Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Medium

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

(465)
55 min4469 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

chicken-soups-stewsolive-garden-chicken-and-gnoccolive-garden-chicken-gnocchi-schicken-and-gnocchi-soup-olive

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Add Acid at the End

A squeeze of lemon juice or splash of vinegar added right before serving brightens the entire bowl. It doesn't make it sour — it makes everything else taste more like itself.

Season Generously

Most home cooks under-season their chicken. I use about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of chicken, applied at least 30 minutes before cooking for the deepest flavour penetration.

Build Layers of Flavour

Sear the chicken first to develop a fond (those brown bits on the bottom of the pot). Deglaze with broth and scrape it all up — that's where 80% of your soup's depth comes from.

About This Recipe

When the chill of winter settles in, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup to bring comfort and joy to your dinner table. This Canadian version captures the essence of the original while incorporating local ingredients that resonate with home cooks. The tender chicken mingles with fluffy gnocchi and a medley of vegetables, creating a soup that is rich and satisfying, perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends spent with family and friends. It’s a hug in a bowl, with each spoonful echoing the warmth of cherished moments shared around the dining table.

Home cooks across Canada have embraced this soup because it balances convenience with gourmet flair. The hearty texture, combined with aromatic garlic and thyme, creates a flavour profile that is both comforting and invigorating. With just 15 minutes of prep and minimal fuss, you can whip up a dish that impresses without overwhelming. It’s a staple for meal prep or whenever guests drop by unexpectedly, showcasing how simple ingredients can create something truly remarkable and beloved in Canadian kitchens.

Tips for the Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

To ensure your Chicken Gnocchi Soup reaches its full potential, be vigilant about cooking the chicken to the perfect doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to keep it juicy and tender. Sauté the onions, garlic, and vegetables until they’re fragrant and just softened, which helps build a robust base for your soup. Lastly, don’t rush adding the gnocchi—toss them in during the final few minutes of cooking to keep them soft and pillowy, avoiding any chance of them becoming mushy.

What to Serve With It

For an authentic Canadian touch, serve your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup alongside warm, crusty bread or fresh dinner rolls, perfect for dipping. A light arugula salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. If you're feeling adventurous, consider a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. This combination not only elevates the dish but also makes for an inviting, hearty meal.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of this delightful soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. If you want to freeze it, pack the soup in freezer-safe containers and enjoy within 3 months. Keep in mind that the gnocchi may soften upon thawing, but the flavor will remain deliciously intact.

Nutrition Per Serving

469
Calories
35g
Protein
18g
Fat
41g
Carbs
Fiber4g
Sugar8g
Sodium635mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?+

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds extra flavor to your soup. Simply shred the chicken and add it during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through.

What can I substitute for gnocchi if I can't find it?+

If gnocchi is not available, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as pasta will need a bit longer to cook than gnocchi.

How can I make this soup creamier?+

For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking. This will give your soup a rich, velvety finish that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?+

Certainly! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, or even peas for added nutrition and color. Just toss them in towards the end of cooking to preserve their freshness.

Is this soup gluten-free?+

To make this soup gluten-free, simply substitute traditional gnocchi with gluten-free gnocchi and ensure that your broth is also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should already be compliant.

Reviews

4.5 / 5 (465 reviews)
Sophie S.
Jul 20, 2025

My family loved this recipe. Will definitely make again!

Michelle H.
Sep 22, 2025

Followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect.

Rachel O.
Oct 26, 2025

Made this twice already this month. So delicious!

Amanda R.
Nov 3, 2025

Simple ingredients, amazing results. Highly recommend.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
15 min
Cook:
40 min
Total:
55 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Medium

Pro Tips

  • 1Always pat chicken dry before cooking for the best sear and crispiest skin.
  • 2Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
  • 3Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Variations

  • Substitute chicken thighs for breast for a juicier, more forgiving result.
  • Add your favourite seasonal vegetables to make it a complete one-dish meal.
  • Adjust spice levels to your personal preference — start mild and add more heat gradually.

Chicken Soups & Stews

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

The Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe everyone keeps asking for. Here it is!

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

You Might Also Like

Popular Recipes

More Chicken Soups & Stews

Explore More