How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Home

There’s nothing quite as comforting as Olive Garden’s creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup—except a lighter, healthier version that fits your Weight Watchers plan! This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup captures the rich, velvety texture and savory flavors of the original, but with smart swaps to slash calories and SmartPoints. Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant veggies, this cozy soup is a guilt-free way to warm up on chilly nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• WW-Friendly Comfort: Enjoy the creamy indulgence of restaurant-style soup without derailing your progress.
• Quick & Easy: Simmered in one pot for minimal cleanup.
• Meal Prep Hero: Tastes even better the next day—perfect for lunches all week.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or protein to keep it fresh.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
• 1 (16-oz) package potato gnocchi (look for lower-point options or use ½ package)
• 4 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• ½ cup diced celery
• ½ cup diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 3 tbsp water for thickening)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan (add points if used)

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.

Build the Soup Base

1. Pour in chicken broth, almond milk, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
2. Reduce heat to low and stir in cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add Chicken & Gnocchi

1. Stir in shredded chicken and gnocchi. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until gnocchi are tender (follow package instructions).

Finish with Greens

1. Fold in fresh spinach and cook just until wilted (1-2 minutes). Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve

1. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan (track points accordingly).

Nutritional Information

(Per 1.5-cup serving)

• Calories: ~220
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• WW SmartPoints: 4 (with almond milk and no Parmesan) or 5 (with skim milk).

Tips for Success

1. Lighten the Gnocchi: Use ½ the gnocchi package and bulk up with extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
2. Pre-Cook Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken (remove skin).
3. Thicken to Taste: For a creamier texture, add ¼ cup fat-free Greek yogurt at the end.
4. Freezer-Friendly: Portion and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

Traditional Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup can pack over 300 calories and 10g of fat per serving, but this version slashes points by:

• Swapping heavy cream for almond or skim milk.
• Using cornstarch instead of roux (butter + flour) for thickening.
• Loading up on zero-point veggies like spinach, carrots, and celery.
• Opting for lean chicken breast and controlling gnocchi portions.

Serving Ideas

• With a Salad: Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon and balsamic.
• Bread on the Side: Serve with a slice of whole-grain bread (track points).
• Veggie Boost: Add a handful of steamed broccoli or kale for extra fiber.

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food makeover—creamy, satisfying, and perfectly portioned for your wellness journey. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or need a meal prep staple, this soup delivers all the flavors you love with none of the guilt.