If you’ve ever craved a warm, comforting bowl of soup that tastes like pure happiness in a mug, this Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is about to become your new favorite. Creamy, hearty, and packed with pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies, it’s everything you love about restaurant-style soup—only cozier, richer, and made right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels like a hug after a long day, or planning a crowd-pleasing meal with friends, this soup truly delivers on flavor and nostalgia.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its straightforward ingredients—each one bringing its own charm, from creamy richness to a pop of color or a boost of savory depth. Gather these pantry staples and fresh favorites to make soup night something special!

Butter: Adds a luscious base and helps sauté the veggies for extra flavor.
Olive oil: Blends with the butter to prevent burning and adds a hint of fruitiness.
Onion (finely chopped): Gives the soup its aromatic backbone and subtle sweetness.
Celery (diced): Adds fresh crunch and classic soup flavor.
Carrots (diced): Brings color and a touch of natural sweetness.
Garlic (minced): Delivers a wonderful depth and comforting aroma.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup to that signature creamy consistency.
Chicken broth: The savory foundation—use good-quality broth for best results.
Cooked chicken breast (shredded): Rotisserie chicken works wonders for flavor and convenience.
Potato gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings make the soup hearty and satisfying.
Half-and-half: Creates a velvety, creamy base without being too heavy.
Fresh spinach (roughly chopped): Adds vibrant color and a subtle earthiness.
Dried thyme: Infuses the soup with herby warmth and depth.
Dried basil: Provides a gentle, aromatic lift.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—season to taste.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and balances the richness.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick, if you like a little heat.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup for a salty, umami finish.

How to Make Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming a large pot over medium heat and melting the butter with the olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in your chopped onion, diced celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and fragrant. This step builds the soup’s foundation and guarantees every spoonful is packed with flavor.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables, stirring to coat them well. Cook this mixture for about a minute, just until the raw flour smell disappears. This quick roux will thicken your Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup to that irresistibly creamy texture you love.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful bits. Stir until the mixture is smooth and just starting to thicken. Now add in the shredded chicken, potato gnocchi, thyme, basil, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes, until the gnocchi are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Cheese

Lower the heat and pour in the half-and-half, followed by the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the soup turns luxuriously creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—don’t be shy with that final sprinkle of salt or pepper!

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Ladle your Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls while it’s piping hot. This is the moment to grab some crusty bread and dive in. Each spoonful is loaded with creamy broth, pillowy gnocchi, and savory chicken, making every bite pure comfort.

How to Serve Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

For an extra pop of flavor and a restaurant-worthy finish, top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan, a few cracks of black pepper, and a scattering of fresh chopped parsley or basil. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders.

Side Dishes

Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a star all on its own, but it truly shines alongside warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic breadsticks. For a lighter touch, pair it with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Either way, you’re in for a deeply satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for an extra-cozy twist, or ladle it into small mugs for parties and gatherings. For a festive family dinner, set out a toppings bar with extra Parmesan, herbs, and a drizzle of good olive oil so everyone can customize their bowls just the way they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

While this soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed—just be aware that the texture of the gnocchi and dairy may change slightly. For best results, cool the soup completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half if it’s thickened. Stir frequently to keep the soup creamy and prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds rich flavor to your Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Just shred it and stir it in when the recipe calls for cooked chicken breast.

Is there a way to make this soup lighter?

Yes—swap out the half-and-half for whole milk to lighten up the soup, or use a mix of milk and broth. Keep in mind the soup will be slightly less creamy, but still delicious and satisfying.

Can I substitute store-bought gnocchi?

Definitely! Store-bought potato gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe and makes the process quick and easy. Look for it in the pasta or refrigerated section of your grocery store.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening and be sure to select gluten-free gnocchi (many brands offer this option). Double-check your broth, too, to ensure it’s gluten-free.

What proteins can I use instead of chicken?

If you’d like to change things up, cooked turkey, Italian sausage, or even white beans make great substitutes for chicken in this Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Adjust seasonings to taste and enjoy a new twist!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a homemade pot of Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s cozy, full of flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table. Give it a try and see just how much joy a simple, comforting bowl of soup can bring to your week!

Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl of soup loaded with tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a blend of aromatic herbs. Made with a rich base of half-and-half and Parmesan cheese, this homemade version elevates the classic restaurant favorite into an easy stovetop meal perfect for cold days or when you need a heartwarming dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauté Base

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, diced
2 carrots, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

Soup Base and Protein

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
2 cups half-and-half
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Seasonings and Cheese

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced celery, diced carrots, and minced garlic. Cook and stir occasionally until the vegetables become tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables. Stir continuously to coat the veggies and cook the flour slightly, forming a roux base for the soup.
Incorporate Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly, creating a creamy broth.
Add Chicken and Gnocchi: Stir in the shredded chicken breast, potato gnocchi, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
Finish with Cream and Greens: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the half-and-half, roughly chopped spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy and well combined.
Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. For an added touch, offer crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth.

Notes

For extra flavor and convenience, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Substitute heavy cream for half-and-half if a richer, thicker soup is desired.
Use milk instead of half-and-half for a lighter, less creamy version.
This soup reheats well, but it may thicken; add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating to adjust consistency.
Feel free to add more spinach or other greens to enhance nutrition and color.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American