Cozy up with a bowl of Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup and discover why this copycat classic is a forever favorite. Creamy, loaded with pillowy gnocchi, tender bites of chicken, and bursts of bright spinach, every spoonful is pure comfort. This recipe not only delivers the full Italian-American flavor experience but makes it so easy (and satisfying) to bring restaurant-quality soup to your own kitchen. If you love creamy soups that are seriously hearty yet fresh, you’re about to meet your new go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is at the heart of Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, but every ingredient packs a punch of flavor and helps create that signature velvety texture. Don’t skip or substitute too much—each one plays a starring role in making your soup unforgettable.
- Butter: Adds rich depth and creates the base for a silky roux.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the butter from burning and lends a smooth finish.
- Yellow Onion: Finely chopped for sweet, aromatic undertones in every bite.
- Garlic: Minced garlic layers in that classic cozy, savory aroma you expect from a homemade soup.
- Celery: Sliced celery brings a gentle crunch and irresistible freshness.
- Carrots: Sliced carrots add sweet color and earthiness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the soup for that signature, creamy texture.
- Chicken Broth: Rich and savory, this is the backbone of the soup’s flavor profile.
- Whole Milk: Gives the soup a creamy but not-too-heavy consistency.
- Heavy Cream: Brings the ultimate decadence and silkiness to the final bowl.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all the other flavors.
- Potato Gnocchi: The absolute star! These fluffy potato dumplings make every spoonful dreamy.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and freshness.
- Dried Thyme: Just a hint adds a subtle herby warmth.
- Salt: Essential for brightening all the ingredients.
- Black Pepper: Brings just the right amount of mellow heat.
How to Make Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating the butter and olive oil together in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion, garlic, sliced celery, and carrots. Sauté everything for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and your kitchen smells amazing. This step is crucial—the veggies form the flavor foundation of your Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup and should be tender but not browned.
Step 2: Make a Quick Roux
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed veggies and stir continuously for about 1 minute. This forms a quick roux, which not only binds the soup but ensures that signature thick, creamy feel you crave. Make sure to keep stirring so the flour doesn’t burn!
Step 3: Build the Creamy Base
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking to dissolve the roux and avoid any lumps. Next, stir in the whole milk and heavy cream. This combo gives your Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup a beautiful richness and that restaurant-style creaminess. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—don’t rush this part, as it coaxes out the subtlest flavors from all the ingredients.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi
Now, stir in your cooked shredded chicken and the gnocchi. Let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender. The gnocchi take on all the creamy broth flavors, plumping up into heavenly little pillows.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
To complete your Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, stir in the fresh baby spinach, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let the soup cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and everything is perfectly blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. By now, your kitchen smells better than any restaurant!
How to Serve Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dusting of grated Parmesan is divine on top of each bowl. Some folks love to add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a small handful of fresh herbs for a vibrant pop right before serving.
Side Dishes
For the ultimate cozy meal, serve this soup with warm, crusty bread or buttery breadsticks. If you want to round it out further, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette brings brightness to balance the creamy richness of your Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling the soup into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for restaurant-level presentation at home. For parties, serve in small mugs or teacups as a charming appetizer. You can even sprinkle extra baby spinach, chopped parsley, or thin carrot ribbons over each bowl for a beautiful, fresh finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the soup sits, it will thicken, and the flavors will meld, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner just as irresistible as day one.
Freezing
While you can freeze Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, keep in mind that the creamy base and gnocchi may change slightly in texture. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the gnocchi separately and adding fresh gnocchi when reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the consistency if the soup has thickened overnight. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking the gnocchi.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut for this recipe, saving time and adding delicious flavor. Simply shred or chop and add as directed.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
Yes, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter take, or even more whole milk, though the soup will be slightly less rich and creamy.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for extra veggies (like mushrooms or zucchini), use vegetable broth, and you’ll still get a hearty, comforting meal.
How do I keep the gnocchi from getting mushy?
Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi; as soon as they float and become tender, they’re ready. If making ahead, consider adding the gnocchi fresh when reheating.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Totally! Feel free to get creative—peas, corn, diced bell peppers, or even kale all work beautifully in Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a steaming bowl of Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup made at home. It’s easy, endlessly satisfying, and the ultimate comfort food for any day of the week. Promise me you’ll try it soon—you’ll never have to settle for the restaurant version again!
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Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is a creamy and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With tender gnocchi, shredded chicken, and fresh spinach in a rich broth, this soup is sure to be a hit with your family.
Ingredients
Main Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Broth:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Additional:
- 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle in flour and stir to create a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add Broth and Cream: Stir in milk and heavy cream, bring to a simmer.
- Cook Chicken and Gnocchi: Add chicken and gnocchi, cook until gnocchi is tender.
- Finish Soup: Stir in spinach, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until spinach wilts. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- This soup thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth or milk to thin when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
