Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Cozy Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup Recipe For Heartwarming Meals

Creamy, comforting olive garden gnocchi soup brings warmth to your kitchen with its delightful Italian-inspired flavors.

Soft potato dumplings swim in a rich, velvety broth that hugs each spoonful.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special like this hearty creation.

Packed with tender vegetables and herbs, the soup feels like a culinary embrace from tuscany.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant favorite without complicated techniques.

Fragrant seasonings and simple ingredients make magic happen in your own pot.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this soul-satisfying meal.

FAQs

  • Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparation.

  • Is it okay to substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach?

Fresh spinach is recommended, but you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to the soup.

  • How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup and keep it celiac-friendly.

  • What type of gnocchi works best in this soup?

Potato gnocchi is ideal, as it holds up well in liquid and provides the best texture for this creamy soup.

Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup: Cozy Highlights

  • Whip Up a Cozy Comfort Meal: This gnocchi chicken soup wraps you in warmth with its hearty ingredients and rich, creamy texture that feels like a culinary hug.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding different vegetables or using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe super flexible for busy home cooks.
  • Quick Family Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the soft gnocchi, tender chicken, and smooth cream base that creates a universally appealing dish.
  • Minimal Cooking Skills Required: With simple steps and straightforward techniques, even beginner cooks can successfully prepare this delicious soup without stress.

Gnocchi Chicken Soup Ingredient Checklist

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Tender shredded chicken that provides protein and hearty flavor to the soup.
  • Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add a comforting and filling element to the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Rich liquid base that creates the foundational flavor of the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Garlic, Onions, Carrots, Celery: Classic aromatic vegetables that build a deep and complex soup flavor profile.
  • Spinach: Fresh green that adds nutrition and a vibrant color to the finished soup.
Creamy and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Butter, Oil: Ingredients that create a luxurious and smooth texture for the soup.
  • Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a creamy consistency.
  • Salt, Pepper, Parsley: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.

A Few Simple Steps to Gnocchi Comfort

Step 1: Warm Up the Base

Grab a large pot and combine oil and butter, letting them melt and create a delicious foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Build Flavor Layers

Toss in garlic, onions, carrots, and celery.

Sauté these aromatic vegetables until they become tender and release their incredible flavors.

Step 3: Create Silky Texture

Dust the softened vegetables with flour, stirring carefully to coat each piece and create a smooth base for your soup.

Step 4: Pour in Liquid Gold

Gradually stream in chicken broth while continuously stirring.

This helps prevent any lumps and ensures a silky smooth consistency.

Step 5: Introduce Protein

Fold in tender shredded chicken and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, allowing all the flavors to mingle and dance together.

Step 6: Add Pillowy Gnocchi

Drop in the soft potato dumplings and cook until they bob playfully to the surface, signaling they’re perfectly prepared.

Step 7: Embrace Creamy Decadence

Swirl in rich heavy cream and vibrant fresh spinach, transforming the soup into a luxurious, comforting meal.

Step 8: Let Flavors Marry

Allow the soup to simmer gently, watching the spinach gracefully wilt into the creamy broth.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving this heartwarming dish.

Nifty Tips for Soup Perfection

  • Briefly boil gnocchi separately to prevent them from becoming mushy in the soup, ensuring a perfect texture.
  • Adjust heavy cream amount based on desired thickness, adding gradually to achieve ideal soup density.
  • Use homemade chicken broth or add a splash of white wine for richer, more complex taste profile.
  • Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutrient profiles and flavor variations.
  • Prepare soup base in advance and add gnocchi just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

New Soup Combos for Gnocchi Lovers

  • Gluten-Free Gnocchi Soup: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free gnocchi to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free alternative.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the soup's creamy texture and flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and choose a non-dairy butter substitute to create a lactose-free version of the soup.

Serving Up Creamy Gnocchi Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Pair this hearty soup with crusty sourdough bread for dipping and soaking up the rich, creamy broth.
  • Gourmet Lunch Combo: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and add freshness.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the soup with a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the overall dining experience.
  • Healthy Side Option: Add a small portion of roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus to increase nutritional value and provide textural contrast.

Best Storage Moves for Gnocchi Soup

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing if using cream-based soups, as texture may separate.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if needed.
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Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy olive garden gnocchi soup brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens, warming hearts with its rich, velvety texture. Potato dumplings nestled in a savory broth invite you to savor each spoonful of pure culinary comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

Starch:

  • 1 package fresh gnocchi

Vegetables and Herbs:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Liquid and Thickeners:

  • 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
  • 2 cups (474 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
  • 3 tablespoons (23 g) all-purpose flour

Seasonings:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until butter melts and becomes frothy.
  2. Introduce minced garlic, diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery into the pot, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Dust vegetables with flour, stirring continuously to create a smooth, coating layer that prevents clumping.
  4. Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and create a smooth base.
  5. Incorporate shredded chicken into the liquid, allowing mixture to reach a gentle simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  6. Carefully drop gnocchi into the simmering soup, cooking until they rise to the surface and become pillowy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat and blend heavy cream into the soup, creating a rich, velvety texture.
  8. Add fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt and become tender, approximately 2 minutes.
  9. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

  • Ensure the gnocchi are fresh or frozen for the best texture, avoiding pre-packaged dried versions that might become too dense.
  • Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting the amount of chicken broth or cream to suit personal preference.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of flour and selecting gluten-free gnocchi.
  • Keep the soup’s vegetables crisp by adding spinach at the last moment to preserve nutrients and maintain a vibrant green color.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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