If you’ve ever wished you could capture the cozy, irresistible taste of Olive Garden’s famous soup right in your own kitchen, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a creamy, comforting bowl filled with tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach, all bubbling in a luscious broth scented with thyme and rosemary. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or simply craving a hearty, soul-soothing meal, this soup hits all the right notes and comes together quickly with simple ingredients you’ll love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Each element brings something special to the table, from the richness of the heavy cream to the fresh brightness of spinach and aromatic herbs, creating a balanced and deeply satisfying flavor.
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cooked and shredded: Provides tender protein and hearty texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth base for sautéing and rounds out flavors.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Creates a flavorful and savory liquid foundation.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and velvety.
- 2 cups spinach, chopped: Adds color, freshness, and a mild earthy taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers subtle herbal notes that brighten the soup.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Contributes a woodsy, fragrant undertone.
- 1 package gnocchi (store-bought or homemade): Delivers tender, pillowy bites that soak up the broth beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking gently until the onion becomes translucent and soft—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key because it releases the onions’ natural sweetness and garlic’s fragrant oils, creating a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Next, stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, chopped spinach, dried thyme, and rosemary. Bringing these ingredients to a gentle boil lets the flavors marry beautifully — the herbs infuse the broth while the spinach wilts just enough to add a fresh color and taste without losing its vibrant texture.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Add your gnocchi to the simmering soup and cook according to the package instructions, usually 3 to 4 minutes until they float to the surface. This signals they’re perfectly cooked and ready to absorb all that creamy, herby goodness surrounding them.
Step 4: Add the Shredded Chicken
Once the gnocchi is tender, stir in the shredded chicken. Let the soup simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to heat through and the flavors to deepen, creating a unified, comforting dish that’s hearty without being heavy.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. This last step is crucial; it lets you balance the flavors so every bite is perfectly seasoned and inviting, highlighting the delicious simplicity of this recipe.
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl, consider garnishing with a handful of fresh spinach leaves for added freshness or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty finish. A few extra sprigs of thyme or rosemary can also enhance the aroma right at the table, making every spoonful feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal on its own, but pairing it with a crunchy garlic bread or a crisp green salad truly rounds out the experience. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth, and a salad provides a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive presentation. You can also drizzle a bit of good-quality olive oil or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes atop each serving to personalize the flavor and add a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days without losing its creamy texture or flavor, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save the soup for later, freezing is a great option. Transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. Keep in mind gnocchi can change texture slightly after freezing, so stirring it gently when reheated can help rejuvenate it.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to evenly warm the gnocchi and chicken. Adding a splash of broth or cream when reheating can help restore any lost creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and can save you time. Just shred the meat and add it as directed in the recipe.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can easily swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken to make a delicious vegetarian version. For protein, consider adding beans or more vegetables.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Store-bought gnocchi is convenient and works well, but homemade gnocchi adds a tender, fresh touch if you have the time and inclination. Both soak up the soup’s flavors beautifully.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter soup, but keep in mind the soup will be less rich and creamy. Adjust seasoning accordingly to balance flavors.
How long does it take to make this soup from start to finish?
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe typically takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes prep and 15 minutes cook time—making it a quick yet impressive meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a homemade bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and so satisfying. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight meal that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich and creamy Italian-inspired soup featuring tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, this soup combines simple ingredients into a hearty dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 package gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, forming the flavor base of the soup.
- Add liquids and herbs: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream; then add the chopped spinach, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to combine all flavors.
- Cook gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the boiling soup and cook according to package instructions, typically 3 to 4 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface indicating doneness.
- Add shredded chicken: Stir in the cooked and shredded chicken breasts. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally garnish with extra chopped spinach, fresh herbs, or grated parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use cooked chicken breasts from a previous meal or poach them quickly before shredding.
- Store-bought gnocchi typically cooks faster; adjust cooking time if using homemade gnocchi.
- Heavy cream adds richness but can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried thyme and rosemary for a brighter flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
