Name: Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi; 2 cups fresh spinach; 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream

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Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, hearty soup filled with pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful broth. This copycat recipe brings the beloved restaurant favorite into your kitchen with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is rich, filling, and perfect for chilly days. The combination of soft gnocchi, creamy broth, and fresh vegetables makes every spoonful comforting. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s easy to make and freezes well for leftovers.

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients

For the Soup:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
2 cups (480 ml) water
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup (120 g) chopped kale or spinach

For the Gnocchi:

1 pound (450 g) potato gnocchi, store-bought or homemade

For the Creamy Finish:

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté vegetables:
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add broth and seasonings:
Pour in chicken broth and water. Stir in thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Cook gnocchi:
Add gnocchi to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions, usually 2–3 minutes, until they float to the top.
Add chicken and greens:
Stir in shredded chicken and chopped kale or spinach. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes until the greens are wilted and chicken is heated through.
Finish with cream:
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Heat gently until warmed through, but do not boil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with extra vegetables and use vegetable broth.
Spicy Gnocchi Soup: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Cheesy Gnocchi Soup: Stir in extra Parmesan or mozzarella for a cheesier version.
Low-Calorie Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add more vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened. Do not boil after adding cream to prevent curdling.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and cooks quickly.

Can I freeze this soup?

It is best to freeze before adding cream, as cream may separate when thawed. Freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Can I use spinach instead of kale?

Yes, spinach works well and cooks faster than kale.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely, rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut.

How do I thicken the soup?

Simmer a little longer or stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, zucchini, peas, or bell peppers work well. Add them during the simmering step.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the base soup and refrigerate it. Add gnocchi, cream, and chicken just before reheating and serving.

How can I make it lower in calories?

Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream and increase the vegetable content.

What should I serve with Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup?

Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. With tender chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful cream-based broth, this recipe brings the restaurant favorite to your kitchen effortlessly.

Jane