Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

When you take your first spoonful of this Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, the warmth and heartiness wrap around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. This comforting dish takes just under an hour to prepare, and its creamy texture combined with tender gnocchi makes it irresistibly delicious. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug, perfect for when you want to treat yourself or impress guests.

This recipe is perfect for families or anyone craving a delightful, fulfilling meal. It’s great for weeknight dinners or a weekend gathering, and you can easily prepare it ahead of time; just store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The soup is rich and creamy, providing comfort in every bowl.
• Gnocchi adds a delightful chewy texture that sets this soup apart.
• It’s packed with vegetables and protein, making it nutritious as well.
• This recipe comes together in less than an hour, perfect for busy nights.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious soup.

For the Soup Base

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup finely diced celery
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 quart half-and-half
• 28 ounces chicken broth

For Flavoring

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Add-ins

• 1 cup carrots (finely shredded)
• 1 cup spinach leaves (coarsely chopped)
• 1 cup chicken breast (cooked, and diced)
• 16 ounces package ready-to-use gnocchi

Nutmeg is optional but enhances flavor.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use heavy cream for a richer soup.
• Substitute chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Swap spinach for kale if desired.
• Olive oil can be replaced with vegetable oil.

How to Make It

Follow these easy steps to create your comforting soup.

Melt

Melt the butter and olive oil in a large pot or a Dutch oven over medium heat.

Sauté

Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent.

Whisk

Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.

Add Half-and-Half

Whisk in the half-and-half. Simmer until thickened.

Incorporate Broth

Whisk in the chicken broth. Simmer until thickened again.

Stir

Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, thyme, parsley, nutmeg (if using), shredded carrots, spinach, chicken, and gnocchi.

Heat

Simmer until the soup is heated through. Before serving, season with additional salt, if necessary.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, soup may become grainy.
Reheat: Microwave or stovetop on medium for 5-10 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Make sure to sauté your vegetables until fragrant to enhance their flavors.
• For a thicker soup, allow it to simmer a bit longer after adding the broth.
• Avoid overcooking the gnocchi; they should remain tender.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Pair with a fresh salad for a lighter option.
• Great for cozy evenings or casual gatherings with friends.