When the craving for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup hits, nothing else will do. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to drive across town, wait for a table, or splurge on endless breadsticks (tempting, I know). This homemade version tastes just like the original—actually, dare I say, even creamier, cozier, and more flavorful. And the best part? You can whip it up in less than 30 minutes right in your own kitchen.
As a busy mom of three, I’ve had my fair share of “what’s for dinner” panic moments. This soup has saved me countless times because it’s hearty, wholesome, and everyone (yes—even my picky eater) goes back for seconds.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- It’s ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have.
- Creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor.
- Kid-approved and crowd-friendly.
- Makes the kitchen smell like comfort itself.
What Does Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Taste Like?
Imagine pillowy potato gnocchi floating in a silky, herb-filled broth with tender chicken, spinach, carrots, and a hint of garlic. It’s creamy without being heavy, comforting without being bland. Basically—it’s a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
One of the things I adore about making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home is how simple and pantry-friendly the ingredient list is. You don’t need anything fancy, and most of these items are probably already sitting in your fridge or pantry. Let’s break it down so you know exactly why each one matters:
- Butter (4 tablespoons): This is the base of flavor and richness. It helps soften the veggies and creates that irresistible golden flavor when combined with the flour.
- Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): Onion adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the broth. If you only have white onion on hand, that works too.
- Celery (1 cup, sliced): Essential for that classic soup flavor we all know and love. It balances the creaminess with a little earthy bite.
- Carrots (1 cup, matchstick style): Not only do carrots add a pop of color, but their sweetness rounds out the savory broth beautifully.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Six cloves may sound like a lot, but trust me, garlic is the heart of this recipe. It perfumes the soup with warmth and comfort.
- Italian Seasoning (2 teaspoons): A mix of oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary that captures the cozy flavor of the Olive Garden favorite.
- Rubbed Sage (½ teaspoon): This earthy herb brings a depth of flavor that feels like fall in a spoonful.
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup): Works as a thickener for the broth, giving the soup that creamy, luscious texture without being too heavy.
- Chicken Broth (4 cups): The backbone of the soup. I recommend using low-sodium so you can control the salt.
- Heavy Cream (1 ½ cups): This is where the magic happens. The cream makes the broth luxurious and silky, giving you that restaurant-style richness.
- Potato Gnocchi (1 pound): Pillowy potato dumplings that cook directly in the soup. They soak up the flavors and add a satisfying chewiness.
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken (2 cups): A huge time-saver! Using rotisserie chicken adds tenderness and flavor without the hassle of cooking from scratch.
- Fresh Spinach (1 ½ cups, chopped): For a burst of color and nutrients. The spinach wilts down quickly and adds freshness to balance the creaminess.
- Balsamic Vinegar (1 teaspoon): Just a splash at the end brightens the whole soup, cutting through the richness in the best way.
- Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Season generously throughout the cooking process to bring everything together.
👉 If you’re a fan of cozy soups like this, you’ll also love my Chicken Pastina Soup—another bowl of comfort that uses simple, everyday ingredients just like this one.
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Making this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home is easier than you might think, and I promise the results will taste like they came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant. Here’s exactly how to do it:
Step 1: Start with the base
Place a large soup pot or Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and let it melt completely. This buttery base will help soften the vegetables and create a rich, savory foundation for the soup.
Step 2: Cook the vegetables
Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbling, add your diced onion, sliced celery, and shredded carrots. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and your kitchen smells like comfort food heaven.
Step 3: Add the aromatics and herbs
Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and rubbed sage. Garlic burns quickly, so only cook this mixture for about a minute, stirring often. This step infuses the broth with the classic flavors that make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup so iconic.
Step 4: Thicken the broth
Sprinkle in the ¼ cup of flour and stir well for another minute. This creates a roux, which will thicken the soup and give it that luscious, creamy texture.
Step 5: Deglaze the pan
Pour in about ¼ to ½ cup of the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the golden bits from the bottom—this is where all that amazing flavor hides.
Step 6: Build the creamy soup base
Now, add the rest of the chicken broth along with the heavy cream. Stir everything together and season with a little more salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
Step 7: Add the chicken and gnocchi
Once the broth is simmering, stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and potato gnocchi. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the soup gently simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are pillowy and tender.
Step 8: Add the greens
Toss in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the creamy broth. This adds both color and a boost of nutrients to your soup.
Step 9: Brighten it up
Finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar. This small step makes a big difference, giving the soup a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cream.
Step 10: Taste and serve
Give the soup a final taste test and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Ladle into bowls, top with extra cracked black pepper, and serve warm with breadsticks or a side salad.
💡 Pro Tip: If you love cozy soups like this one, my Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup is another creamy, comforting recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi. It cooks fast, so taste-test at the 3-minute mark.
- Season as you go. A little salt with each step builds layers of flavor.
- Make it lighter. Swap half-and-half for cream if you’d like.
- Add veggies. Mushrooms, kale, or corn are delicious add-ins.
- Meal prep win. Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Fun fact: My kids call this the “cozy soup,” and it’s become our Sunday night tradition. There’s something magical about how everyone slows down at the table when a warm bowl is involved.
Storage for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This one doesn’t freeze well because of the cream and gnocchi, but you can freeze the broth base before adding the cream and gnocchi.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes! Shelf-stable or refrigerated both work perfectly.
What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
Any cooked, shredded chicken will do. Leftover roast chicken is a great option.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—use gluten-free gnocchi and swap the flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free blend.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is creamy, cozy, and ready in just half an hour. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving comfort food on a chilly night, this recipe delivers. Make it once, and I promise it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen.
If you try it, I’d love for you to leave a rating, share your bowl on Instagram, or tag me—I get the biggest smile seeing your creations!
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Print
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup – Quick & Cozy Comfort Food
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 1/2 quarts
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is even better than the restaurant version! It’s rich, creamy, and full of shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and hearty vegetables—ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup matchstick carrots
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 pound potato gnocchi
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt
Fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
1. Heat 4 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add 1 small diced onion, 1 cup sliced celery, and 1 cup matchstick carrots along with a couple larger pinches of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes.
3. Add 6 cloves minced garlic, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
4. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup flour and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
5. Stir in 1/4-1/2 cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan and scrape all the yummy bits off the bottom.
6. Stir in the remaining chicken broth along with the 1 1/2 cups heavy cream and a few pinches of salt and pepper.
7. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound potato gnocchi and 2 cups shredded chicken.
8. Gently simmer over medium-low heat for about 3-5 minutes or until the gnocchi is cooked through.
9. Stir in 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach and 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar. Stir until the spinach wilts.
10. Season to taste with salt and pepper and enjoy!
Notes
Add your favorite veggies! Red bell pepper, broccoli, mushrooms, corn, chopped kale, or peas all work well in this soup.
Experiment with herbs! Oregano, thyme, rosemary, or fresh parsley can be added for extra flavor.
Don’t overcook the gnocchi. Simmer just until it’s tender and pillowy.
Season as you go! Salt and pepper each layer to enhance flavor throughout the soup.
