If you have ever fallen head over heels for the creamy, comforting flavors of Olive Garden’s famous restaurant soup, then you are in for a real treat with this homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This recipe captures all the cozy warmth and rich, silky texture of the original, with tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a luscious broth that tastes like a hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly day or to impress friends and family with a restaurant-quality meal that anyone can make at home. Trust me, once you try this, it will become one of your go-to comfort foods.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating a flavor-packed, creamy, and textured soup that sings with every spoonful. From fragrant herbs to the fresh crunch of vegetables, to the creamy broth and tender chicken, every element is a must-have to get that signature taste just right.

Butter: Provides a rich base flavor and helps sauté the vegetables to tender perfection.

Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth, forming the fragrant foundation of the soup.
Celery: Brings a subtle earthiness and fresh crunch that balances the creaminess.

Matchstick carrots: Contribute a bright color and mild sweetness.
Garlic: Infuses aromatic warmth that elevates the entire broth.

Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the soup its authentic Italian flair.
Rubbed sage: Adds a subtle, savory earthiness the soup can’t do without.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup to that velvety consistency we all love.

Chicken broth: The heart of the soup’s flavor, savory and full-bodied.
Heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess that coats every ingredient beautifully.
Potato gnocchi: Soft, chewy pillows that soak up all the soup’s delicious flavor.

Shredded rotisserie chicken: Tender protein that makes this soup satisfying and hearty.
Fresh spinach: Adds a burst of earthy green freshness and a pop of color.
Balsamic vinegar: A splash brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness.

Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every bite.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add diced yellow onion, sliced celery, and matchstick carrots. Season with salt and pepper, and cook while stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step builds the soup’s flavor foundation, thanks to the gentle sweetness of the cooked aromatics.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Next, toss in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, rubbed sage, and a pinch more salt and pepper. Cook everything together for about a minute, stirring frequently. This quickly awakens the ingredients, releasing bold fragrances and layering in those classic Italian herb notes that define the soup’s comforting profile.

Step 3: Thicken the Base

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture and stir for another minute. This step is crucial because the flour works as a thickening agent that will give your soup that silky, satisfying texture reminiscent of Olive Garden’s signature dish.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Broth

Pour in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom. Then, pour in the remaining chicken broth along with 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream. Sprinkle a few pinches of salt and pepper, then stir everything together to combine. You’re creating that luxuriously creamy base that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Simmer with Gnocchi and Chicken

Bring the soup up to a simmer over medium-high heat, then add the potato gnocchi and shredded rotisserie chicken. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup gently simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender. This tender gnocchi soaking in all that creamy broth takes this soup over the top.

Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Vinegar

Finally, stir in freshly chopped spinach and a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. The spinach will wilt beautifully into the hot broth, and the vinegar adds a subtle brightness that balances out the richness. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, and your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is ready to serve!

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

Top your soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or even a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Finishing it with a few torn fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds that restaurant-style touch and a fresh green note that’s lovely against the creamy base.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with crusty garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls that are ideal for soaking up every last drop of that luscious broth. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a crisp contrast that balances the creamy heaviness of the soup. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a light pasta dish or roasted vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for individual portions that look as delicious as they taste. Or layer it in clear glass mugs to showcase all the colorful vegetables, chicken, and gnocchi. If you want to keep things casual and cozy, serve it straight from the pot with some fresh herbs sprinkled on top — either way, everyone will be swooning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your soup, let the leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it will keep well for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually tend to deepen and blend beautifully overnight, making your next meal even better!

Freezing

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup freezes surprisingly well, but because gnocchi and spinach can change texture, it’s best to freeze the soup before adding those ingredients. Freeze in portions without gnocchi and spinach, then add fresh when reheating. Label your containers and enjoy it within 2 months for the best taste.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Add fresh spinach and gnocchi during reheating so they stay tender and vibrant. Stir often to keep the soup from sticking or scorching, and adjust seasoning as needed to revive that fresh-from-the-pot flavor.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi in this soup?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi will add an extra special touch to your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Just keep in mind that fresh gnocchi tend to cook faster than store-bought, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking.

Is rotisserie chicken necessary, or can I use fresh chicken?

Rotisserie chicken is the easiest and gives nice shredded pieces with great flavor, but you can definitely use cooked chicken breast or thighs you’ve prepared yourself. Just shred or chop it finely and add it to the soup during the simmering step.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind, the texture and flavor will be a little different but still delicious and comforting.

How spicy is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

It is mildly seasoned with Italian herbs and generous garlic but not spicy hot. You can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want to give it some heat.

What can I do if my soup is too thick?

If your soup thickens up more than you like, simply stir in some additional chicken broth or water while warming it to get the perfect consistency. It’s super forgiving and easy to adjust!

Final Thoughts

Making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home is like inviting a little taste of comfort and warmth into your kitchen. It’s truly one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on hand for cozy nights, family dinners, or whenever you need a bowlful of pure deliciousness. Once you try this recipe, I’m confident it will become a beloved favorite that you make again and again—so grab your spoons and start cooking!