There’s just something about olive garden chicken gnocchi soup that makes my kitchen feel like a cozy hideaway, especially when the weather outside is doing its best impression of a snow globe. First, let me confess: I’m a big fan of Easy Comfort Soup Recipes, but I usually end up with a mess on the counters and a couple of forgotten ingredients still sitting out. Oops.
Then, life gets busy and suddenly, I’m hunting for Winter Supper Ideas Easy Dinners that won’t leave me frazzled. That’s how this slow cooker twist on the classic Olive Garden Gnocchi soup became my cold-weather hero. Also, there’s something magical about tossing everything in the crockpot and letting the flavors mingle while I chase the dog away from the trash can (again).
My Kitchen Story
So, here’s the truth: I never planned to become obsessed with Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Recipes. However, after one too many evenings where dinner was a last-minute scramble, I stumbled on the idea of making olive garden chicken gnocchi soup in my slow cooker. Suddenly, my kitchen became the coziest spot in the house, filled with the aroma of thyme, basil, and simmering chicken. There was even a night when I forgot to plug in the crockpot—don’t worry, I laughed (then cried) and started again.
Also, my family started asking for this soup with gnocchi whenever they spotted the bag of fluffy dumplings in the pantry. It’s now my secret weapon for any day that feels like it needs a warm hug. If you’re on a roll with comforting dinners, you might also love the Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe For Tender And Flavorful Dinner—it’s another favorite in my kitchen chaos lineup. Or, when I’m feeling fancy, I switch things up with the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe Easy Dump And Go Crockpot Dinner.
What Makes It Stand Out
First, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting here, letting the chicken, veggies, and gnocchi get extra cozy together. Then, the creamy finish makes it taste like you’ve been stirring the pot all day—even when you’ve just been hiding in the other room with a book. So, if you’re looking for soup gnocchi inspiration or even dreaming about beef gnocchi soup recipes, this olive garden chicken gnocchi soup is a keeper for all those days you want to skip the fuss but still win at dinner.
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Carrots, diced | 2 medium |
| Celery, diced | 2 stalks |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Chicken broth | 6 cups |
| Cooked chicken, shredded | 2 cups |
| Gnocchi | 1 package (16 oz) |
| Fresh spinach | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) |
Handy Kitchen Helpers
If you’re making olive garden chicken gnocchi soup at home, a large soup pot or Dutch oven is your go-to. This classic stovetop method lets you sauté, simmer, and blend flavors in one cozy pot. I always reach for my wooden spoon and a good ladle—nothing fancy, but just right for scooping up every last bit of those pillowy gnocchi. Sometimes, when I want an even simpler dinner, I’ll use a slow cooker, much like I do for my Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe Made Easy In Your Slow Cooker Crockpot. The slow cooker method is wonderful for busy weeknights, and makes this one of my go-to .
Also, you can swap out utensils based on what you have. If you’re in a rush, pre-chopped veggies or rotisserie chicken work well, just as you might for a Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe For A Healthy Weeknight Dinner. Don’t forget to keep things safe and delicious by following proper food safety basics—this advice from FoodSafety.gov has helped me avoid any kitchen mishaps.
Finally, whether you’re gathering around the table for or just craving a bowl of , these little tweaks make it easy to enjoy homemade comfort, no matter your kitchen setup.
Step-by-step method for a Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe
Step 1
First, add the olive oil, diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to your crockpot. Then, sprinkle the dried thyme and basil over the veggies. Stir everything together gently so the flavors begin to mingle.
Step 2
Next, pour in the chicken broth and give it a quick mix. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Also, this is when your kitchen will start to smell like a cozy family gathering, just like the first time I made olive garden chicken gnocchi soup during a snowstorm. My kids couldn’t wait!
Step 3
Then, add the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Continue cooking on low for 45 minutes, or until the gnocchi float and are tender. Finally, stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream. Let it warm for another 10 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan if you like.
Tips and tricks to make this Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe shine
For best results, always use pre-cooked chicken, especially if you’re short on time. Also, don’t skip the heavy cream; it gives the olive garden chicken gnocchi soup its signature velvety feel. If you want to change things up, swap in kale instead of spinach for a bit more bite. Sometimes, I toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat, perfect for Winter Supper Ideas Easy Dinners. If you love hearty soups, check out One Pot Merry Me Chicken Pasta Creamy Dinner Recipe Easy And Delicious for another family favorite. For a twist, try Pan Fried Chicken Piccata Meatballs With Lemon And Capers Recipe—it’s just as comforting. Finally, remember, a squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors of any Soup Gnocchi dish.
What to serve with this Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe
First, when you prepare olive garden chicken gnocchi soup in your Crockpot, you’ll want some simple sides that let the flavor shine. Warm, crusty bread is a classic, perfect for soaking up every last drop. Next, you might enjoy a fresh salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette. For a cozy meal, try pairing your soup with a slice of Baked Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza—the flavors really complement each other. Also, if you’re planning a heartier supper, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls are a fun, seasonal addition. They’re great for Winter Supper Ideas Easy Dinners too!
How to store and reheat
Storing leftovers is easy with Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Recipes, since the slow cooking method melds flavors beautifully. Once cooled, simply transfer the soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. If you’d like to freeze it, consider removing the gnocchi first and adding fresh ones when reheating—this keeps the texture just right. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove or use your slow cooker on low. Stir occasionally to keep everything creamy. This approach works well for Soup Gnocchi and other Soup With Gnocchi Recipes!
FAQ
Can I make olive garden chicken gnocchi soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for extra veggies or plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth. The soup will still be creamy and comforting.
What type of gnocchi should I use?
Homemade or store-bought gnocchi both work well. Olive Garden Gnocchi style is usually potato-based, but you can try other varieties for a twist.
How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?
Add the gnocchi during the last 30 minutes of cooking. That way, they stay tender without falling apart.
Can I add extra veggies?
Absolutely! Carrots, spinach, and celery are traditional, but feel free to toss in your favorites for a heartier Chicken Stew With Gnocchi vibe.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, but for best results, freeze the soup without the gnocchi and add them fresh when reheating. This tip works for Beef Gnocchi Soup Recipes too.
Print
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup – Full recipes (ingredients + preparation)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Clean Eating
Description
This comforting soup features tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a creamy broth with aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the dried thyme and basil, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, then add the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender.
5. Mix in the fresh spinach and heavy cream, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently over low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing, simmering
- Cuisine: American Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Finally, I hope you feel inspired to cozy up with this easy comfort soup recipe whenever you crave something warm and satisfying. There’s nothing quite like a homemade batch of olive garden chicken gnocchi soup to bring everyone together. If you’re looking for more soup with gnocchi or want to try something new for dinner, why not check out our flatbread pizza or the festive cranberry turkey stuffing balls? Also, don’t forget, the Cooking Method board (especially Crockpot / Slow Cooker) has loads of inspiration for meals that are easy to serve and store. For even more tips, recipes, and cozy kitchen fun, follow us on Pinterest! Let’s keep making memories, one comforting bowl at a time.