If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, look no further than this Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Every spoonful wraps you in creamy goodness, with tender potato gnocchi, juicy shredded chicken, sweet bites of carrot, and flecks of fresh spinach all nestled in a velvety broth. Recreating this Italian-American classic at home means you control the quality and flavor, and once you taste it, you’ll agree—homemade always wins.

Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple but absolutely essential ingredients that make this soup a standout. Each one is selected to deliver maximum flavor, color, and texture, so be sure not to skip or skimp.

Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps form the base of the creamy broth.
Olive oil: Adds smoothness and depth alongside the butter, plus a hint of Mediterranean flair.
Onion: Gives the soup a sweet-savory backbone and subtle texture with every bite.
Garlic: Essential for that warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
Celery: Offers a nice crunch and balances the sweetness of carrots.
Carrots: Bring vivid color and natural sweetness to the bowl.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the broth so it becomes luscious and hearty.
Low-sodium chicken broth: The foundation of the soup’s body—control the salt so your flavors shine through.
Whole milk: Adds creamy softness without being too heavy.
Heavy cream: Boosts the soup’s sumptuous texture, making every spoonful indulgent.
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders for convenience and flavor.
Potato gnocchi: The stars of the show—pillowy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.
Dried thyme: Infuses earthy herbal notes that complement the chicken beautifully.
Salt: Just enough to heighten every other ingredient.
Black pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Fresh spinach: Stirred in at the end for a burst of green and freshness.

How to Make Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter with the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once sizzling, add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Stir frequently and let them sweat together for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re softened and the kitchen fills with an amazing aroma—this is the foundation of your soup’s flavor.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and stir it all around, letting it cook for 1 to 2 minutes. You want the flour to coat the veggies and gently toast—it will turn a bit golden and lose its raw edge. This step is crucial for giving the Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup that thick, silky base you love.

Step 3: Whisk in Liquids

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, followed by the milk and heavy cream. This process transforms your roux into a smooth, creamy soup base. Give it a minute or two to come to a gentle simmer so it starts to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add Chicken, Gnocchi, and Seasonings

Now add your shredded chicken, potato gnocchi, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Let it gently bubble for 10 to 12 minutes, giving the gnocchi time to cook through—they’re ready when they float to the top, fluffy and pillowy. This is the moment when the soup comes together!

Step 5: Stir in Spinach

Add the chopped spinach and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until it wilts and turns vibrant green. Take a little taste at this point and adjust the seasoning—sometimes just a pinch more salt or pepper makes the Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup absolutely irresistible. Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot.

How to Serve Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

A finishing touch of freshly cracked black pepper, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or a handful of fresh chopped parsley will lift each bowl visually and taste-wise. If you have it, a drizzle of good olive oil adds extra flavor and a beautiful sheen.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better than a hunk of crusty artisan bread or some warm garlic breadsticks to dunk and soak up the creamy broth. For a fresh counterpoint, try a simple leafy green salad with a zesty vinaigrette—it’s the perfect complement to the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or pretty soup mugs. You can also add small bowls of toppings on the side so everyone can customize their own bowl just the way they like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup does thicken as it rests, so just stir in a splash of broth or milk when you reheat for perfect consistency.

Freezing

You can freeze Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, but be aware the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly after thawing. Freeze in individual portions for easy lunches and reheat gently to retain as much of the lovely texture as possible.

Reheating

To reheat, place the desired amount in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a little extra broth or milk as needed to loosen it to your liking. Stir occasionally and heat until just hot—avoid boiling, which can make the dairy separate or the gnocchi fall apart.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi will make the Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup even more special. Just be gentle when stirring, as homemade versions can be a bit more delicate.

Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend and be sure to use gluten-free gnocchi—many grocery stores carry it these days, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How can I make a lighter version?

If you’re watching calories, swap in half-and-half for the heavy cream and use 2% milk instead of whole milk. The soup will still be creamy and delicious, just a bit lighter on the palate.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to get creative—mushrooms, diced zucchini, or peas can all be added with lovely results. Just sauté firmer veggies with the onions and celery at the beginning, so they have time to soften.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Sauté the aromatics and flour separately, then transfer everything except the gnocchi and spinach to the slow cooker. Add the gnocchi in the last 20 minutes and stir in the spinach just before serving for that fresh, vibrant finish.

Final Thoughts

I promise, once you serve up a steaming bowl of Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll understand why it’s a firm favorite in so many homes, mine included. It’s cozy, satisfying, and just plain delicious—so don’t wait, grab your ingredients and make your own pot of pure comfort!