The Best Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Whether you're craving a warm meal on a cold evening or simply want to impress your friends with a homemade dish, this pillowy gnocchi soup is a go-to. It's easy to make and captures the essence of classic Italian-inspired comfort food in every bite. It's a complete meal that will leave you full, happy, and satisfied.

Plus, it is getting finally getting cold which means your family will definitely enjoy a delicious extra creamy and cozy homemade soup. Especially when it have this much protein and delicious gnocchis in it!

Since you're here and love hearty soup recipes, check out this Velveeta Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe and these The Best Cracker Barrel Cornbread Muffins Recipe!

Ingredients for this Olive Garden's chicken gnocchi soup recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this creamy chicken gnocchi soup. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Butter: adds a savory base to the soup and helps sauté the vegetables.
• White Onion: provides sweetness and enhances the flavor of the soup.
• Celery: adds a subtle crunch and earthy flavor that complements the creamy texture.
• Fresh Garlic: brings an aromatic warmth and depth to the soup.
• Flour: acts as a thickening agent which giving the soup its creamy consistency.
• Chicken Stock: serves as the soup’s flavorful liquid base. You can use low sodium chicken broth if you want to be able to control the level of salt in your soup.
• Half-and-Half: adds a creamy richness to the soup without making it too heavy.
• Cooked Shredded/Cubed Chicken: from boneless skinless chicken breasts provides protein and a hearty texture.
• Carrots: add a touch of sweetness, color, and extra nutrients to the dish.
• Dried or Fresh Thyme: infuses the soup with an herbal note.
• Dried Parsley Flakes: gives a mild flavor and subtle color to the soup.
• Salt and Black Pepper: season the soup to enhance and balance the flavors of the ingredients.
• Potato Gnocchi: acts as the main starch in the dish, making it hearty. I used store-bought gnocchi for this recipe.
• Fresh Spinach: adds a pop of color, freshness, and a boost of nutrients to the soup.

how to make this copycat olive garden chicken gnocchi soup recipe

This is how you can make this homemade version of Olive Garden's creamy soup. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter over medium heat until melted. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring well to coat them. Cook and stir continuously to remove any raw flour taste.
3. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking to combine smoothly. Slowly add the half-and-half, whisking as you go to ensure a creamy texture.
4. Add the pre-cooked shredded chicken, carrots, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook until the flavors are blended and infused together.
5. Add the tender gnocchi and cook as per package directions, typically 3-5 minutes, until they float to the surface.
6. Stir in the spinach, allowing it to wilt. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.

Why you need to make this olive garden gnocchi soup recipe

• Skip the wait at your closest Olive Garden and make this soup at home instead.
• This Olive Garden copycat recipe only requires simple ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store.
• If you love gnocchi pasta, then you're going to absolutely love this soup.
• It's actually a great way to use up leftover chicken that you have in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

​How do I make the soup thicker or thinner?

The first way is to change the half-and-half. Use heavy cream to make the soup thicker or whole milk to make it thinner.

The next thing to try is changing the amount of flour. If you want the hot soup to be thicker, double the amount of flour used in the beginning of the recipe. If you want it thinner, omit the flour completely. Your soup will still be a little thick and won't be watery because of the natural starch in the gnocchis.

How do I serve this soup?

This delicious soup goes great with warm bread with a crispy crust and soft middle. You could either buy a circular bread loaf with a hollowed-out center, or in a regular bowl with toasted slices of bread, Rolls or garlic bread on the side. This soup contains protein, carbs, and veggies so you don't need to make anything else when you eat it.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this olive garden gnocchi soup recipe?

Of course! Just swap out the chicken broth for a vegetable broth, and don't add shredded chicken. If you still want to include a protein, add tofu or a wheat-gluten product.

How can I add to make this soup taste even better?

• Add extra Italian seasoning​ to give it more flavor throughout the broth.
• Once your soup is ready, put it in a ramekin or oven-safe dish, throw some parmesan cheese on top, and broil it in the oven until the cheese has crisped up.
• You could add different seasonings or flavors to the chicken as you cook it before you shred it, or you could buy and shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken since those are usually well-seasoned and flavored.

How do I store my leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s not recommended to freeze this soup because the dairy and gnocchi can change texture when frozen and reheated. However, if you want to freeze it, consider leaving out the gnocchi and half-and-half, then add them fresh when reheating.

How do I reheat it?

The best way to reheat is on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a bit more broth or half-and-half, as the soup can thicken in the fridge. If the stove is too time-consuming, you can use the microwave and heat it in 30-45 second intervals while stirring it in between.

The Best Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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