Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat!)

Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish filled with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and flavorful herbs. This easy homemade version tastes just like the restaurant favorite and is perfect for a cozy meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Just like Olive Garden’s – A perfect copycat version!
  • Rich and creamy – A velvety broth packed with flavor.
  • One-pot meal – Easy to make with minimal cleanup.
  • Customizable – Adjust seasonings, veggies, or add extra protein.
  • Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat!) 10 Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish filled with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and flavorful herbs. This easy homemade version tastes just like the restaurant favorite and is perfect for a cozy meal at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Onion (diced)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Carrots (shredded or diced)
  • Celery (chopped)
  • Chicken broth
  • Potato gnocchi (fresh or packaged)
  • Heavy cream
  • Fresh spinach (chopped)
  • Flour (for thickening)
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
  • Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).

Step 2: Make the Broth

  1. Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1 minute to form a light roux.
  2. Slowly add chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  3. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

  1. Add shredded chicken and bring to a gentle simmer.
  2. Stir in gnocchi and cook for 3-5 minutes until they float to the top.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Spinach

  1. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and fresh spinach.
  2. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Ladle into bowls, garnish with Parmesan cheese, and serve warm with breadsticks or salad.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Lighter version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Extra protein – Add cooked bacon or Italian sausage.
  • Vegetarian option – Swap chicken for mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
  • Gluten-free – Use gluten-free gnocchi and flour.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze before adding gnocchi and cream for up to 2 months. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra broth if needed.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat!)
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat!) 11 Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish filled with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and flavorful herbs. This easy homemade version tastes just like the restaurant favorite and is perfect for a cozy meal at home.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! It’s a great shortcut—just shred and add it to the soup.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, then add the gnocchi and cream in the last 30 minutes.

What can I use instead of gnocchi?

Try small pasta like orzo or tortellini.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut milk instead of cream and dairy-free butter.

What should I serve with this soup?

Breadsticks, a side salad, or garlic bread pair perfectly.

Conclusion

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat recipe is creamy, hearty, and bursting with comforting flavors. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that the whole family will love. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home

Print
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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat!)

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat!)

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  • Author: Kim Cooks Easy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This creamy, comforting Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a spot-on copycat of the famous Olive Garden favorite! Packed with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy broth, it’s the perfect cozy meal. Make it at home in under 30 minutes!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped
  • 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 16 oz potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  • Sauté the Aromatics:
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, celery, and shredded carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  • Make the Base:
  • Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
  • Add Liquids:
  • Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Then add the heavy cream and milk. Stir well to combine.
  • Add Chicken & Gnocchi:
  • Stir in the cooked chicken, potato gnocchi, thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the soup simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and starts floating to the top.
  • Add Spinach & Finish:
  • Stir in the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese (if using). Simmer for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve & Enjoy:
  • Ladle into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy with crusty bread or breadsticks!

Notes

  • Chicken Options: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut, or cook and shred your own chicken breasts.
  • Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of flour or simmer longer.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gnocchi and a gluten-free flour substitute.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 860mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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