Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you’ve ever craved that rich, creamy, and comforting soup from Olive Garden, get ready to dive into something even better. This Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe brings all the cozy flavors you adore with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious broth made from scratch. It’s the perfect dish to warm your heart and kitchen without any fuss or artificial ingredients, making it an instant favorite for soup lovers everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate comfort food: Creamy, savory, and packed with tender chicken and soft gnocchi for a perfect cozy bowl.
• Made from scratch: No canned soups or shortcuts here—just fresh ingredients for authentic, rich flavor.
• Easy to prepare: Simple steps and common pantry staples mean you can have dinner on the table in under an hour.
• Customizable: Adapt the recipe easily to suit dietary preferences or whatever veggies you have on hand.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy texture and gentle flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential for that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. Each item brings something special to the soup, from the richness of cream to the delicate tenderness of gnocchi.

• Chicken breasts: Cooked and shredded for tender protein in every bite.
• Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the delicious broth.
• Heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess that makes this soup irresistibly smooth.
• Chicken broth: A flavorful base that ties everything together.
• Carrots and celery: Classic soup veggies that provide sweetness and crunch.
• Garlic and onions: Aromatic foundation that amps up the savory notes.
• Spinach or kale: Fresh greens add color and a nutrient boost.
• Butter and olive oil: Used to sauté the veggies for deep flavor.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup into a creamy delight.
• Parmesan cheese: A bit of sharp, salty goodness stirred in at the end.
• Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs: Essential seasoning to elevate every component.

Variations for Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Feel free to get creative with this soup! It’s very forgiving and easy to tailor to what you love or need in your diet. Here are a few ways to switch things up and keep it exciting every time you make it.

• Vegetarian option: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the chicken or add mushrooms for umami.
• Low carb variation: Use cauliflower gnocchi instead of potato gnocchi to reduce carbs.
• Add spicy kick: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Extra veggies: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or peas to boost nutrition and color.
• Use rotisserie chicken: For time-saving convenience without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by dicing onions, carrots, and celery, then mince garlic and shred cooked chicken breast. Having everything ready before you begin cooking makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables to Build Flavor

In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to fully cook the flour and avoid a raw taste. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form, and bring to a gentle simmer until the soup begins to thicken.

Step 4: Add Chicken, Gnocchi, and Greens

Stir in shredded chicken and gnocchi, allowing the gnocchi to cook according to package directions (usually about 3-4 minutes). Add spinach or kale, stirring until wilted and bright green.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and gently pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add grated Parmesan and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste. Heat through but avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling.

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy!

Ladle your Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls and get ready for spoonfuls of creamy, comforting goodness.

Pro Tips for Making Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Use homemade chicken broth: For the richest flavor, homemade broth adds depth you can’t beat.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi: They should be tender but hold their shape, usually cooking quickly in simmering soup.
• Temper the cream: Slowly mix warm soup into the cream before adding to prevent curdling.
• Fresh herbs boost flavor: A little fresh thyme or basil adds brightness and freshness.
• Adjust thickness: Add more broth to thin or cook longer uncovered to thicken soup to preference.

How to Serve Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

Top with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of good quality olive oil for an elegant finish and extra flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside warm crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a crisp green salad to round out your meal and add texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleaser, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or individual ramekins with cheese melt on top for a fun, attractive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the flavors will deepen but gnocchi may absorb liquid, slightly thickening the soup.

Freezing

Freeze in portions without cream to avoid separation; add cream fresh when reheating for the best texture. Store frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of broth or cream to loosen if needed, ensuring it warms evenly without curdling.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi work perfectly in this recipe and save prep time.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Traditional recipes use flour which contains gluten, but you can substitute gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make it safe for gluten-free diets.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can add all ingredients except cream and gnocchi, cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in cream and gnocchi during the last 15 minutes.

How do I know when the gnocchi is done?

The gnocchi will float to the surface when fully cooked, usually in 3-4 minutes, and should be tender with a slight chew.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can be used for a lighter or dairy-free option, keeping flavors creamy and rich.

Final Thoughts

This Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is truly a game changer—creamy, flavorful, and lovingly homemade. Whether you want to impress dinner guests or simply cozy up on a chilly evening, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a go and enjoy all the warmth and deliciousness it brings to your table!

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