Name: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: italian-american
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 1 package potato gnocchi (16 ounces); 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; salt and black pepper to taste; grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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Few dishes wrap you in comfort quite like a warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This beloved classic, inspired by Olive Garden’s signature version, has become a favorite among Best Soup Recipes for cozy family dinners and relaxing nights in. With tender chicken, soft gnocchi, crisp vegetables, and a velvety broth, it’s everything you crave in a comfort meal. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup that captures that same rich flavor and restaurant-quality texture—right in your own kitchen. Get ready for the ultimate Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup experience without ever leaving home.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup – Cozy Olive Garden Inspired Comfort

A Cozy Memory Around a Bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

It’s easy to remember the first time a steaming bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup reached the table on a chilly winter evening. The scent of garlic, herbs, and cream blended with the heartiness of tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi, offering immediate warmth after stepping in from the cold. That first taste—rich yet balanced with spinach and subtle spice—became the definition of comfort.

At home, recreating this Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup turned into a cherished ritual. Whether served on a quiet night or for family gatherings, each spoonful feels like a hug in a bowl. Parents share it with their kids around the dinner table; friends ladle it into mugs while watching movies. The combination of creamy goodness and hearty ingredients makes it a go-to meal when the weather cools or when you simply crave something that feels nurturing. It’s more than just a soup—it’s a memory of comfort, warmth, and togetherness.

Why Everyone Loves This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There’s a reason this recipe stands out among the Best Soup Recipes—it offers the perfect balance of texture, taste, and nostalgia. The creamy base creates a velvety foundation that’s both rich and soothing, while the bites of juicy chicken and soft gnocchi add satisfying depth. Fresh spinach and aromatic vegetables bring color and freshness, creating a lively contrast to the creaminess of the broth.

Part of the charm comes from how incredibly approachable it is. Making Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or fancy expertise. With simple, wholesome ingredients, you can recreate that signature Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup flavor with ease. Each spoonful combines savory herbs, subtle sweetness from vegetables, and the indulgence of cream—all blending into one of the Delicious Soup Recipes you’ll come back to all season long.

And beyond its flavor, this soup carries emotional warmth—it turns an ordinary meal into an experience of comfort and connection. Every bowl tells the story of home-cooked love, making it easy to see why people continue to call it one of their all-time favorite comfort foods.

Ingredients and Preparation for Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup doesn’t require rare ingredients or complicated steps; just wholesome basics that blend beautifully into one creamy, comforting dish. Below is a quick overview of what you’ll need and why each item matters when crafting your own Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Ingredient	Purpose & Notes
Chicken (cooked and shredded)	The star protein that gives the soup substance. Use cooked chicken breast or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and added richness.
Gnocchi (potato-based)	Soft dumplings that soak up the creamy broth. Store-bought works wonderfully, but homemade gnocchi can elevate the dish.
Butter	Adds flavor depth and helps create the roux that thickens the soup base.
All-purpose flour	Whisked with butter to form the roux; it transforms the broth into a velvety texture.
Onion, Carrot, and Celery	This aromatic trio brings balance and savory undertones to the base of the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Minced garlic	Adds warm, aromatic notes that define this as one of the most Delicious Soup Recipes.
Chicken broth	Forms the flavorful liquid foundation; opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
Heavy cream	Provides the signature creamy texture. For lighter results, substitute with half-and-half or milk blended with cream.
Fresh spinach	Lends color, freshness, and nutrition—its mild flavor balances the decadent broth.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, thyme)	Bring harmony to the soup, ensuring every bite is well-rounded.
Olive oil (optional)	Use alongside butter for sautéing to add a subtle, nutty flavor.
Parmesan cheese (for serving)	A final sprinkle that enhances creaminess and depth.

Each ingredient plays a vital role in enhancing the comfort and satisfaction of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. For flexibility, swap spinach for kale, replace chicken with turkey, or add mushrooms for an earthy twist. Fresh ingredients ensure that your Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup has that restaurant-style taste.

Step-by-Step Method to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Prepare your base. Set a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Melt butter (and olive oil if using) until foaming, then add the onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about five minutes until softened. This aromatic foundation brings richness and depth to your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Step 2: Add the garlic and make the roux. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables, stirring continuously. This thickens the base and creates a lush texture.

Step 3: Build the broth. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring to dissolve any lumps, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The broth will thicken, achieving that smooth consistency seen in the Best Soup Recipes.

Step 4: Add cream and chicken. Pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Add shredded chicken and let it simmer for five to seven minutes so flavors meld together.

Step 5: Cook the gnocchi. Drop in the gnocchi and cook until they float to the top—about three to five minutes. Avoid overcooking to maintain that pillowy texture.

Step 6: Incorporate spinach and seasonings. Stir in the spinach, salt, pepper, and thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning as preferred.

Step 7: Finish and serve. Remove from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Finish with grated Parmesan for that unmistakable Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup flair.

Adjusting creaminess: Simmer longer for a thicker soup or add broth for a lighter one.
Time-saving option: Pre-cooked chicken and packaged gnocchi make this a quick 30-minute dish.
Make-ahead friendly: Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore texture.

Tips, Serving Ideas & Variations

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Cook gnocchi just until tender. Remove from heat as soon as they float to keep them soft yet firm.
Choose the right chicken. Both shredded rotisserie and diced chicken breast work beautifully depending on your flavor preference.
Adjust seasonings gradually. Cream tones down spice; taste before serving and add herbs for depth.
Balance creaminess with broth. Thin a rich soup with broth or make it thicker by simmering uncovered slightly longer.
Reheat gently. Warm slowly over low heat and avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
Enhance flavor with freshness. Add chopped parsley or basil right before serving.

Following these tips ensures that each batch of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup turns out smooth and flavorful, giving you perfect comfort in every bowl.

Serving & Flavor Variations for This Homemade Comfort

Serve it restaurant-style. Pair hot bowls of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with warm breadsticks or toasted artisan bread. Add a crisp salad for balance.

Add flavor twists. Sprinkle bacon or pancetta for smokiness, or add a touch of spice with red pepper flakes or cayenne.

Try seasonal ingredients. Include mushrooms or sweet potatoes in winter; use kale or chard in spring for color and nutrition.

Make it gluten-free or dairy-free. Choose gluten-free gnocchi and thickeners, or use olive oil and coconut milk for dairy-free variations that retain creaminess.

Boost protein or go vegetarian. Replace chicken with turkey, sausage, pork, or white beans and extra vegetables for a meatless version. This adaptability makes it one of the most versatile and Delicious Soup Recipes.

Finish with flair. Garnish with Parmesan or fresh ground pepper for a final touch of sophistication and aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

What kind of gnocchi works best for Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup? Choose traditional potato gnocchi for the best light, fluffy texture. Cook them until they float for the perfect softness in Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

How can I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk. Avoid boiling to keep the creamy consistency.

Can I make this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup in a slow cooker? Yes. Sauté the vegetables first, then combine with broth, chicken, and seasonings in a slow cooker. Add cream, gnocchi, and spinach in the final 30 minutes for a luscious texture.

Is this soup freezer-friendly? Freeze the base without gnocchi or spinach. Add them when reheating for the best result. The base keeps well for up to two months.

What’s the best way to thicken the broth if it’s too thin? Simmer uncovered, or whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch into a small amount of broth and stir it in. A little extra cream or Parmesan also helps create that luxurious body seen in Delicious Soup Recipes.

Cozy Thoughts to End With

There’s something undeniably special about a pot of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup simmering on the stove. From its aromatic steam to its comforting thickness and tender bits of chicken, each spoonful is pure satisfaction. Recreating Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home transforms simple ingredients into heartfelt comfort that brings people together.

Whether you enjoy it with crusty bread or as a centerpiece for a cozy family dinner, Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup offers warmth and joy in every bowl. It’s a reminder that the Best Soup Recipes rely on care, flavor, and simplicity rather than complexity.

Gather your ingredients, let your kitchen fill with the aroma of creamy comfort, and serve love by the ladle. With each sip of this dreamy, hearty classic, you’ll know exactly why Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup remains one of the most cherished dishes for home cooks everywhere.