Cozy Comfort in a Bowl: Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with a Twist

There’s a special charm in the way the aroma of simmering chicken, garlic, and herbs fills the kitchen. I love how the scent of crispy bacon bits mingles with the rich, creamy broth, making it impossible not to pause and breathe it all in. This soup isn’t just about warmth; it’s a sensory journey back to those Sunday family dinners when everything felt simple and good.

Layered with pillowy gnocchi and tender chicken, each spoonful offers a gentle, hearty texture that keeps you reaching for more. I’ve always appreciated how this soup anchors the chaos of a busy week — soothing, satisfying, and oddly restorative, especially now as the days grow colder and nights lengthen.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE?

• It’s uncomplicated but tastes like a fancy restaurant meal.
• The aroma of fresh herbs and garlic makes the whole house smell incredible.
• It reminds me of cozy family Sundays, laughter echoing through the kitchen.
• The textures — creamy broth, tender chicken, plush gnocchi — keep every spoon interesting.
• Perfect for chilly evenings when comfort food steals the show.

As seasons shift, I find myself craving this soup more often. It captures a moment of calm amid busy days and offers a little piece of nostalgia with every bite. No matter how hectic life gets, this bowl promises a moment of simple, satisfying comfort.

In a world where everything feels hurried, this soup stays steady — warming my hands and my spirit. It’s good to have a recipe like this that feels both familiar and refreshingly straightforward, especially now when a gentle reminder of home means everything.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Bacon and Herbs

This chicken gnocchi soup features tender chunks of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, crispy bacon bits, and a creamy broth infused with fresh herbs and garlic. The dish is simmered until flavors meld and the soup develops a velvety, hearty texture with a golden topping of bacon and herbs.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups diced cooked chicken preferably shredded after cooking
• 4 slices bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 cup chicken broth preferably low sodium
• 1 cup milk for creaminess
• 1 cup cream heavy cream, optional for extra richness
• 1 package gnocchi fresh or frozen
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme if available
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Cook the bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat until crispy, then remove and crumble it; set aside.
2. Add olive oil to the same pot and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
3. Stir in the dried thyme and cook for another minute to release the herbs' aroma.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the cooked chicken and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Gently stir in the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes, until they float and are tender.
7. Pour in the heavy cream (if using) and stir to create a rich, creamy texture in the soup.
8. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed.
9. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with the crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs if desired.
10. Serve immediately, enjoying the comforting aroma and creamy, hearty texture of each spoonful.

Notes

For added flavor, consider garnishing with grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

There’s something about the way the broth clings to the gnocchi, melting on your tongue with each bite. The spoon clinks softly on the pot as I ladle out the final servings, feeling grateful for these small, grounding moments.

This dish represents more than just food; it’s a reminder to slow down and enjoy the little comforts that nourish both body and soul. Sometimes, all you need is a warm bowl of soup to make everything feel just right.

Theo Granger

Hi, I’m Theo Granger, a former line cook and unapologetic flavor maximalist from New Orleans. I believe there are two types of people in this world: those who season their food, and those who LIVE to season their food. This blog is for the latter.