Description

Warm, creamy, and loaded with comforting flavors, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a restaurant-style classic you can now enjoy at home. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, hearty enough for dinner, and easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, herby broth, this soup is one of the best easy dinner ideas out there. Whether you’re searching for a quick dinner recipe, healthy snack idea, or something delicious to serve to guests, this dish fits the bill. It’s one of those must-try food ideas you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups cooked and shredded chicken

16 oz potato gnocchi

2 cups fresh baby spinach

2 cups half-and-half

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes.

2. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.

3. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add shredded chicken, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.

4. Add gnocchi and simmer for 3–4 minutes until gnocchi float and become tender.

5. Stir in half-and-half and Parmesan cheese. Let simmer on low for about 5 minutes until creamy.

6. Add spinach and stir until just wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Serve warm, garnished with more Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Add the spinach at the very end to keep it vibrant and fresh.

Don’t let the soup boil after adding the cream to prevent curdling.

For a thicker soup, simmer longer or add an extra tablespoon of flour during the roux step.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 410
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 760mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: easy dinner, creamy soup, chicken soup, Olive Garden copycat, quick dinner, family meal