If you love Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi Soup, get ready to fall in love with this homemade version! This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is rich, comforting, and packed with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a luscious creamy broth that’s even better than the restaurant version. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home in under 40 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Rich & Creamy – Made with a velvety broth infused with herbs and fresh vegetables.
✅ Better Than Takeout – Fresher ingredients and no preservatives!
✅ Quick & Easy – One-pot recipe ready in 40 minutes.
✅ Family Favorite – A hit with both kids and adults.
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Better Than Olive Garden!)
Ingredients
To make this delicious restaurant-quality soup at home, you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 1 package 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated (optional)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add the Chicken and Broth
- Stir in the cooked chicken and season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour in the chicken broth, then bring it to a simmer.
Cook the Gnocchi
- Add the gnocchi to the pot and let it cook for about 5 minutes or until the gnocchi float to the top.
Make it Creamy
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, ensuring the flavors blend together.
Add Spinach & Cheese
- Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup. If using, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Serve & Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread or a side of garlic bread.
Notes
✔️ Thicken the Soup – If you like a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the soup.
✔️ Lighten It Up – Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
✔️ Make it Dairy-Free – Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.
✔️ Storage & Reheating – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed. What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup This soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs well with:
🥖 Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
🥗 Caesar Salad – A fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich soup.
🧀 Parmesan Breadsticks – Cheesy and delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?
A: Absolutely! If you have time, homemade potato gnocchi makes this soup even more special.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Add all ingredients (except the gnocchi, spinach, and cream) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Stir in the gnocchi, spinach, and cream in the last 30 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
A: It’s not recommended, as dairy-based soups tend to separate when frozen. However, you can freeze it before adding the cream, then stir in fresh cream when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is comfort food at its finest! It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with delicious textures, making it a must-try for soup lovers. Once you make it at home, you may never crave the Olive Garden version again!
Try this recipe and let us know how it turns out in the comments! 🍲💛
Enjoy & Happy Cooking! 👩🍳✨