Apple Walnut Spinach Salad

An apple walnut spinach salad can offer a sweet and nutty contrast.

The crisp apples and crunchy walnuts add texture and flavor depth.

It’s both light and refreshing, enhancing the soup experience.

Parmesan-Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Parmesan-garlic roasted potatoes are another excellent side option.

The crispy, golden-brown potatoes with parmesan cheese and garlic make a delicious accompaniment.

Their savory, cheesy notes meld well with the hearty soup.

Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option

If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Make sure your gnocchi is also gluten-free, which you can easily find in many grocery stores.

Dairy-Free Option

For a dairy-free twist, use a plant-based milk like almond milk or oat milk instead of half-and-half.

You can also replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil.

Protein Alternatives

You can substitute the chicken with turkey for a slightly different flavor.

For a vegetarian version, leave out the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

Herb Variations

If you don’t have thyme on hand, rosemary or sage can provide a different yet complementary taste.

Fresh herbs are always best, but dried herbs can work in a pinch—use about one-third of the fresh amount.

Extra Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.

You can also increase the amount of spinach if you love greens as much as I do.

How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Cool the Soup First

Before storing, allow the soup to cool to room temperature.

This helps prevent bacterial growth.

Use Airtight Containers

Store your leftover soup in airtight containers.

This will keep the soup fresh and prevent spillage.

Refrigeration

Place the containers in the refrigerator.

The soup can be kept for up to three days.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup.

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.

Label them with the date you freeze them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Gnocchi

You might be tempted to cook the gnocchi until they float for a long time, but they can quickly turn mushy.

It only takes a few minutes for the gnocchi to cook through.

Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can ruin the texture of the soup.

Using Too Much Flour in the Roux

Adding too much flour can make your roux too thick and pasty.

When making the roux, add the flour gradually and whisk constantly.

This helps in achieving the perfect smooth consistency without lumps.

Not Seasoning Enough

It’s easy to forget to taste and adjust seasoning as you go along.

Be sure to season the soup gradually throughout the cooking process.

Tasting as you cook helps you avoid ending up with a bland soup.