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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting soup filled with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs. Inspired by the popular restaurant version, this recipe combines a flavorful broth thickened with half-and-half and flour, making it perfect for cozy dinners or family meals.

Ingredients

Soup Base

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup finely diced onion
  • 1/2 cup finely diced celery
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 quart half-and-half
  • 28 ounces chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

Vegetables and Protein

  • 1 cup carrots (finely shredded)
  • 1 cup spinach leaves (coarsely chopped)
  • 1 cup cooked, diced chicken breast

Gnocchi

  • 16 ounces package ready-to-use gnocchi

Instructions

  1. Melt fats: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat to create a flavorful base for the soup.
  2. Sauté vegetables: Add the finely diced onion, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the veggies soften, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Make the roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly add the half-and-half while whisking continuously to prevent lumps, then simmer until the mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Add broth and seasonings: Whisk in the chicken broth and continue simmering until the soup thickens again. Stir in salt, dried thyme, dried parsley flakes, and optional nutmeg for warming flavor notes.
  5. Add vegetables, chicken, and gnocchi: Mix in the shredded carrots, chopped spinach, cooked diced chicken, and gnocchi. Simmer gently until the soup is heated through and the gnocchi are tender, about 5 minutes.
  6. Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and season with additional salt if necessary before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen gnocchi; cooking times may vary slightly.
  • Add nutmeg sparingly as it adds a warm subtle flavor but can overpower if used too much.
  • For a thicker soup, use slightly less chicken broth or let it simmer longer.
  • This soup is best served immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream-based soup.