Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Chelsea on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $15.99 total, $4.00 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 medium Carrot (diced)
- 2 stalks Celery Stalks (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat)
- 1 package (16 oz) Potato Gnocchi (store‑bought)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (packed)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (dried blend)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Dice the onion, carrot, and celery; mince the garlic; cut the chicken breast into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT10M
Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute, being careful not to burn.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: Medium heat
Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook 4 minutes, stirring, until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, stir to deglaze the bottom of the pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑high to boil then simmer
Cook Gnocchi
Stir in the gnocchi and simmer 3–4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are cooked through.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Simmer
Finish with Cream and Spinach
Reduce heat to low, stir in the heavy cream and packed spinach. Cook 2 minutes, stirring, until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Low simmer
Add Cheese and Serve
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, adjust salt and pepper if needed, and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a grind of black pepper.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains chicken, Contains dairy, Contains gluten, High protein
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey Breast
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola Oil
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Carrot: Parsnip
- Instead of Celery Stalks: Fennel
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half, Coconut milk (dairy‑free)
- Instead of Potato Gnocchi: Small pasta such as ditalini
- Instead of Fresh Spinach: Kale
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Dried basil and oregano (½ tsp each)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté aromatics until softened
- Add broth and bring to a gentle simmer
- Cook gnocchi until they float
- Stir in cream and spinach just before serving
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use store‑bought potato gnocchi for the authentic pillowy texture
- Deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine after sautéing the aromatics for extra depth
- Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to the cream for a subtle warmth
Troubleshooting
Gnocchi become mushy or fall apart
Do not overcook; remove the gnocchi as soon as they float (3‑4 minutes). If cooking longer, they will absorb too much liquid.
Soup is too thick
Thin with additional chicken broth or a splash of milk until desired consistency is reached.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Chop vegetables and store them in a sealed container in the fridge
- Cook the chicken separately and keep it refrigerated; add to soup when reheating
- Soup base (broth, veggies, chicken) can be made a day ahead; add gnocchi and cream when ready to serve
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Gnocchi Soup in Italian‑American cuisine?
Chicken Gnocchi Soup blends traditional Italian comfort foods—gnocchi and broth—with American preferences for creamy, hearty soups. It became popular in Italian‑American restaurants as a family‑friendly, filling starter that showcases the Italian love of pasta in a soup form.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken gnocchi soup in Italy?
In Italy, gnocchi are more often served in simple broths or with pesto; chicken is less common. Northern regions might add butter and sage, while central Italy may feature a light tomato base. The Olive Garden style is an Italian‑American adaptation that adds cream and Parmesan for richness.
How is Chicken Gnocchi Soup traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot in shallow bowls, topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper. Some families pair it with crusty bread or a side salad to complete the meal.
What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Gnocchi Soup associated with in Italian‑American culture?
The soup is a popular starter for family gatherings, holiday meals (especially Christmas and New Year), and casual dinner parties because it is quick, comforting, and appeals to both children and adults.
What authentic ingredients are used in traditional Italian chicken gnocchi soup versus the copycat version from Olive Garden?
Traditional Italian versions may use homemade chicken broth, fresh herbs like sage, and a light butter‑flour roux, while the Olive Garden copycat adds heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and pre‑made potato gnocchi for convenience and a richer texture.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Pairs nicely with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic‑buttered focaccia, or a simple antipasto platter of cured meats, olives, and marinated vegetables. A glass of light white wine such as Pinot Grigio complements the creamy broth.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Common errors include overcooking the gnocchi (they become mushy), letting the garlic burn (bitter flavor), and adding the cream too early, which can cause the soup to separate. Also, be sure to season the broth before adding the cream.
Why does this recipe add heavy cream at the end instead of earlier?
Adding the cream at the end prevents it from curdling over high heat and keeps the soup silky. It also allows you to adjust thickness after the gnocchi have cooked, ensuring a smooth, velvety finish.
Can I make the soup ahead of time and how should I store Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Yes. Store the broth, vegetables, and chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the gnocchi and heavy cream when reheating to preserve texture. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently.
What does the YouTube channel Chelsea specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chelsea focuses on easy, approachable home cooking tutorials, often featuring quick one‑pot meals, comfort food classics, and step‑by‑step guides for busy home cooks.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Chelsea?
Chelsea’s cooking philosophy emphasizes simplicity, minimal cleanup, and making restaurant‑style dishes accessible with everyday ingredients. The style is friendly, clear, and geared toward cooks of all skill levels.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
