On a chilly day, there is something so satisfying about a creamy, steaming bowl of chicken and gnocchi soup. This Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe allows you to experience that same comforting, cozy, restaurant-style flavor in the comfort of your home. Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and rich, herb-infused broth make for a hearty dish perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or whatever you need for a little warmth and comfort.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You can create a hearty bowl of this classic soup at home using fresh ingredients and uncomplicated cooking techniques. It is a simple dish that actually tastes even better than the restaurant version you know and love.
If you enjoy Italian-inspired soups, then you will love our Santasiero’s Pasta Fagioli Recipe and the hearty Piggy Soup Recipe -perfect accompanying dishes for a home-cooked menu.
Why You’ll Love Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi
This Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe is deliciously rich, creamy, and flavored to perfection. You have the ideal pairing of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a hearty broth, boasting seasoning from bordered herbs and spices. This is comfort food at its best.
Unlike the restaurant, you can decide every ingredient so your meal is fresher and more customizable, while being just as scrumptious! The gnocchi also absorbs a great deal of the soup flavor, so it makes for an even more tantalizing noodle experience.
This is also a recipe the entire family will adore! Delicious warm with garlic bread or a crisp side salad, this soup equals a complete meal that feels indulgent yet comforting.
Ingredients Required for Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
For the Chicken and Seasoning:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 2 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp white pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For the Soup Base:
- 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Better Than Bouillon (chicken flavor)
- ½ tsp parsley
- ½ tsp thyme
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 package potato gnocchi (separated)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cutting board & knife
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
How To Make Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi
Just follow these easy steps to make your own Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi at home
1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, add the diced chicken, then season with garlic salt, onion powder, white pepper, and salt. Toss well until all are evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a Dutch Oven, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes, then remove to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Base: Add 1 tbsp oil and 4 tbsp butter to the pot. Let the butter melt, then reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 7 minutes, or until softened.
4. Add Garlic & Flour: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir. Cook for about 1 minute to make sure there is no raw flour taste.
5. Add Broth & Cream: Slowly pour the chicken broth into the pot while whisking around to break up any lumps. Stir in the heavy cream, bouillon granules, parsley, thyme, and nutmeg, whisking until combined. Let the broth simmer for about 6 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the broth and season it with more garlic salt, onion powder and/or salt to your desired flavor.
7. Add Gnocchi & Chicken: Add the gnocchi to the pot (it is best not to combine them), then add the chicken back to the pot. Stir to combine, then continue to simmer.
8. Finish with Spinach: Add in the baby spinach and stir. Allow the broth to simmer for 5 minutes.
9. Serve: Ladle into bowls, and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley (if desired). Serve hot, and enjoy with crusty garlic bread!
How to Store Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Properly?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating your soup, do so gently, warm on the stove over medium heat, add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened. Do not boil the soup as it could cause your cream to separate from the soup.
What to Pair and Serve with Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi
1. With Warm Garlic Bread – We’ve found that nothing beats dunking crispy garlic bread into the creamy broth. The way the bread soaks it up is heavenly.
2. Side Salad for Balance – A light Caesar or garden salad balances the richness of the soup beautifully. We love adding a zesty vinaigrette for contrast.
3. Homemade Croutons – Sometimes we top the soup with crunchy croutons for extra texture-it’s like comfort on comfort.
4. Freshly Baked Dinner Rolls – Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for wiping the bowl clean. Trust us, you won’t want to waste a drop.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Pairing with roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus adds a nice earthy balance. We’ve served it this way on weeknights, and it feels complete.
6. A Glass of White Wine – For a touch of elegance, a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works wonders with the creamy flavors.
7. Crispy Chicken Tenders – Sometimes we serve smaller portions of the soup with crunchy chicken tenders on the side. Kids especially love this combo.
8. Cheese Breadsticks – Think Olive Garden-style breadsticks with melted cheese-it’s a match made in heaven.
9. A Southern Twist – Once, we paired the soup with hush puppies, inspired by the Joanna Gaines Hush Puppy Recipe, and it was an unexpectedly delicious combo.
10. Light Fruit Dessert – We usually finish the meal with something refreshing like lemon sorbet or fresh berries, which helps cleanse the palate after the rich soup.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
I whipped up this Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe on a rainy day, and it was some serious comfort food in a bowl. The broth was creamy, the gnocchi was soft, and the chicken was tender. My whole family was so happy to be served this meal. We served it with garlic bread, and everyone wanted another bowl!
Tips
1. Cut the chicken into small pieces so it cooks fast.
2. Stir the soup often so it does not burn.
3. Taste the broth before adding more salt.
4. Use fresh spinach for the best flavor.
5. Separate the gnocchi before cooking so it does not stick.
6. Eat it hot with bread-it tastes the best that way!
FAQs on Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe.
1. Can I use cooked or leftover chicken instead of raw?
Yes -we’ve used roasted or grilled leftover chicken before. Just chop it and add it later so it doesn’t overcook. It saves time and still tastes great.
2. Will the gnocchi get soggy if I add it too early?
Yes, we learned this the hard way. Add the gnocchi toward the end of cooking so it stays tender and doesn’t turn mushy.
3. Can I reduce or skip the heavy cream?
You could use a lighter cream or mix with milk, but the soup won’t be as rich. In our tests, full cream gives the best texture and flavor.
4. What if the soup is too thick for me?
We often thin it with a splash of chicken broth or a little milk until it’s the consistency we like.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes -we’ve tried using gluten-free flour instead of regular flour and gluten-free gnocchi. It works, though texture is slightly different.
6. Is it possible to make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely. We’ve done versions in both. Just adjust the timing: cook the veggies first, then add chicken, broth, and later add the cream and gnocchi.
7. How long can I store leftovers?
We keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gnocchi absorbs liquid over time, so the soup gets thicker.
8. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes – but from our experience, when dairy-based soups are frozen, cream can separate. Thaw gently and stir well while reheating.
9. Do I have to use the spices exactly as listed (thyme, parsley, nutmeg)?
We suggest using them because they give the signature flavor. But you can adjust or leave one out depending on your taste.
10. Should I sauté the vegetables first or add everything at once?
Definitely sauté the onion, celery, carrots first. We tried adding all at once before and the flavors didn’t develop as well. Sauteing builds depth.
This Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe is perhaps the best comfort food that’s easy enough for home cooks. Creamy, flavorful, & soul-warming, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again! Whether you’re cooking for family or just having a cozy dinner solo, this dish will fit the bill.
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