Ever had one of those days where you just crave something cozy, creamy, and familiar? That’s exactly where my obsession with Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup started. I remember my first spoonful—at a crowded chain restaurant with my family, everyone leaning over the table, stealing bites from each other’s bowls. The soup was warm, packed with pillowy gnocchi and tender chicken, and oh-so-satisfying.
Now, I make it at home whenever the weather turns chilly or life feels a bit upside down. It’s one of those Easy Comfort Soup Recipes that somehow makes a Tuesday night feel special. Plus, it’s practically a hug in a bowl—creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for Winter Supper Ideas Easy Dinners, trust me, this one’s a winner. And yes, there’s always a little chaos in my kitchen, but that’s half the fun!
Personal Anecdote
So here’s the real story: I first tried making Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in the middle of a winter snowstorm. Picture me—blanket wrapped around my shoulders, frantically searching the pantry for gnocchi and nearly dropping an entire bag of carrots on the floor. The dog was barking, my kids were “helping” (read: eating shredded cheese off the counter), and for a split second, I thought I’d lost the thyme. But somehow, out of the mayhem, this creamy, dreamy soup came together. I even managed to sneak some spinach in without anyone noticing—victory!
Honestly, soup nights have become a thing in our house. There’s something magical about a pot simmering on the stove, especially when it’s loaded with Olive Garden Gnocchi and tender chicken. When I need more dinner inspiration, I find myself bookmarking recipes like Best Easy Chicken Piccata Meatballs Family Approved Dinner Recipe for later. Or I’ll check out a cozy dish like Best Easy Mississippi Chicken Recipe For A Cozy Family Dinner—because you can never have too many winter warmers.
Why This Recipe is Special
First, Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup is a total game-changer for Soup With Gnocchi Recipes. It’s rich, but not heavy, thanks to that swirl of cream and handfuls of fresh spinach. Also, it’s endlessly customizable—you can play with the herbs, sneak in extra veggies, or try different proteins (though I still say chicken is king here). Plus, it’s quick enough to whip up on a weeknight, yet feels fancy enough for company. Finally, it’s just downright comforting, especially when the world outside is frosty and you need a little bowl of happiness. If you haven’t tried making it yet, trust me, your kitchen chaos will be totally worth it!
Ingredients breakdown
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Carrots, diced | 2 medium |
| Celery, diced | 2 stalks |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Chicken broth | 6 cups |
| Cooked chicken, shredded | 2 cups |
| Gnocchi | 1 package (16 oz) |
| Fresh spinach | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) |
Utensils and substitutions
First, you’ll want a large pot or Dutch oven for making this at home. I usually reach for my trusty wooden spoon and a sharp chef’s knife to chop up the veggies. If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen spinach works just fine—just thaw and squeeze out extra water before adding. For the gnocchi, both potato and cauliflower varieties are delicious, so feel free to switch it up if you’re looking for healthier swaps and balanced nutrition.
Sometimes, I like to toss in a handful of extra carrots or celery for even more veggie goodness. If you’re keeping an eye out for , this one is super flexible. Also, a good ladle makes serving so much easier—no one wants to miss out on those pillowy gnocchi! For more inspiration on family-friendly chicken dinners, check out my favorites: Best Creamy Ranch Chicken Dinner Easy Kid Friendly Family Approved and Best Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl For A Healthy Family Dinner. If you’re new to , this soup is a cozy way to start.
Step-by-step method for a Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1
First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft. This step makes your kitchen smell amazing and sets the foundation for your olive garden chicken gnocchi soup.
Step 2
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, sprinkle in the thyme and basil. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. The aroma at this point is so comforting and perfect for those Winter Supper Ideas Easy Dinners.
Step 3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Now, add the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the gnocchi float and turn tender. After that, mix in the fresh spinach and heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, serve the soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan if you like. This is a classic for Soup With Gnocchi Recipes.
Tips and tricks to make this Soup recipe shine
Also, using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor to your olive garden chicken gnocchi soup. If you love prepping ahead, you can chop the veggies the night before, making this one of the best Easy Comfort Soup Recipes. Sometimes, I sneak in extra spinach for more greens, and no one notices! Let the soup rest a few minutes before serving; it thickens and the flavors meld beautifully. For even more dinner inspiration, check out Best Cozy Merry Me Chicken Pasta For A Hearty Family Dinner and Easy Dump Go Marry Me Chicken Best 5 Star Dinner Recipe. Finally, a dash of extra black pepper on top always hits the spot, especially if you’re serving it as a hearty dinner or a cozy lunch. If you want to try more Soup Gnocchi ideas, add a handful of fresh herbs at the end for a bright finish.
What to serve with this Soup recipe
First, let’s talk about what pairs beautifully with olive garden chicken gnocchi soup . A warm, crusty bread is a classic choice—think soft dinner rolls or a simple homemade focaccia. Next, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the soup’s creamy richness. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more filling, try a side of roasted vegetables or a light Mediterranean-inspired flatbread. Also, for those seeking Easy Comfort Soup Recipes , this soup is a winner, especially when shared with family. For more inspiration, peek at our Best Easy Mediterranean Chicken Piccata For A Healthy Dinner Tonight or whip up a Best Easy Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza Quick Healthy Lunch Idea alongside your soup. Finally, a fruit salad or a light lemony dessert can round out your meal, making this a top pick for Winter Supper Ideas Easy Dinners as well.
How to store and reheat
After enjoying your soup, you might have leftovers! First, let the soup cool completely before placing it in airtight containers. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to freeze it, portion out the soup and freeze for up to two months, though the texture of gnocchi may change a bit after thawing. When ready to reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or milk if it seems too thick. Microwaving works for single servings—just use a microwave-safe bowl and stir halfway through. Also, always check that it’s heated through before serving. This way, you can enjoy your olive garden gnocchi soup anytime, even on busy nights!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes! Store-bought gnocchi works great in Soup With Gnocchi Recipes . It saves time and turns out tender every time.
What protein options work besides chicken?
Turkey or even vegetarian chicken alternatives can be swapped in easily. You’ll still get a hearty, comforting bowl.
How do I make this soup in a slow cooker?
For Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Recipes , simply add all ingredients except the gnocchi and cream. Cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in gnocchi and cream for the last 30 minutes.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It freezes well, though the gnocchi might get softer after thawing. Freeze in portions for quick meals later.
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Spinach, carrots, and celery are all delicious additions to Chicken Stew With Gnocchi , making it even more nourishing.
Print
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup – Full recipes (ingredients + preparation)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Clean Eating
Description
This comforting soup features tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a creamy broth with aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the dried thyme and basil, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, then add the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender.
5. Mix in the fresh spinach and heavy cream, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently over low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing, simmering
- Cuisine: American Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
There you have it—a cozy bowl of olive garden chicken gnocchi soup, perfect for snuggling up on chilly evenings. I love how a simple soup like this can transform dinnertime into something special. Next time you’re searching for Soup Gnocchi comfort or easy meal ideas, remember this recipe fits right into your Dinner board and even works for a hearty lunch. Also, if you adore trying new flavors, don’t miss our Mediterranean Chicken Piccata or keep things fun and fresh with a Flatbread Pizza—they’re both delicious companions for your soup nights. Finally, for more comforting bowls and creative meal ideas, follow us on Pinterest and keep the cozy kitchen vibes going all year!