There’s something magical about a hot bowl of soup that feels like a hug from the inside. Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup has that same comforting energy - creamy, hearty, and just enough texture to keep each spoonful exciting.
What makes this dish stand out isn’t only the gnocchi or the chicken, it’s the way the flavors balance. The soft potato dumplings soak up the creamy broth while tender chicken, crisp veggies, and hints of thyme bring it all together. It feels homemade, yet a little fancy - the best of both worlds.
The good news? You don’t need to step into a restaurant to enjoy it. With a handful of ingredients and less than half an hour, you’ll have a steaming pot ready to go. Cozy nights, busy week dinners, or lazy weekends - this soup fits them all.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the kind of meal that sneaks its way into every season. During cold winter months, it becomes the warm comfort you crave after a long day. In fall, it pairs perfectly with crusty bread and a side salad, making it a cozy dinner staple.
Even in summer, surprisingly, it works because it’s not overly heavy. A smaller portion at lunch feels refreshing, balanced by fresh spinach and the lighter half-and-half broth. And let’s be honest - rainy days? This soup practically calls for them.
No half-and-half at home? Swap it for equal parts milk and heavy cream, or use evaporated milk for a slightly lighter touch. Want a dairy-free version? Coconut milk works beautifully - it adds creaminess without overwhelming the flavors.
If you can’t find potato gnocchi, ricotta gnocchi holds up well too. For a low-carb take, try cauliflower gnocchi, though you’ll want to shorten the cooking time so it doesn’t fall apart. And for the chicken, leftover rotisserie or even turkey works like a charm in this recipe.
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot. Toss in celery, onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté just long enough for the onions to soften and turn glossy - about 3 minutes. This creates the fragrant base of your soup.
Drop in the diced chicken, pour in chicken broth, season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring everything to a gentle boil, letting the flavors start mingling together. It will already begin smelling irresistible.
Gently stir in the gnocchi and let it bubble for about 3-4 minutes. These little dumplings cook quickly and absorb the broth - turning pillowy soft while still keeping their bite.
Turn the heat down and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes. This mellow phase helps the herbs sink deep into the broth and rounds out the flavors. The chicken gets more tender in this stage too.
Stir in half-and-half along with the spinach. In just two minutes, the spinach wilts into silky ribbons while the broth transforms into a velvety cream base. Taste once more, and season if needed.
Leftovers might just be better than the first bowl. Store your soup in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. The key here? Let it cool down first before sealing it tight.
When reheating, warm it gently on the stove instead of cranking up heat. Stir often - creamy soups have a habit of clinging to the bottom. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or milk. It comes right back to life.
Don’t rush the veggies: That quick sauté at the start builds loads of flavor. Skipping it makes the soup taste flat, so give them their 2–3 minutes of fame.
Save some gnocchi for serving: If you expect leftovers, boil some gnocchi separately and add them fresh when reheating. This way, they don’t soak up too much broth overnight.
Balance the creaminess: Half-and-half makes it restaurant-level lush, but if you like a lighter soup, use more broth and just a splash of cream. It’s versatile like that.
Herbs matter: Thyme is classic here, but if you want variation - a little rosemary or Italian seasoning adds surprising depth. Fresh herbs at the end brighten it even more.
Nothing complements this soup better than warm breadsticks - the perfect partner for scooping up that creamy broth. A simple Italian green salad also balances the richness, offering a crisp counterpoint to the soup’s cozy vibe.
If you’re hosting, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or antipasto platters. And for weeknights, honestly? A hunk of crusty bread and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top is all you really need.
Sweet lovers, take note: a light dessert like lemon sorbet or panna cotta pairs surprisingly well, cutting through the richness and rounding out the meal without feeling too heavy.
Written by Katie
This copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting masterpiece that's just as delicious as the restaurant version-ready in under 30 minutes! Tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh vegetables simmer in a rich, herbed chicken broth, finished with a velvety half-and-half and a handful of spinach. It's the ultimate cozy meal for chilly nights, perfect for meal prep, and loved by the whole family.
Servings 6
Serving Size 1.5 cups
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.