Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Posted on September 10, 2025
Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup
**For the Chicken:**
- 1 pound chicken breast (2 large breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**For the Soup:**
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 to 3 carrots (diced)
- 1/2 yellow onion (diced)
- 1/2 celery stalk (chopped)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups half and half + 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Dash of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 to 3 basil leaves (chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 1 large handful of spinach
**Preparing the Chicken:**
- Marinate the chicken in a bowl with olive oil, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure it’s evenly coated.
- Heat an oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken on each side until golden brown and fully cooked, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the pan and chop or shred the chicken. Set aside.
**Making the Soup:**
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté garlic, carrots, onion, and celery with butter and oil until the onions soften.
- Whisk together half and half and flour in a small bowl. Add this mixture to the pot along with chicken broth. Stir well.
- Season the soup with black pepper, Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, and salt. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, uncover the pot and add the chicken, parmesan, parsley, red pepper flakes, basil, and gnocchi. Let the gnocchi cook for 6 to 9 minutes until soft.
- Finally, add spinach, taste the soup, adjust seasoning if needed, and remove from heat. Optionally, garnish with more parmesan, chopped parsley, and cooked bacon.
- Get ready to savor every spoonful of this homemade goodness!
