There’s something magical about Olive Garden’s chicken soup that keeps us coming back for more. That creamy, comforting bowl of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach swimming in a rich broth feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
The good news? You don’t need to wait for your next restaurant visit to enjoy this beloved soup. This copycat Olive Garden chicken soup recipe brings that same restaurant-quality comfort straight to your kitchen, and it’s surprisingly simple to make.
With just a handful of everyday ingredients and about 30 minutes, you’ll be savoring a homemade version that rivals the original.
What Does It Taste Like?
This olive garden chicken soup delivers layers of savory comfort in every spoonful. The base is rich and creamy with a velvety texture from the half and half, while the low-sodium chicken broth provides a deep, satisfying foundation.
Tender chicken pieces add heartiness, and the potato gnocchi bring soft, pillowy bites that soak up all that delicious flavor.
Fresh spinach contributes a subtle earthiness, while aromatic vegetables-celery, onions, garlic, and carrots-create a savory backbone. The hint of thyme ties everything together with herbaceous warmth, making each bite feel indulgent yet balanced.
Olive Garden Chicken Soup Recipe Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 stalk of celery, chopped
- ½ white onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Kitchen Utensils:
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped celery, diced white onion, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften. This creates the aromatic foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Add the diced cooked chicken, 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Once boiling, gently stir in the 16 ounces of potato gnocchi. Let the soup boil for 3-4 minutes-the gnocchi will begin to float to the surface when they’re nearly done. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to become tender and absorb the flavorful broth.
Step 4: Add Creaminess and Greens
Stir in the 2 cups of half and half and the roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes tender. The cream will transform your broth into a luscious, velvety texture.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately while hot. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi create that signature Olive Garden experience right at home.
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Your Chicken Soup
1. Protein Variations: Swap the chicken for rotisserie chicken to save time, or use leftover turkey for a post-holiday twist. For a lighter option, try using chicken thighs which add extra richness, or incorporate Italian sausage for a heartier, more robust flavor profile.
2. Vegetable Additions: Boost the nutrition by adding diced zucchini, kale instead of spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair. White beans or cannellini beans can add extra protein and fiber while maintaining that creamy texture.
3. Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute the half and half with whole milk combined with a tablespoon of flour, or use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Heavy cream makes it even more indulgent, while Greek yogurt stirred in at the end adds tanginess and protein.
4. Pasta Substitutes: If you can’t find gnocchi, use cheese tortellini, small shell pasta, or even cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb version. Each brings its own unique texture to this recipe for olive garden chicken soup.
5. Bread Pairings: Serve alongside warm garlic breadsticks (just like Olive Garden!), crusty Italian bread for dipping, or parmesan crisps for added crunch. A slice of sourdough or focaccia also complements the creamy soup beautifully.
6. Cheese Toppings: Finish each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled feta, or shredded mozzarella. The cheese melts into the hot soup, adding another layer of creamy, savory goodness.
7. Fresh Herb Garnishes: Top with fresh basil, Italian parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh thyme leaves or a drizzle of quality olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Expert Tips for Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Soup
1. Pre-Cook Your Chicken Properly: For the best texture, poach chicken breasts in seasoned water or broth for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked, then dice. Alternatively, use a rotisserie chicken to save significant time-the pre-seasoned meat adds extra flavor depth. Avoid overcooking the chicken as it will continue to cook in the soup.
2. Don’t Skip the Sautéing Step: Taking time to properly sauté your aromatics-celery, onion, garlic, and carrots-develops a rich, caramelized flavor base that you simply can’t achieve by boiling everything together. This step is crucial for authentic olive garden chicken soup taste.
3. Choose Quality Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section cooks faster and has a lighter texture than shelf-stable versions. If using shelf-stable gnocchi, you may need to add 2-3 extra minutes of cooking time. Watch for them to float-that’s your visual cue they’re ready.
4. Control Your Cream Temperature: Add the half and half after reducing heat to prevent curdling. Never let the soup boil vigorously once cream is added. If you’re meal prepping, consider adding the cream only to portions you’re serving immediately, as cream-based soups can separate when reheated.
5. Season in Layers: Season at multiple stages-when sautéing vegetables, when adding broth, and again at the end. This builds complex flavor rather than one-dimensional saltiness. Remember that low-sodium broth means you control the salt level, so taste frequently.
6. Adjust Thickness to Preference: For a thicker soup similar to the restaurant version, mash a few gnocchi pieces against the pot side to release their starch. For a brothier consistency, add an extra cup of chicken broth. The soup will also thicken as it sits, so keep extra broth handy.
7. Timing is Everything with Spinach: Add spinach at the very end and cook just until wilted (1-2 minutes maximum). Overcooking spinach turns it dark and mushy. For the brightest color and best nutrition, stir it in right before serving. Baby spinach works beautifully and requires no chopping.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store leftover olive garden chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore the consistency, as the gnocchi absorbs liquid over time.
Common Queries and FAQs
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about this recipe
Can I make this olive garden chicken soup recipe ahead of time?
Yes, but with a modification. Prepare the soup through step 3 (before adding cream and spinach), then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat and add the half and half and spinach fresh. This prevents the cream from separating and keeps the spinach vibrant.
What’s the best way to cook chicken for this soup?
The quickest method is using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Otherwise, poach chicken breasts in simmering salted water for 15-20 minutes, or bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it cool slightly before dicing.
Can I freeze this copycat olive garden chicken soup?
Cream-based soups don’t freeze perfectly, as the dairy can separate upon thawing. If you must freeze it, do so before adding the half and half. Freeze the base for up to 2 months, then add fresh cream and spinach when reheating.
Why is my soup too thin or too thick?
Gnocchi absorbs liquid as it sits, thickening the soup over time. If it’s too thick, add more chicken broth when reheating. If too thin initially, let it simmer longer uncovered, or create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it in.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or cheese tortellini work wonderfully. Adjust cooking time according to package directions. The olive garden chicken soup ingredients are flexible to accommodate what you have on hand.
What can I substitute for half and half?
Mix equal parts whole milk and heavy cream, or use all heavy cream for extra richness. For a lighter version, use whole milk thickened with a tablespoon of flour. Dairy-free options include coconut cream or cashew cream.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Always add cream after reducing the heat to a gentle simmer, never during a rolling boil. Stir continuously while adding it, and avoid reheating at high temperatures. Using half and half instead of milk helps, as the higher fat content is more stable.
This copycat Olive Garden chicken soup brings restaurant-quality comfort to your home kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Whether you’re craving that familiar taste or looking to impress family on a chilly evening, this recipe delivers every time. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and creamy broth creates a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
Now that you know how to make Olive Garden chicken soup at home, you can enjoy this beloved dish whenever the craving strikes-no reservation required!
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