This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach. Inspired by the popular restaurant favorite, this easy homemade version comes together quickly and is perfect for cozy dinners at home. It’s hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup brings together the perfect blend of creamy broth, savory herbs, juicy shredded chicken, and soft gnocchi. It’s filling, flavorful, and ideal for those nights when you want a warm bowl of something delicious and satisfying. Made in one pot and ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a time-saving, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests.
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 cups spinach, chopped
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
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1 package gnocchi
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Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the chopped spinach, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a gentle boil.
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Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes, until they float to the surface.
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Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and continue cooking for 5 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot, garnished with extra spinach or fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Make it dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
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Add veggies: Carrots, celery, or mushrooms make excellent additions for extra texture and flavor.
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Use rotisserie chicken: For a time-saving shortcut, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup reheats well. Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. Keep in mind the gnocchi may absorb some of the liquid, so you might need to add more broth when reheating.
Can I freeze Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it if needed. Note that the texture of the gnocchi and cream may change slightly after freezing.
What kind of gnocchi should I use?
You can use store-bought potato gnocchi or homemade gnocchi. Just be sure to cook them according to package directions or until they float.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add a slightly richer flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free gnocchi and check that your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What can I serve with this soup?
Serve it with crusty bread, a side salad, or garlic breadsticks for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thawed frozen spinach works well. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the soup.
How do I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup near the end of cooking.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, use half-and-half for a lighter version, or a dairy-free substitute if needed.
Can I add cheese?
Absolutely! A sprinkle of grated parmesan adds a wonderful salty finish to the soup.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a warm, creamy delight that brings comfort and flavor in every spoonful. With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a velvety herb-infused broth, it’s an easy, satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or just need a cozy meal, this soup will quickly earn a spot in your recipe rotation.
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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal that’s packed with shredded chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and fragrant herbs. Inspired by the restaurant favorite, this easy homemade version is ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or cozy lunch. It’s rich, satisfying, and always a family favorite!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
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
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté 3–4 minutes until soft.
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Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, spinach, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a gentle boil.
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Add gnocchi and cook according to package directions (typically 3–4 minutes until they float).
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Stir in shredded chicken and simmer for 5 more minutes until heated through.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot, optionally garnished with more spinach, herbs, or grated parmesan.
Notes
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Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or your favorite plant-based cream.
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Add More Veggies: Try adding diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
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Shortcut Tip: Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
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Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
