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!

this Recipe

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

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

Step 3: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

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

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Spinach

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

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

10. 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.

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

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