Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Style, Creamy, Cozy & Loaded With Flavor!)

Sarah Smith
Dec 1, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 20 hours ago

Creamy chicken and gnocchi soup in a white bowl, with carrots, spinach, and herbs. A spoon rests inside. Warm and comforting vibe.

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is warm, creamy, and ultra comforting — just like the beloved Olive Garden style, but better when homemade. Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, carrots, and garlic simmer together in a rich, velvety broth that tastes like pure comfort in a bowl.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, slow Sundays, or anytime you want a restaurant-quality cozy soup without leaving home.

Pairs beautifully with Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread, Herbed Focaccia Bread, or a crisp Classic Caesar Salad.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy, comforting soup with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi
Cozy, satisfying bowl that feels hearty without being heavy
Simple ingredients that come together easily
Perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or family dinners

Recipe Card

Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 20 minutes Total: 30 minutes Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
1 cup heavy cream
1 lb potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
2 cups fresh spinach
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp thyme
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Optional: grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

2. Make the Base

Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth.

3. Add Chicken & Seasoning

Stir in shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5 minutes.

4. Add Cream & Gnocchi

Pour in heavy cream and add gnocchi. Simmer 5–7 minutes, or until gnocchi float and are soft.

5. Add Spinach

Stir in spinach until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning.

6. Serve

Serve warm with bread, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and cracked black pepper.

Ways to Serve

With Homemade Italian Bread
With Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread
Paired with a Classic Southern Garden Salad
Add extra gnocchi for a heartier bowl
Stir in mushrooms or bacon for extra richness

Storage

Refrigerator: 3–4 days
Reheat gently; add extra broth or cream if thickened
Freezing: Not recommended (gnocchi becomes mushy)

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Any cooked, shredded chicken will work.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the soup will be thinner. Half-and-half is a better substitute for a creamier texture.

Does gnocchi need to be cooked before adding it?

No — add it straight to the soup. It cooks directly in the broth, helping make it thicker.

Can I make Chicken Gnocchi Soup ahead of time?

Yes, but the gnocchi will continue to soften. For best results, cook the soup ahead and add the gnocchi when reheating.

Can I freeze Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Freezing isn’t recommended — dairy and gnocchi both change texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for 3–4 days.

How do I thicken the soup?

Simmer longer, add extra gnocchi, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water).

How can I lighten this recipe?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and swap some gnocchi for extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.

What can I serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Great sides include Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread, Herbed Focaccia Bread, Classic Caesar Salad, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup delivers all the creamy, cozy flavor of Olive Garden—but made fresh at home in under 30 minutes. With tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a rich, comforting broth, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that always satisfies. Serve with salad or warm bread for the perfect comfort-food meal. Once you try it, this homemade version will become your go-to Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe!