Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup: 3 Creamy Bold Zesty Tips.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup hooked my weeknights from the start. I’m a home cook who loves doable, family-friendly meals.
This copycat soup brings restaurant comfort home, without stealing time or flavor. I lean on pantry staples, pre-cooked chicken, and flexible dairy options.
Together, we savor tender gnocchi with carrots, celery, and spinach in a creamy broth. It adapts to dairy-free or gluten-free needs.

Table of Contents

what make this Recipe special

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup has quietly become my weeknight secret weapon.
I reach for this creamy comfort when the calendar feels crowded and my energy is low.
I can manage it in about 45 minutes.

This copycat Olive Garden soup respects time and flavor, with pantry staples and flexible dairy options.
Whether you use half-and-half or coconut milk, the soup stays velvety and bright.
It’s perfect for busy moms and professionals who want dinner that feels special, not stressful.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup comfort in a bowl

This is comfort in a bowl: silky, creamy broth enveloping tender gnocchi, carrots, celery, and spinach.
I adore the way the gnocchi puff up and float like little pillows, and you can make it dairy-free with coconut milk.
Every spoonful feels familiar yet fresh, a cozy kitchen memory that never grows old.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup inspired weeknight victory

Weeknights win with this recipe because I rely on pre-cooked chicken and simple pantry staples.
If you need gluten-free, swap in gluten-free gnocchi, or dairy-free with coconut milk.
I can have dinner on the table in about 45 minutes, leaving time for homework or a quick walk.

Ingredients

All the stars of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup come together in this grocery-friendly lineup.

I keep ingredients simple, flexible, and easy to prep on busy nights.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup ingredient overview

• Olive oil — 2 tablespoons: starts the sofrito and adds shine.
• Onion — 1 medium, diced: builds sweetness and aroma.
• Garlic — 2 cloves, minced: a punch of allium warmth.
• Carrots — 2 medium, chopped: color and gentle sweetness.
• Celery — 2 stalks, chopped: adds crunch and depth.
• Cooked chicken breast — 2 cups, shredded: makes it hearty fast.
• Low-sodium chicken broth — 4 cups: flavorful, light base.
• Water — 1 cup: balances richness and volume.
• Half-and-half or coconut milk — 1 cup: creamy richness, dairy or dairy-free.
• Potato gnocchi — 1 (16 oz) package: hearty pillows soaking up flavor.
• Fresh spinach — 1 cup, roughly chopped: bright, fresh greens.
• Italian seasoning — 1 tsp: savory herb depth.
• Thyme — ½ tsp: warm, earthy notes.
• Salt and black pepper — to taste: fine-tunes every bite.
• Parmesan cheese — ¼ cup, grated (optional): garnish with a salty kiss.

Exact quantities are at the bottom of the article and available for printing.

Pantry-ready substitutions and dairy options

• Dairy-free: swap half-and-half for coconut milk; use dairy-free Parmesan if desired.
• Gluten-free: use gluten-free gnocchi; check packaging for gluten-free labeling.
• Protein shortcut: rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works beautifully.
• Veg swap: kale or chard in place of spinach.
• Broth: using low-sodium broth keeps salt in check; adjust to taste.
• Thickener: whisk in a splash of dairy-free milk to blend the sauce more smoothly.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: aromatics and vegetables start the base

I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

I add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, stirring often.

This base is the heartbeat of my copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, fragrant and simple.

Step 2: add chicken and seasonings

I stir in the cooked chicken, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Next, I pour in the chicken broth and water.

These steps build the flavor foundation for the copycat soup.

This gives depth and aroma without extra fuss.

Step 3: simmer the broth to meld flavors

I let the broth simmer to meld all flavors.

I taste and adjust salt if needed.

Let it sit at a gentle simmer so aroma blooms.

Step 4: gnocchi joins the pot

Pour in the gnocchi and cook according to package directions.

Usually 2 to 3 minutes, until they float to the top.

Stir gently so the gnocchi soak up the broth’s goodness.

Step 5: finish with dairy or dairy-free milk and greens

Stir in half-and-half or coconut milk for the creamy finish.

Add the chopped spinach and simmer a few minutes until wilted.

Taste and adjust seasonings, then serve with Parmesan if desired.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup make-it-yours tip

I like to tailor the soup by swapping greens or adding lemon for brightness.

Keep leftovers creamy by adding a splash of dairy-free milk when reheating.

Or make it heartier with extra chicken or a handful of kale.

Tips for Success

Quick flavor boosters for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• I brighten the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup base with a squeeze of lemon juice.
• I finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a handful of fresh herbs.
• A pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle warmth.
• Salt to taste at the end; broth varies.

Common hiccups and fixes

• Gnocchi get mushy? Cook 1 minute less or add them later.
• If broth tastes flat, salt gradually and add a splash of lemon.
• If reheating dulls creaminess, whisk in a splash of dairy-free milk.

Equipment Needed

Essential tools for this recipe

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon and ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

Practical substitutes if you’re missing something

• Dutch oven substitute: sturdy stock pot
• Sharp knife on a stable surface
• Silicone spatula replaces wooden spoon
• Measuring cups or kitchen scale
• A large spoon can stand in for a whisk

Variations

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup variations: dairy-free and gluten-free tweaks

• Dairy-free: replace half-and-half with coconut milk for creamy richness.
• Finish with a splash of dairy-free milk to keep the texture silky when reheated.
• Gluten-free: choose gluten-free gnocchi and check labels for hidden gluten.
• Boost protein with extra shredded chicken if you like a heartier bowl.
• Season gradually; GF gnocchi can absorb more salt, so taste as you go.

Flavor-forward twists you can try

• Brighten the soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a touch of lemon zest.
• Stir in a spoonful of pesto for a herbal, garlicky glow.
• Fold in sun-dried tomatoes or chopped artichoke hearts for color and tang.
• Wilt kale or arugula at the end for extra greens and texture.
• A pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat without overpowering.
• Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Top with Parmesan or a dairy-free alternative for a salty finish.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Comfort, speed, and crowd-pleasing appeal with a home chef’s touch

I reach for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup when time is tight.
Its creamy comfort feels like a warm hug without the drama.
It’s my weeknight go-to, and I make it in under 45 minutes.

Real talk on flexibility for busy schedules

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup adapts to what I have on hand.
I swap dairy or skip steps and still serve a creamy, satisfying bowl.
That flexibility keeps weeknights human, not hectic.

Serving Suggestions

I serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup hot in shallow bowls, with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for brightness.

• Crusty bread slices with garlic butter.
• Arugula or kale salad with vinaigrette.
• A light white wine or sparkling water.
• Parmesan shavings for extra salty final brightness.

Make It Even More Valuable: Make-Ahead, Meal-Prep Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Make-Ahead Guide

Here’s my practical plan for making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup ahead.
I like to divide the work into batch-friendly steps.
Cook the base first, cool it, then freeze.

Keep gnocchi and greens fresh and add them when reheating.
Label portions with date and serving size for easy weeknights.
This keeps everything organized.

Freeze the base without dairy and gnocchi, in freezer-safe containers.
Label date and freeze up to 3 months for best flavor.
Thaw in the fridge 12–24 hours before reheating.

Keep dairy separate and stir in at the end.
Reheat slowly, then add gnocchi and greens to finish.
This preserves creaminess and texture.

Freezing and thawing tips for best texture

• Freeze the base without dairy and gnocchi, in freezer-safe containers.
• Label date and freeze up to 3 months for best flavor.
• Thaw in the fridge 12–24 hours before reheating.
• Keep gnocchi, spinach, and Parmesan separate until serving.

Reheating to preserve creaminess

Reheat slowly to protect the creamy texture.
Stir in dairy gradually, whisking to smoothness.
Add greens at the end so they stay vibrant.

If it thickens, splash in stock or water.
Keep heat gentle to prevent separation.
Taste and adjust with salt as needed.

FAQs

What is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting copycat of a beloved restaurant soup. I make it at home with tender chicken, potato gnocchi, carrots, celery, and spinach in a velvety broth you can enjoy dairy-based or dairy-free. This easy version brings restaurant comfort to busy weeknights and supports simple, family-friendly meals. It tastes like a warm hug and fits into a practical, make-at-home routine.

Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free?

Dairy-free works well; swap half-and-half for coconut milk and skip Parmesan garnish. For gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi and check labels for hidden gluten; both tweaks preserve flavor and a cozy texture.

How long will leftovers keep and how should I store them?

Leftovers keep well for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store in airtight containers and reheat slowly to preserve creaminess. For longer storage, freeze the base without dairy and add greens later.

This dish is more than a recipe; it’s a little ritual that steadies my busy weeks. I love how Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup fills my kitchen with creamy aroma and cozy comfort. It turns a hectic weekday into a calm, shared moment, and the kids actually lick their bowls clean. I can tailor it for dairy-free or gluten-free needs without losing its heart.

Food should feel effortless and warm, even on nights. I share this soup to remind busy families that nourishing meals can be quick and comforting. Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup stays a favorite in the kitchen.

Print