There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of creamy, soul-soothing soup that feels like a hug in every spoonful. This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is exactly that—a dreamy combination of soft pillowy gnocchi, shredded chicken, and tender vegetables all simmered in a rich, seasoned broth. It’s inspired by the restaurant favorite but made right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and big flavor.

Perfect for chilly evenings, lazy weekends, or family dinners, this soup tastes like you spent hours making it, but it comes together in under an hour. It’s a cozy one-pot meal that invites seconds (and thirds) with its creamy texture and heartwarming flavors.

What Kind of Gnocchi Should I Use?

For this recipe, shelf-stable potato gnocchi works beautifully and is easy to find in most grocery stores. You can also use fresh or frozen gnocchi—just be sure not to overcook them, as they cook quickly and can become mushy. Gnocchi adds a lovely bite and soaks up the soup’s creamy base.

Ingredients for the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken breast adds protein and heartiness.
Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that soak up the creamy broth.
Carrots: Diced for a subtle sweetness and texture.
Celery: Adds a savory base and crunch.
Spinach: For color and a hint of earthiness.
Yellow Onion: Aromatic and flavorful, sautéed to build the base.
Garlic: Freshly minced to enhance the savory depth.
Chicken Broth: Forms the foundation of the soup’s flavor.
Heavy Cream: Gives the soup its rich and velvety texture.
Butter and Olive Oil: Used to sauté vegetables and add richness.
Flour: Helps thicken the soup slightly.
Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning and boosting flavor.

How To Make the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. This helps thicken the soup.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Simmer

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

Stir in the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Let the soup simmer for another 4-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are cooked and floating.

Step 6: Stir in the Cream and Spinach

Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Simmer gently for a couple more minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls while hot and serve with crusty bread or garlic knots for the full Olive Garden experience.

How to Serve and Store This Soup

This soup is rich and hearty on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or buttery garlic bread. For a fun copycat experience, serve it alongside breadsticks just like at Olive Garden.

To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi may absorb more of the liquid, so you can add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

This soup also freezes well, though the texture of the gnocchi may soften a bit upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the gnocchi fresh when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just shred it and stir it in during the same step.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Use oil instead of butter for sautéing.

What if I don’t have gnocchi?

You can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even cooked rice. It won’t be quite the same texture, but still delicious.

How can I make it thicker?

Add a touch more flour in the roux step, or let it simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Mushrooms, peas, or kale are all great additions. Just be mindful of cook times so everything stays tender.

Is it gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free gnocchi and flour. Be sure to check your labels.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you loved this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, here are some more cozy bowls you’ll want to curl up with:

Try the Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for a cheesy, noodle-filled twist on classic comfort food.
Warm up with Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup that combines meat-and-potatoes magic in every spoonful.
For a bit of a kick, go with the Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup that’s full of bold flavors.
Don’t miss the Chicken Pot Pie Soup for creamy, hearty goodness in a bowl.
And if you’re craving something ultra-decadent, the Decadent Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is a must-try.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can find it anytime you need a warm, cozy dinner idea.

And if you give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Did you go heavy on the garlic? Add extra veggies? Drop your version in the comments below.

For even more easy, creamy, and comforting recipes, follow along on Pinterest @hallarecipes where I share daily inspiration straight from my kitchen.