Description

Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting homemade soup combining tender chicken, fluffy potato gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a velvety broth. This easy-to-make soup delivers restaurant-quality flavors perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, seasoned with salt and pepper

Vegetables

1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 medium onion, diced
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Soup Base

4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (thyme, oregano blend)
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy & Cheese

1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Carbohydrates

1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from pot and shred or dice once cooled.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add butter and sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its flavor.
Build the Broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the broth simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
Add Gnocchi and Greens: Stir in potato gnocchi and cook just until they float to the top, about 2-3 minutes. Add fresh spinach or kale and allow it to wilt in the hot broth.
Finish with Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low and carefully stir in heavy cream or half-and-half, followed by freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix in shredded chicken and heat through without boiling to maintain creamy texture.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness.

Notes

Use freshly cooked chicken for tender texture and fresh flavor.
Do not overcook gnocchi to avoid mushy texture.
Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for brighter flavors when possible.
Simmer broth gently to prevent cream from curdling and keep soup silky smooth.
Optional: Add a Parmesan rind to the broth while simmering for extra umami depth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken gnocchi soup, creamy chicken soup, Olive Garden copycat soup, comfort food soup, easy weeknight dinner, homemade soup, chicken recipes