Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup: 30-Minute Creamy Comfort Recipe

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is more than a copycat. It’s a creamy, comforting bowl that tastes restaurant-worthy yet comes together in 30 minutes. I built this recipe around speed, flavor, and family-friendly comfort. My chef background informs every shortcut. Delicious food should fit a busy schedule for homemade vibes. No sacrificing time or taste.

Weeknights can drain even the best planners. I crafted this soup to save time without dull flavor. You can swap ingredients and still get cozy, restaurant-worthy comfort. It’s the kind of meal you reach for when the day wore you down. Your family deserves something delicious and easy.

Table of Contents

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup what makes this recipe special

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is my weeknight hug in a pot, the bowl I reach for after a long day.
I built this recipe for speed, flavor, and family-friendly comfort.
With a chef’s mindset and a busy schedule, I skip fluff and savor every spoonful.

This soup brings Olive Garden vibes using simple pantry staples and a handful of spinach.
It fits busy homes—swap in rotisserie chicken, dial back salt, or use half-and-half for lighter creaminess.
Best of all, it feels like a special dinner you can pull off on weeknights.

A restaurant inspired weeknight favorite

Think Olive Garden vibes with pantry basics—onions, garlic, thyme, parmesan, and a silky cream finish that smiles back at you.
Gnocchi soaks up flavor and softens to tender bites, giving you that restaurant-worthy comfort without leaving the stovetop.
Families love it because it cooks in one pot, saves time, travels well to potlucks, and still feels like a special treat.

Ingredients

Here’s the core ingredient lineup with exact measurements. Optional substitutions and quick source tips are included. Each ingredient is explained briefly to keep prep simple. Exact quantities are at the bottom of the article and printable for your grocery list.

• 2 tbsp olive oil — Sauté base.
• 1 small onion, diced — Adds sweetness and depth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced — Aromatic punch.
• 2 medium carrots, shredded or finely diced — Color and subtle sweetness.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped — Bright crunch.
• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded — Protein foundation.
• 4 cups chicken broth — The flavor base; choose low-sodium to control salt.
• 1 cup heavy cream — Rich, velvety texture.
• 1 lb potato gnocchi — Tender, pillowy bites.
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped — Fresh color and nutrients.
• ½ tsp dried thyme — Classic herbal note.
• ½ tsp black pepper — Gentle heat and aroma.
• Salt, to taste — Balance and savor.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese — Finishing depth, a touch of saltiness.

Exact quantities are listed at the bottom of the article and printable.

Ingredient overview and substitutions

To lighten it up, swap half-and-half or milk for heavy cream. For gluten-free menus, choose certified gluten-free gnocchi. If you use rotisserie chicken, skip extra salt or reduce the broth. Start with less salt; the Parmesan adds salt, so taste before serving. You can finish with vegetarian Parmesan if needed. These tweaks keep the soup flexible for many families. It’s a win-win for busy homes.

How to make this recipe

I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup fast, friendly, and comforting. Weeknights suddenly feel possible when this one-pot bowl comes together.

Step 1 : sauté aromatics

I toss onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil and let them meet heat. They soften with a gentle sizzle, filling the kitchen with welcome aroma. This base sets my flavor tone.

Step 2 : simmer base with chicken and thyme

I add garlic, then pour in chicken broth and shredded chicken. Thyme, pepper, and a pinch of salt follow. I bring it to a gentle boil and then simmer, letting flavors bloom.

Step 3 : add gnocchi

I stir in gnocchi and cook per package directions, about 3–4 minutes. I keep the heat moderate and watch closely to prevent mushy bites, giving a quick stir now and then so every piece stays intact.

Step 4 : finish with cream and parmesan

I lower the heat and whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth. The sauce thickens slightly and coats each piece. I taste and adjust salt if needed.

Step 5 : fold in spinach and adjust

I fold in spinach and simmer 1–2 minutes until wilted. I do a final check of seasoning.

Tips for success

For Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, I season gradually and taste as I go. The Parmesan finish is salty by design, so I err on the lighter side until I melt in the cream. Taste as you go; joy follows.

I keep gnocchi to the package time, and I avoid a full boil after adding it. A gentle simmer preserves tender bites and a silky, cozy broth.

I customize for families by offering milder or bold options: extra Parmesan on the side, half-and-half for lighter cream, or extra spinach.

Equipment needed

• 6–8 quart heavy pot (Dutch oven) — browns aromatics and simmers the soup.
• Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula — easy stirring.
• Measuring cups and spoons — for accuracy.
• Chef’s knife and cutting board — prep veggies and chicken.
• Tongs — handle gnocchi and wilt spinach.
• Colander — rinse spinach.
• Ladle — portion bowls of broth.
• Alternative: any heavy-bottom pot if you don’t own a Dutch oven.

Variations

• Gluten-free version: use certified gluten-free gnocchi and broth for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
• Lighter cream option: swap half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
• Veggie boost: add mushrooms, zucchini, or kale for more color.
• Spice level: sprinkle red pepper flakes or black pepper to taste.
• Dairy-free tweak: use dairy-free Parmesan and coconut or almond milk.
• Protein swap: use turkey or extra chicken to fit your leftovers.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup why you’ll love this

As a busy home cook, I love this soup for quick weeknights. It tastes creamy, comforting, and restaurant-worthy with almost no effort. It saves time, satisfies hungry mouths, and leaves room for homework, meetings, or a glass of wine.

The gnocchi swirls with tender bites, soaking up herbs and garlic. Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken keeps weeknights easy and flavorful. It makes Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup scale for a crowd or a cozy solo supper.

Serving suggestions

• Sides: warm garlic bread, crisp salad, or steamed broccoli.
• Drinks: Pinot Grigio, sparkling water with lemon, or iced tea.
• Presentation: ladle into warm bowls; top with Parmesan and parsley.

I love a cozy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup bowl presented warmly.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup meal prep ideas and value add

Meal prep saves me from the microwave’s guilt, especially with Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. I keep a plan handy so weeknights stay cozy, not chaotic.

• Make the base ahead: sauté aromatics and chicken, then refrigerate the mix up to 3 days.
• Keep gnocchi separate and cook it fresh when you reheat for tender bites.
• Store components separately: broth with veggies and chicken in one container; gnocchi in another to avoid soggy texture.
• For freezer meals, freeze the broth and chicken base up to 2–3 months; add gnocchi after thawing.
• Print-friendly version available at the bottom for easy grocery lists and quick reheats.

When it’s time to eat, reheat gently on low, then finish with cream, spinach, and Parmesan for that restaurant-worthy finish.

I also love labeling portions with dates; it keeps the kitchen calm.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast? Yes, rotisserie chicken works great for this soup. It adds flavor and saves time. I love shredding it into the pot for a quick boost in Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Is this soup suitable for gluten free diets?

You can make it gluten free with care. Use certified gluten-free gnocchi and gluten-free broth. Check labels to avoid hidden gluten in stock bases or seasonings.

How long can I store leftovers and how does gnocchi texture change?

Leftovers keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Gnocchi tends to soften and absorb more broth over time. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.

Can I cut this recipe in half for smaller households?

Absolutely. Halve all ingredients and simmer a bit shorter. Keep an eye on gnocchi timing to prevent mushy bites.

Final thoughts

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the hug I crave on busy nights.
It tastes restaurant-worthy yet comes together in minutes.
Creamy broth, tender gnocchi, and spinach feel like a comforting bowl.

Make it your weeknight ally by keeping a few staples on hand.
A splash of half-and-half or light cream keeps Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup gentle.
Leftovers look better with quick reheats and a little Parmesan.

Whether you cook for one or a crowd, speed meets flavor.
I savor tomorrow’s leftovers, reheated with broth.
Give it a try and feel the cozy magic of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

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