There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup to brighten up a chilly day. This comforting classic, inspired by the Olive Garden favorite, combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious broth that’s loaded with flavor.

I first fell in love with this soup during a cozy dinner out with friends, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. Now it’s a regular on our dinner table, perfect for family nights or impressing guests. Let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Get ready to fall head over heels for this creamy, dreamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It's more than just delicious—it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
- Quick and Simple: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but satisfying.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Why head to Olive Garden when you can make this at a fraction of the cost? It tastes just like the original, if not better!
- Family-Friendly: Creamy broth, soft gnocchi, and shredded chicken make this a dish even picky eaters will adore.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to fit your tastes or what you have on hand. This soup is as flexible as it is tasty.
Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Now let’s look at what makes this soup so special.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one works together to create that rich, comforting taste.
- Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but you can also cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs for a fresh touch.
- Gnocchi: These soft, potato-based dumplings are the heart of the dish. You can find prepackaged gnocchi in most grocery stores for convenience.
- Vegetables: Diced onions, celery, and carrots bring a classic soup base, while fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition.
- Broth: A combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a rich, creamy base that coats every bite.
- Seasonings: Garlic, thyme, and parsley enhance the soup’s flavor without overpowering the delicate gnocchi.
For best results, use a heavy-bottomed pot to avoid scorching the creamy broth as it simmers. Now, let’s bring these ingredients to life!
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creating this creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easier than you might think. Here’s how to make it step by step:
- Start with the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, celery, and carrots until they’re tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the Broth and Chicken: Stir in chicken broth, followed by shredded chicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly to the pot. Let them simmer for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the top, indicating they’re cooked.
- Create the Creamy Base: Stir in heavy cream and freshly chopped spinach. Reduce the heat to low and allow the spinach to wilt into the broth.
- Season to Taste: Add dried thyme, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a touch of extra indulgence. Total time? Just 30 minutes, and your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Storage Options
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb some liquid, so add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.
- Freezer: While the broth freezes well, the gnocchi can become mushy. For best results, freeze the soup without the gnocchi and add fresh ones when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from separating.
Variations and Substitutions
This versatile recipe is easy to adapt based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Make it Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk. The broth will be less rich but still delicious.
- Add Protein: Try Italian sausage or shrimp instead of chicken for a twist.
- Go Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken. Add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for heartiness.
- Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free gnocchi to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Experiment with these variations and find your perfect bowl of comfort.
Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite of this Chicken Gnocchi Soup, and don't forget to share it with friends and family—it’s a guaranteed hit!
PrintOlive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Recreate Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with this creamy and hearty recipe. Packed with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh veggies, it's a comforting and satisfying dish for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- ½ cup carrots, grated or diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, celery, and carrots until softened.
- Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (2-3 minutes or until they float).
- Add spinach and cook until wilted. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy this delicious Olive Garden-inspired soup!
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Adjust thickness by adding more or less flour or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
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