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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Melena
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is rich, creamy, and incredibly comforting. Made with tender chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a velvety broth, it's a restaurant-quality favorite you can easily recreate at home. Perfect for cool nights, cozy meals, or anytime you crave something hearty and satisfying.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Soup
  • 2 –3 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 package potato gnocchi store-bought or homemade
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 –3 garlic cloves minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth or stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Seasoning & Flavor
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • 2 cups spinach or kale
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Lemon zest

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Chicken
  • Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
  • Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Sear chicken 5–7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
  • Remove, cool slightly, and shred or dice.
  • Build the Soup Base
  • In the same pot, sauté carrots, celery, and onion for 5–6 minutes.
  • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to form a roux.
  • Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
  • Make It Creamy
  • Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Add gnocchi and cook 3–4 minutes, until they float.
  • Return shredded chicken to the pot.
  • Stir in spinach or kale, if using.
  • Finish & Serve
  • Season with thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Add Parmesan and stir until creamy.
  • Serve hot, topping with extra Parmesan or parsley.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook gnocchi — it becomes mushy fast.
  • Add cream on low heat to prevent curdling.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan gives better flavor and a smoother texture.
  • Sauté vegetables without overcrowding to ensure they soften evenly.