This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl filled with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables. Rich yet balanced, it’s the perfect homemade version of a restaurant favorite that’s both satisfying and easy to recreate.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This soup is rich, creamy, and incredibly comforting without being complicated to make. It’s packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach, creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or craving a cozy restaurant-style meal at home, this recipe delivers every time.

Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup

There’s something special about recreating a restaurant favorite at home. It feels a little indulgent, but also comforting and familiar.

This chicken gnocchi soup is inspired by the classic version many people love ordering when they want something warm and satisfying.

It’s one of those creamy soup recipes that feels both hearty and comforting without being too heavy.

The first time you make it at home, you’ll notice how simple it actually is. The flavors come together in a way that feels effortless.

Imagine a cold evening, a pot simmering on the stove, and the smell of garlic, butter, and herbs filling your kitchen. That’s exactly the feeling this recipe brings.

This soup is a perfect example of easy comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and full of texture.

The gnocchi are what make this dish stand out. They’re soft, pillowy, and soak up the creamy broth beautifully.

Using cooked chicken makes this recipe even easier. It’s a great way to use leftovers or rotisserie chicken.

The base starts with butter and olive oil. This combination adds both richness and balance.

Onions, carrots, and celery create a classic flavor foundation. They soften slowly and bring natural sweetness to the soup.

Garlic adds depth and aroma. It’s one of those ingredients that quietly transforms the entire dish.

Flour is used to gently thicken the soup. It helps create that creamy, velvety texture.

Chicken broth adds a savory base. It keeps the soup flavorful without being too heavy.

Half and half gives the soup its creamy finish. It’s rich but still lighter than using heavy cream.

Fresh spinach adds color and freshness. It balances the richness of the broth.

Basil brings a light herbal note. It lifts the flavor and keeps the soup from feeling too dense.

This is one of those easy dinner recipes that feels impressive but doesn’t require complicated steps.

It’s also perfect for family meals. Everyone tends to love the combination of creamy broth and soft gnocchi.

Serve it with crusty bread or a simple salad. It turns into a complete and satisfying meal.

Each spoonful is warm, creamy, and full of comforting flavor.

Servings & Time

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups half and half
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• Fresh grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
4. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the vegetables. Cook for about 3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, about 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly to keep the mixture smooth.
6. Stir in the half and half until fully combined.
7. Add the cooked chicken and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
8. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
9. Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then drain.
10. Add the cooked gnocchi and spinach to the soup.
11. Simmer for a few minutes until the spinach wilts and the gnocchi are heated through.
12. Stir in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning if needed.
13. Serve warm with freshly grated cheese on top.

Tips

Use rotisserie chicken to save time.

Cook gnocchi separately to avoid overcooking.

Add more broth if the soup becomes too thick.

Use fresh spinach for the best texture.

Do not boil after adding dairy to prevent curdling.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently over low heat while stirring.

Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth if desired.