
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup captures all the comforting flavors of the beloved Olive Garden recipe. Filled with tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a velvety broth, it's the perfect homemade version of this restaurant favorite.
What Makes This Soup Special
This hearty soup brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, soft gnocchi dumplings, and a rich cream base creates a satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners.
Essential Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Prevents sticking and adds flavor
- 1 medium onion: Finely diced
- 2 celery stalks: Diced for texture
- 2 garlic cloves: Minced
- 1/4 cup flour: For thickening
- 4 cups chicken broth: Forms the soup base
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates richness
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs: Adds classic flavor
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Shredded or cubed
- 1 pound potato gnocchi: For hearty texture
- 3 cups fresh spinach: Roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese: For serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté Base Ingredients
- Melt butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion, celery and garlic until softened.
- Create Base
- Sprinkle in flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to make a roux.
- Add Liquids
- Gradually whisk in broth and cream until smooth.
- Season
- Mix in Italian herbs, salt and pepper. Simmer 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Main Components
- Stir in chicken and gnocchi. Cook 5-7 minutes until gnocchi becomes tender.
- Final Touch
- Add spinach and cook 1-2 minutes until wilted. Top with Parmesan before serving.

Helpful Tips
Save time by using rotisserie chicken. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance flavors. If soup becomes too thick, thin with additional warm broth to reach desired consistency.
Recipe Tips
- → Can I start with raw chicken for this soup?
Yes, dice the raw chicken and cook it directly in the soup. Add it right after the vegetables, and let it cook for 5-7 minutes before stirring in the flour.
- → What’s the best way to store this soup?
Keep this soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a little broth if it’s too thick.
- → Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Freezing isn’t ideal since the cream might split, and the gnocchi could get mushy. Preparing it fresh is the way to go!
- → Can I swap the heavy cream for something else?
Light cream works if you don’t mind a less rich texture. Avoid milk—it’ll thin out the soup and won’t achieve that creamy consistency.
- → Are homemade gnocchi a good option?
Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi work wonderfully in this dish. Just make sure they’re firm so they hold up well during cooking.