Chicken Soup Olive Garden Classic: Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Choose a low‑sodium chicken broth for your chicken soup olive garden to maintain control over the final saltiness. Use a large stockpot to ensure you have enough room to sauté the vegetables without overcrowding the pan. Prepare your ingredients beforehand so you can move quickly through the 10 minutes of prep time.
This Italian dish combines shredded chicken, potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach. You simmer the base with butter, carrots, celery, and onion to build a savoury foundation. Add grape juice to deglaze the pot and lift browned bits for deeper flavour. The half‑and‑half creates a creamy texture that carries the scent of fresh thyme. You finish the soup by wilting the spinach and adding salt and pepper. The result is a thick, hearty meal that takes 45 minutes in total to complete.
Chicken Soup Olive Garden Classic: Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Recipe cardIngredients
Watch how it's made
Instructions
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Sauté the vegetables
Melt the butter in a stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, which ensures a sweet base for the broth.
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Deglaze the pot
Pour in the grape juice to lift the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the mixture reduce for 1 to 2 minutes. This process incorporates concentrated savoury flavours into the liquid.
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Boil the broth
Add the chicken broth and thyme to the pot. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil. You want a steady bubble before reducing the heat to ensure the herbs infuse properly.
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Simmer the cream
Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the half-and-half. Let the soup simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the dairy to meld with the broth for a cohesive, creamy texture.
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Cook the gnocchi
Add the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Cook for about 7 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface. If they stay submerged, they are not yet tender.
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Wilt the spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach. Let it wilt for 2 minutes until the leaves are bright green and soft. Do not overcook the spinach or it will lose its colour.
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Season and serve
Stir in the salt and pepper. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning now so the salt does not overpower the cream. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan before serving.
Add the gnocchi last to prevent them from becoming mushy. If you boil them too long, they lose their light and fluffy texture and break apart in the broth. Check them frequently after 7 minutes to ensure they are just tender.
What to serve with it
Pair this soup with warm crusty bread or garlic focaccia for dipping into the creamy broth. A fresh garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast. Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan to add a sharp, salty depth to the savoury flavours.
Storing and reheating
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze the soup in air-tight containers for up to 3 months. Never leave the cooked soup at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth in the dairy components.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 345
- Protein
- 22.4 g
- Carbs
- 28.1 g
- Fat
- 16.8 g
- Fiber
- 3.2 g
- Sugar
- 5.5 g
Estimated, and offered as a guide rather than a medical figure.
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Questions people ask
What's in the chicken soup at Olive Garden?
This version contains shredded chicken, potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach. These ingredients are simmered in a creamy broth made from chicken stock, half-and-half, and aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions for a hearty texture.
What is the most popular soup at Olive Garden?
The Chicken Gnocchi soup is widely considered the most popular choice. Its combination of pillowy potato dumplings and a rich, creamy base makes it a staple for those seeking comforting Italian-American flavours.
What is the healthiest soup to get at Olive Garden?
The Minestrone is generally the healthiest option because it is vegetable-based and lacks the heavy cream found in the Gnocchi soup. It provides a higher concentration of nutrients from beans and various vegetables.
What are the four soups at Olive Garden in order?
The signature rotation typically includes Pasta e Fagioli, Chicken Gnocchi, Minestrone, and Zuppa Toscana. Each offers a different profile, ranging from tomato-based bean soups to creamy potato and sausage blends.
About the author
Mary C. Rivero
Mary C. Rivero specializes in comforting home‑cooked meals, from hearty pastas and sheet‑pan dinners to quick weeknight snacks. Her recipes feature clear, step‑by‑step directions and practical tips, helping readers create flavorful dishes with confidence and ease.
