Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Name: Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup chopped celery; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 cup flour; 3 cups chicken broth; 3 cups milk; 1.5 cup heavy cream; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken meat; 8 ounces chopped frozen spinach; 16 ounces gnocchi

Posted on October 20, 2025

Main Dishes

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Love the Chicken Gnocchi Soup from Olive Garden? If so, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Olive Garden Copycat recipe! This soup is Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, and it’s full of flavor, chicken, and gnocchi! Perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or when you just need some comfort food, this dish stands out with its creamy texture and delightful ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor: Enjoy a comforting blend of savory spices and tender chicken that makes each bite a delight.
Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have this delicious soup ready in no time.
Versatile Dish: Ideal for any occasion—serve it as a starter, main course, or even at a potluck!
Hearty Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from chicken and spinach, it’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste!

Tools and Preparation

To make this fantastic soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Ladle

Why These Tools Matter

Large pot: A must-have for cooking soups; it allows you to simmer all ingredients evenly.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware while ensuring even mixing.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup chopped celery (about 2-3 stalks)
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– 1/4 cup flour
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 3 cups milk
– 1.5 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken meat (2 legs and 2 thighs, cooked)
– 8 ounces chopped frozen spinach
– 16 ounces gnocchi

How to Make Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and heat the olive oil together until bubbly.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Once the butter has melted:
1. Add the chopped celery and cook for about 5–10 minutes until soft.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and let cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Carrots and Seasonings

Add the shredded carrots along with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour

Sprinkle the flour into the pot:
1. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to help thicken the soup.

Step 5: Mix in Broth and Cream

Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to break up any clumps:
1. Next, pour in the milk and heavy cream; stir properly until smooth.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Chicken

Toss in the chopped frozen spinach along with cooked shredded chicken:
1. Stir until everything is blended well.

Step 7: Bring to a Boil

Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Step 8: Cook Gnocchi

Gently add the gnocchi into the boiling soup:
1. Allow it to cook for about 4–5 minutes until they float to the top.

Step 9: Serve Hot or Warm

Ladle your delicious Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls and enjoy while hot!

How to Serve Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Serving Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is all about enhancing the experience. This delicious soup can be paired with a variety of sides and garnishes that elevate its flavors and textures.

With Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for a fragrant touch.

Accompanied by Bread

Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for dipping into the creamy soup.
Crusty Baguette: A sliced baguette is perfect for scooping up the gnocchi and broth.

With a Salad

Caesar Salad: The crispness of romaine lettuce with creamy dressing complements the soup’s richness.
Mixed Greens: A light salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

How to Perfect Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

To make your Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup even better, keep these tips in mind.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor profile of your soup.
Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Season Generously: Taste as you go; adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or Italian spices to suit your palate.
Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the fridge for easy reheating.
Garnish Creatively: Top with extra spinach or a sprinkle of cheese just before serving for added richness.

Best Side Dishes for Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Pairing side dishes with your soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these are perfect for dipping into your soup.
Caprese Salad: A mix of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze makes a refreshing side.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and roasted veggies add a healthy crunch that complements the soup’s creaminess.
Cheesy Quesadillas: Warm, cheesy quesadillas are fun to dip into the gnocchi soup.
Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers provide a hearty addition to your meal.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch alongside the smooth soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

Skipping the sautéing step: Neglecting to sauté the vegetables can result in a lack of flavor. Always take the time to cook them until soft for a richer taste.
Using cold broth or milk: Adding cold liquids can cool down your soup and affect cooking time. Always use room temperature or warmed chicken broth and milk.
Overcooking the gnocchi: If gnocchi is boiled for too long, it can become mushy. Follow the recommended cooking time closely for the best texture.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Eyeballing ingredients can lead to imbalances in flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient varies in flavor; taste your soup as you go and adjust seasonings accordingly for a balanced dish.

Refrigerator Storage

Store the soup in an airtight container.
It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this soup better than Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

This recipe uses fresh ingredients and allows you to customize flavors, making it richer and more personal than restaurant versions.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.

How can I customize Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or kale, or substitute chicken with turkey or lamb for variety.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can store it in portions and reheat throughout the week for quick meals.

Conclusion

Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort to any meal. Its versatility allows you to customize with various ingredients according to your tastes. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a hearty bowl of deliciousness!