A Bite Inspired by… Ice Skating:
I love the Chicken & Gnocchi soup at the Olive Garden, but it’s super dairy heavy and sometimes leaves me feeling a bit weighed down. This dairy-free version of everyone’s favorite soup is just as delicious, while being lighter and healthier. The secret to this recipe is the amazing dairy-free substitute I found for half and half. Read on to learn this little trick and to find out about one of my favorite childhood hobbies that I recently rediscovered!
This recipe has been moved! You can find it on my new blog, Flaxseeds & Fairytales, by following this link: https://flaxseedsandfairytales.com/dairy-free-chicken-gnocchi-soup/
I’ve recently updated this recipe on Flaxseeds & Fairytales and now it’s better than ever! It is now gluten-free in addition to dairy-free. I’ve also added several variations, including the original gluten containing version in the recipe notes. Enjoy!
This recipe for dairy-free chicken gnocchi soup is so great! While not totally dairy free, I do try to limit it whenever possible. I had no idea you could substitute coconut cream and soy milk for half and half! I’ve got to check out the Go Dairy Free site soon, or just continue to stalk your beautiful diary-free recipes here 😉
Thank you so much, Erica! Go Dairy Free is a great site– definitely check it out. 🙂
This looks delicious! I never had the Olive Garden version, but I’m sure this is just as delicious. It looks so creamy and hearty, despite being dairy free. Great to know there’s a good work around that can keep things extra tasty!
Thank you, Alison! This soup is unbelievably creamy, especially considering that it’s dairy-free. Hope you enjoy! 🙂
So good and, I love the rotisserie chicken hack! Anything to save time on meal prep during the week. Thanks for sharing!
Using rotisserie chicken is definitely a great time saver! Thanks Jamie! 🙂
this sounds great! nothing is as comforting as a big bowl of soup. I love that it’s dairy free because I know soooo many people who just can’t do dairy anymore
Thank you so much, Kelsie! This is a great alternative for people who can’t eat a lot of dairy, but enjoy creamy, comforting soups. 🙂
I love the idea of the coconut flavour in this soup. It moves it in a whole different direction. I’ve never had the Olive Garden version but I’d hazard a guess that this is waaayyy better than their version. Do you think a bit of heat would work? A little pinch of cayenne? I’m a hopeless chilihead…
Thank you, Romain! Yes, a pinch of cayenne would work really well in this soup. Great idea! 🙂
Your post about skating makes me want to get back on the ice too! I was never that good at it, but it was always fun! The soup looks delicious and a lot more healthier than the Olive Garden version. Great tip on making dairy-free half-and-half!
Aww thank you, Marie! So glad I could inspire you to get back to ice skating. It really is a fantastic hobby, whether you’re good at it or not. 😉 Thanks again for stopping by!
This sounds absolutely delicious, although I’d make this without chicken, since I don’t eat meat. I would maybe add tofu?!
Thank you! I actually have tips for making a vegan version of this soup in the notes at the bottom of the recipe card. Just replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and either omit the chicken or replace with tofu. It’s just as delicious! Hope you enjoy! 🙂
Just WOW this looks SOOOO good! I absolutely LOVE Gnocchi and have yet to make a soup with it. I am totally making this – thank you for the great idea!
Thank you so much, Joely! If you like gnocchi, you’ll love this soup. Enjoy!
I love eating soups when the cold weather is around. Olive Garden always has the yummiest soups but I have never tried this one. Your recipe looks like I will need to try it out.
Thank you Cacinda! This is the perfect cold weather soup. Enjoy!
You had me at coconut milk! Now I know how to make dairy free half and half, too! This will come in handy when my brother comes to visit (he’s lactose intolerant). Can’t wait to try this!
Thanks Riva! I hope you and your brother enjoy this soup!
I love that you found a way to copy cat Olive Garden’s soup recipe and have it be tasty and dairy free. I have had this soup at Olive Garden before and I do agree it has a heaviness. I will be sharing your recipe with my daughter who is at college in an apt with others that are dairy free.
Thank you Becky! My version does taste a lot like the Olive Garden one minus the heaviness. Hope your daughter and her friends enjoy this soup! 🙂
OH now this looks delicious. I love a good soup. I’m not much of a cook, but this I might be able to handle. I know my family will enjoy trying it. Perfect for this funky, chilly spring weather we’re having here in Michigan.
Thank you Jenn! I promise, this soup is super easy to make and it’s perfect for cold weather! Enjoy!
That trick is wonderful! I am not really dairy intolerant but I feel uneasy if a dish makes me feel weighted down and you gave me the perfect substitute. Thank you for sharing this amazing trick and the recipe.
Thank you so much, Sandy! The dairy-free half-and-half is a great hack that works well with a ton of recipes. Enjoy!
I love Olive Garden .. especially their soup. While I don’t eliminate dairy all together .. I do try to limit it when I can ..and now reach for my coconut milk etc out habit. Gnocchi tastes like comfort to me. With snow forecast this weekend .. this sounds like a great recipe to make!
Thank you so much, Ali! Gnocchi is comfort food for me too. This soup will keep you warm, for sure. Enjoy!
I have never added gnocchi in soup, so this will be my very first attempt to do so. I am happy I chanced upon this recipe. Using coconut cream would make it a more hearty soup. I’m totally sold and making this for our Sunday dinner.
Thank you so much, Jennifer! Gnocchi in soup is delicious. Enjoy! 🙂
I dined before in Olive Garden when I was in NYC and their dishes were good! And I would agree on the soup. This looks like a great take on that!
Thanks Aileen! This soup is very similar to the Olive Garden’s, but without the heaviness. Win-win! 🙂
omg I used to LOVE SKATING when I was 10. I swear I was like super good at it too and that breeze! As an adult I also tried to do it again thinking it was like riding a bike right? You never forget. Yea – you forget. haha I was gripping on to dear life to the sides and I ended my day with a very bruised bum. This soup looks like something I totally needed to warm my cold and bruised bum haha 🙂 I love the trick about the coconut cream! Who knew? 🙂 Thanks Alyssa!
Thank you, Joyce! I definitely had some trouble getting back on the ice too, but it does come back to you… eventually. Just give it a few more tries and it’ll start to sink back in. 🙂 In the meantime, this soup will definitely warm your “cold and bruised bum”. hahahaha Thanks for stopping by, Joyce!