Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
A comforting and flavorful copycat recipe of Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is easy to make and perfect for cozy nights in, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week. The soup is rich and creamy, packed with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh spinach, making it a nutritious choice that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of chicken broth and fresh garlic creates a savory base that elevates the taste of any meal.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a hearty breakfast or serve it as a light dinner option; it’s perfect for any occasion.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from spinach, it’s a wholesome meal choice for families.
- Comfort Food: Its creamy texture and warm flavors make it the ultimate comfort food on chilly days.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this delightful Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth cooking and better results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while allowing enough space for all ingredients to blend together beautifully.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping garlic and shredding chicken quick and easy.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect flavor balance in your soup.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot while ensuring all ingredients mix well.

Ingredients
To create your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, gather the following ingredients:
For the Soup Base
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Milk
For the Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken Breast (Cooked and shredded)
- 1 cup Gnocchi
- 0.5 cup Spinach
For Flavoring
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. This will help streamline your cooking process.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Add Broth and Milk
Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir well to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken and Gnocchi
Add the shredded chicken breast and gnocchi to the pot. Cook according to package instructions until the gnocchi float to the surface.
Step 5: Add Spinach
Once the gnocchi are cooked, stir in the spinach. Allow it to wilt into the soup for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once everything is heated through, serve your delicious Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup hot! Enjoy with crusty bread or on its own as a satisfying meal.
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Serving your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is an essential step to enhance the dining experience. This comforting soup pairs well with various sides and toppings that can elevate its flavor and presentation.
Classic Garnishes
- Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or basil on top for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Add a generous sprinkle of Parmesan for a rich, salty taste.
Bread Pairings
- Garlic Breadsticks: Serve warm garlic breadsticks alongside the soup to soak up every last drop.
- French Baguette: A crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
Salad Options
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad balances the richness of the soup with its tangy dressing.
- Mixed Green Salad: Lighten up the meal with a fresh mixed green salad topped with vinaigrette.
How to Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
To ensure your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality chicken broth will enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
- Adjust Creaminess: For a creamier texture, consider adding more milk or using half-and-half instead of regular milk.
- Cook Gnocchi Separately: Cooking gnocchi in a separate pot before adding it to the soup helps prevent them from becoming too mushy.
- Customize Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Adding herbs like thyme or oregano can elevate the flavor profile.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a fresh contrast.
- Caprese Salad: This simple salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is refreshing and complements the soup well.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal; consider carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice provide hearty satisfaction alongside the soup.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can cut through the creaminess of the soup, adding crunch and flavor.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a comforting side that pairs beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe can be simple, but certain mistakes can compromise your soup’s flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Bold seasoning: Using too little or too much salt can ruin the balance of flavors. Always taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
- Bold cooking chicken: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Cook until just done, then shred and incorporate into the soup.
- Bold gnocchi timing: Adding gnocchi too early can lead to mushy pasta. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking for the best texture.
- Bold broth choice: Using low-quality or overly salty broth can affect the overall taste. Opt for a good-quality chicken broth for richer flavor.
- Bold ingredient prep: Not chopping vegetables evenly can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Freezing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: In a pot over medium heat, stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe that might help you enjoy this dish even more.
How long does it take to make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
The entire process takes about 50 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi directly without thawing. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking.
What can I substitute for chicken in Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
You can replace chicken with cooked turkey or even a plant-based option like tofu for a vegetarian version.
How do I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe creamier?
To achieve a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more milk or a splash of heavy cream during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different proteins. Whip it up on a chilly evening or serve it at gatherings; it’s sure to impress!
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Indulge in a warm bowl of comfort with this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, an easy-to-make copycat version that captures the rich flavors of the original. This creamy soup features tender shredded chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh spinach, making it a nutritious choice perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a delightful dish ready in no time. Serve it hot with crusty bread or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 pound cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup gnocchi
- 0.5 cup fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk; stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add shredded chicken and gnocchi; cook until gnocchi float to the surface according to package instructions.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
