There’s just something magical about a bowl of creamy soup, especially when it’s packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a mix of fresh, comforting flavors. This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a total game-changer—trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to the takeout version! The creamy broth hugs every piece of gnocchi, and the chicken just melts in your mouth. Seriously, it’s that good.
Whether you’re craving a warm, cozy dinner on a chilly evening or want to impress friends at your next gathering, this soup is your ticket to comfort heaven. And the best part? It’s so easy to make! You’ll have a bowl of hearty, indulgent soup ready in no time. So grab your spoon and let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This isn’t just a soup—it’s an experience. And it’s about to become your new favorite dish. Here’s why:
Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for a quiet night in or need something to wow your guests at a gathering, this soup has got you covered. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort, making it suitable for all occasions.
Budget-Friendly: It’s made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. No fancy or hard-to-find items here, just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary.
Quick and Easy: Don’t be intimidated by the creamy texture and rich flavors—this soup comes together easily, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. The steps are straightforward, and the results are guaranteed to impress.
Customizable: Love garlic? Add more! Want a little spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. Feel free to tweak this recipe to your liking—it’s your kitchen, your rules.
Crowd-Pleasing: There’s no doubt about it—this soup is a hit with everyone. Kids, adults, soup lovers, and skeptics alike will be asking for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table.

Ingredients in Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Here’s the magic behind this soup—it’s all about simple ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breasts: The heart of this soup. Tender, juicy chicken breast chunks bring protein and flavor, soaking up the rich broth while staying perfectly tender. If you’ve got rotisserie chicken on hand, even better!
Gnocchi: These little potato dumplings are the stars of the show. Soft, pillowy, and perfectly cooked, they soak up the broth in all the right ways.
Garlic & Onion: The aromatics. These ingredients are sautéed until golden, releasing a rich, savory scent that sets the stage for all the other flavors to come.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of green, some texture, and a ton of nutrients. It’s the perfect way to balance out all that creamy goodness.
Heavy Cream: The secret to a luxurious, velvety broth. This makes the soup indulgently creamy without being too heavy.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make this creamy, comforting masterpiece:
Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they’re fragrant and golden—about 3-4 minutes. This step really builds the flavor foundation for the soup.
Add the Chicken
Next, toss in the cubed chicken breasts and cook them until they’re no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. You want that chicken to soak up all those garlicky, oniony flavors. Don’t forget to season it with a little salt and pepper while it cooks.
Pour in the Broth
Once the chicken is browned, it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together.
Add the Gnocchi and Spinach
Add the gnocchi to the pot and stir them in, letting them cook for about 3-5 minutes until they float to the top. Then, toss in the spinach and stir until it wilts and turns a deep, vibrant green.
Make It Creamy
Now, pour in that luscious heavy cream and stir to combine. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes or so, until the broth has thickened slightly and everything is heated through.
Season to Taste
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or garlic if you like! A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you want to spice things up.
Serve and Enjoy!
Serve this soup hot, maybe with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top and some freshly cracked black pepper. You can’t go wrong with a warm, comforting bowl of this goodness.
How to Serve Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This soup is comforting on its own, but here are some delicious side ideas to complete the meal:
Fresh Salad: A crisp, green salad with a simple vinaigrette is the perfect light contrast to the rich soup.
Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a warm, buttery slice of garlic bread to soak up all that creamy broth.
Roasted Veggies: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus are fantastic side dishes that bring color and extra nutrients to the table.
Cheese: If you love cheese (and who doesn’t?), sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top for that extra burst of flavor.
Additional Tips
Here are a few pro tips to make this recipe even better:
Prep Ahead: You can chop the chicken and veggies ahead of time to save time on cooking day.
Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper while cooking the soup.
Swap the Protein: If chicken isn’t your thing, try turkey or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This soup also freezes well—just let it cool and freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
A1: Absolutely! You can use turkey or even sausage for a different flavor. Rotisserie chicken is also a great time-saver.
Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make it ahead! It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days and actually tastes even better the next day.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A4: Yes! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q5: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A5: Yes, you can use half-and-half for a slightly lighter soup, but it won’t be as rich and creamy.
Q6: What should I serve with this soup?
A6: Garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables are all fantastic choices!
Q7: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A7: You can leave out the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Add extra veggies to make up for the protein!
Q8: How can I make this soup spicier?
A8: Try adding crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat!
Q9: How do I know when the gnocchi are done?
A9: The gnocchi are done when they float to the surface of the soup. It’s like a little cooking magic!
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough pot to accommodate the extra servings.
Conclusion
There you have it—your very own bowl of Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup that’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. With its rich, creamy broth, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi, this soup is a total comfort food win. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or serving it at your next gathering, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and customizable to fit your taste buds. So grab that spoon, dig in, and enjoy the warm, hearty goodness that’s only a few steps away! Trust me, you’re going to love it!
PrintBetter Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is even better than the restaurant version! It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and aromatic veggies. A perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
-
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- ½ white onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 16 oz package of potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
-
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Crusty bread or garlic bread on the side
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Cook and dice the chicken breasts, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped celery, onion, and shredded carrots. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Soup Base:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the thyme, parsley, and optional nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Chicken and Gnocchi:
- Stir in the cooked, diced chicken.
- Gently add the gnocchi to the pot and simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and float to the top.
- Add the Cream and Spinach:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream. Let the soup warm through but avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until wilted.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve with crusty or garlic bread on the side.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can roast the chicken before dicing it.
- The soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more cream or reduce the broth to make it richer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg