Name: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 cup sliced celery; 1 cup matchstick carrots; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 pound potato gnocchi; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

I am so excited to share this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe with you because it’s one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Creamy, savory, and packed with tender chicken and fluffy potato gnocchi, this soup has so many layers of flavor and texture that I find utterly irresistible. Every time I make it, I am reminded why it’s such a beloved classic—and I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a favorite in your own kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

What makes this recipe truly special to me is its rich, silky broth loaded with Italian herbs and just the right amount of creaminess. The combination of butter, garlic, sage, and Italian seasoning creates a savory base that’s both comforting and full of depth. The gnocchi adds that delightful pillowy texture, while the shredded chicken brings hearty sustenance. When I savor a spoonful, it’s like getting the best of a home-cooked meal and a restaurant-quality experience all in one.

Beyond its incredible taste, I absolutely love how straightforward this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is to prepare. With simple ingredients that I usually have on hand or can easily grab, it comes together in just about 30 minutes. Whether I’m in the mood for a cozy weeknight meal or want to impress guests with minimal fuss, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is genuinely easy and approachable.

I also find that this soup is perfect for a variety of occasions. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish with a side salad or crusty bread, yet light enough for lunch or casual family dinners. Whenever I serve it, people always rave about the comforting flavors, and I love how it brings everyone together around the table. This is the kind of recipe I’ll keep making again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a collection of ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There are ten white bowls and one clear glass measuring cup, each filled with different items. Starting from the top left, a bowl is filled with pale yellow gnocchi, next to it is a bowl of white flour, followed by a small bowl of dark soy sauce, and another small bowl containing mixed dried herbs. Below those, there is a bowl with finely minced garlic, a bowl with sliced light green celery, and a clear glass measuring cup holding white milk. On the left side, a bowl with thin carrot sticks is placed near a bowl of shredded cooked chicken with a light beige color. A bowl of chopped white onions is positioned beside a small dish with a square of pale yellow butter. Finally, on the bottom left, a bowl of fresh dark green spinach leaves sits next to a large clear glass measuring cup filled with brown chicken broth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe are simple but essential to achieve its wonderful taste and texture. Each one plays an important role—from the richness of butter and cream to the fresh vegetables and herbs that keep it vibrant and balanced.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Butter: Provides a rich and silky base for sautéing the vegetables and building flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
Celery: Offers a subtle crunch and an aromatic backbone to the soup.
Carrots: Bring slight sweetness and bright color, enhancing the soup’s appeal.
Garlic: Infuses the soup with warm, savory notes essential to Italian cooking.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an authentic Italian flair.
Rubbed sage: Lends an earthy, fragrant hint that complements the chicken perfectly.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the broth for a velvety texture.
Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base, bringing savory richness.
Heavy cream: Gives the soup its creamy and luxurious mouthfeel.
Potato gnocchi: Soft and tender dumplings that provide a unique texture.
Rotisserie chicken: Conveniently shredded to add protein and heartiness.
Fresh spinach: Adds color, freshness, and subtle earthiness to brighten the soup.
Balsamic vinegar: A splash that balances richness with a mild tangy note.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.

Directions

Step 1: Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted and slightly bubbly.

Step 2: Add the diced yellow onion, sliced celery, and matchstick carrots along with a couple of generous pinches of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about eight minutes or until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, rubbed sage, and a couple more pinches of salt and pepper. Cook everything together for another minute, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn but releases its aroma.

Step 4: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed veggies and continue cooking for one more minute, stirring well to coat everything. This step will help thicken the soup later on.

Step 5: Pour in about ¼ to ½ cup of chicken broth and use your spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot, lifting all the flavorful browned bits off the surface; this deglazing step is crucial!

Step 6: Gradually stir in the remaining chicken broth and the heavy cream, making sure everything combines smoothly. Add a few pinches of salt and pepper to start seasoning the soup.

Step 7: Raise the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the potato gnocchi and shredded rotisserie chicken directly to the pot.

Step 8: Lower the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 9: Stir in the fresh spinach and balsamic vinegar, mixing until the spinach wilts into the creamy broth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 10: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Don’t forget to enjoy every savory, creamy bite!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 2 hearty servings, perfect for a cozy lunch or light dinner. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes, as it involves chopping the fresh veggies and mincing garlic. Cooking takes about 20 minutes, including the simmer and gnocchi cooking time, so total time from start to finish is around 30 minutes. There’s no additional resting or cooling time needed, so you can dig in right away to enjoy its comforting warmth.

How to Serve This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a thick creamy soup in a white bowl with a thick rim. The soup has a light beige creamy base with visible black pepper specks and small herbs. There are several layers inside: white gnocchi-like rounded pieces floating on top, shredded white meat in small thin strips scattered throughout, dark green spinach leaves, soft orange carrot strips, and light green celery pieces mixed in. A large silver ladle is partially dipped into the soup from the lower right side, resting on the edge of the bowl. The background is a white marbled surface with a blurred black and white striped cloth in the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, I love pairing it with crispy garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up every last drop of that luscious broth. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the creamy soup nicely, bringing fresh crunch to balance the meal. For garnishing, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few torn basil leaves adds a lovely touch both visually and flavor-wise.

For beverages, I find that a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light Italian white wine pairs beautifully, as it cuts through the creaminess. If you prefer cocktails, a sparkling Aperol spritz adds brightness and fun. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a cold iced tea work wonderfully, too. This soup shines for intimate family dinners, chilly weeknights, or any occasion when you want a little comfort food with a hint of elegance.

I enjoy serving it piping hot to really savor the creamy texture, but it also tastes great if kept warm in a slow cooker for casual gatherings. When plating, I usually portion the soup generously into wide bowls that showcase the gnocchi and chicken chunks, making each bite satisfying and hearty.

Variations

I love how versatile this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is, and I often customize it based on what I have or who I’m cooking for. For example, if you want a gluten-free version, swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative or cornstarch works well to thicken the broth without losing creaminess. You can also find gluten-free gnocchi at many stores or even make your own.

If you want to lighten things up, I sometimes replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk which still keeps the soup rich but with fewer calories. For a vegan twist, try using plant-based cream and broth alternatives, sautéing mushrooms instead of chicken, and choosing vegan gnocchi—this way, everyone can enjoy the comforting flavors without compromise.

If you like a little extra zing, I sometimes add crushed red pepper flakes for heat or swap balsamic vinegar for lemon juice for a brighter finish. You can also try cooking the chicken yourself from scratch using thighs or breasts; just be sure to shred it well to match that tender rotisserie style. Different cooking methods like simmering the soup longer to meld flavors or even using a slow cooker can give the dish subtle variations that I find really fun to experiment with.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this delicious soup, I store any leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator. I recommend using a glass container if possible, as it helps maintain the soup’s flavor and quality. The soup will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy next-day meals or lunches. Just make sure to cool it down a bit before refrigerating.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen, but I personally prefer to freeze it without the gnocchi because the texture of the gnocchi can become mushy after thawing. Store the soup in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and to help the soup regain its creamy consistency. If frozen gnocchi was removed, I add fresh gnocchi during reheating so they don’t overcook and get gummy. Avoid microwaving as it can cause uneven heating and separate the cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving to brighten the flavors back up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh potato gnocchi?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the simmer time to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender throughout. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.

Is there a way to make this soup lower in calories without sacrificing flavor?

Yes! You can reduce the heavy cream by half and substitute with half-and-half or evaporated milk. Also, using less butter or swapping chicken broth for homemade low-sodium broth helps. Adding more spinach or other veggies can bulk it up healthfully without losing taste.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time and reheat it for a party?

Definitely. Preparing the soup a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply cool, refrigerate, and reheat gently on the stove just before serving. You might want to add fresh spinach right before serving for the best color and texture.

What can I serve with this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for a complete meal?

I love pairing this soup with fresh crusty bread or garlic knots, a mixed green salad, or even roasted vegetables. For something light, a crisp Caesar salad works beautifully to balance the creamy soup.

Is it possible to make this soup vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, substitute the chicken with mushrooms or hearty beans, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Choose vegan gnocchi if available. The flavors remain rich and satisfying with these swaps.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe a try because it has quickly become a comforting staple in my kitchen. It combines ease, flavor, and that cozy feeling we all crave on cooler days. I know once you spoon into its creamy, hearty goodness, it will become one of your go-to recipes for sharing warmth and deliciousness with those you love.