If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you know their Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is one of the most comforting dishes on the menu.
Creamy, hearty, and full of flavor, this soup combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables in a rich broth.
The best part? You don’t have to visit Olive Garden every time you crave it—you can easily make this warm and cozy soup at home.
We’ll share everything you need to know about Olive Garden’s famous gnocchi soup, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, and serving tips.
Why You’ll Love Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup
Comfort in a bowl – Creamy broth, soft gnocchi, and tender chicken make this soup a family favorite.
Quick and easy – You can have this recipe ready in about 30 minutes.
Budget-friendly – Save money by making a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Versatile – Perfect as a starter or a main course with breadsticks and salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this creamy gnocchi soup at home, you’ll need:
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 celery stalks, diced
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2 medium carrots, sliced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
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4 cups chicken broth
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2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
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1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
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2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
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2 cups half-and-half (or heavy cream for richer flavor)
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1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
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1 teaspoon parsley
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Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup
Follow these simple steps for a homemade version that tastes just like the restaurant classic:
Sauté vegetables – In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Make the base – Sprinkle in flour and stir well to coat the vegetables. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
Add chicken and seasonings – Stir in cooked chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Cook the gnocchi – Add the gnocchi directly into the soup and cook according to package directions (usually 3–4 minutes until they float).
Finish with cream and spinach – Pour in half-and-half and stir in spinach. Simmer for another 5 minutes until creamy and well combined.
Serve hot – Ladle into bowls and enjoy with warm breadsticks or crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Gnocchi Soup
Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
Homemade gnocchi will make this dish extra special, but store-bought works perfectly.
Thicker soup? Add more flour or let it simmer longer.
Lighter version – Substitute milk for cream and skip the flour for a brothier soup.
Variations to Try
Vegetarian Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup – Replace chicken with mushrooms or extra veggies and use vegetable broth.
Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Bacon twist – Stir in crispy bacon pieces for extra flavor.
Gluten-free version – Use gluten-free gnocchi and flour.
What to Serve with Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup
Classic garlic breadsticks (just like Olive Garden)
A crisp garden salad with Italian dressing
Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top
A glass of white wine or iced tea for a restaurant-style experience
Olive garden gnocchi soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Sprinkle in flour, stir, and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Stir in chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Add gnocchi and cook until they float (about 3–4 minutes).
- Stir in half-and-half and spinach. Simmer another 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with breadsticks or salad.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much.
Freeze? Not recommended, as the cream and gnocchi don’t hold up well after thawing.
