Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Easy Copycat!)

Hello, WiseRecipes readers and fellow comfort food fanatics! I may have mentioned in an earlier post (or three), just how much I have always loved the Chicken Gnocchi Soup from Olive Garden! If you’re like me and crave that creamy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying soup, then you are in for an absolute treat today. I’m sharing my Ultimate Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe – and trust me, the recipe is easy to follow and the flavor is spot on.

Imagine a luscious, velvety broth filled with tender shredded chicken, pillowy soft potato gnocchi, sweet carrots, and delicate spinach. This easy copycat olive garden chicken gnocchi soup is everything you remember from the restaurant, but made with love in your own kitchen. It truly is the best homemade creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe you’ll find for recreating that iconic taste.

My journey to perfecting this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe was all about capturing that signature creaminess and the perfect balance of flavors from simple ingredients like carrots, spinach, garlic, and potato gnocchi. We’ll explore how to make chicken and gnocchi soup like olive garden that will have you skipping the takeout line. It is a hearty soup that keeps you coming back for more every time, and it is the perfect dinner option for a cold winter night! Mmm…delicious!

So, if you’re ready for a quick comfort food soup recipe with chicken and potato gnocchi or a flavorful chicken spinach carrot gnocchi soup that will warm you from the inside out, let’s get our soup pots ready for this amazing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe!

Why This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is Pure Comfort in a Bowl

If “flavor is spot on” isn’t enough to convince you, here’s why this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is simply irresistible:

• Authentic Olive Garden Taste: This copycat recipe gets incredibly close to the beloved restaurant version, delivering that creamy, savory flavor you crave. This is the heart of our Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe.
• Creamy & Luscious Broth: The velvety smooth, rich broth is perfectly comforting and satisfying.
• Tender Chicken & Pillowy Gnocchi: The combination of shredded chicken and soft potato gnocchi makes every spoonful a delight.
• Hearty & Filling: Packed with chicken, gnocchi, and vegetables, this soup is substantial enough to be a main course.
• Surprisingly Easy to Make at Home: While it tastes like a restaurant specialty, this easy copycat olive garden chicken gnocchi soup is straightforward to prepare.
• Perfect for Chilly Nights: There’s nothing better than a warm, comforting bowl of this soup on a cold day.
• Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: This soup is universally loved and always a hit with family and friends.

Gather Your Comforting Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Let’s get our simple yet flavorful components ready for this delightful Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe.

Key Ingredients (Serves 6-8):

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or Thighs): 1 lb, cooked and shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!).
• Olive Oil or Butter: 2 tablespoons.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped.
• Celery: 2 stalks, finely chopped.
• Carrots: 2 medium, shredded or finely diced.
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced.
• All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup (for thickening).
• Chicken Broth (Low Sodium): 6 cups.
• Half-and-Half (or Heavy Cream for richer, Milk for lighter): 2 cups.
• Potato Gnocchi (Shelf-Stable or Refrigerated): 1 package (16-17 oz).
• Fresh Baby Spinach: 5 oz (about 5 large handfuls), roughly chopped if leaves are large.
• Dried Thyme (Optional): ½ teaspoon.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional): For garnish.

Crafting Your Creamy Copycat Masterpiece: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s create this beloved Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe!

Step 1: Prepare Chicken & Sauté Aromatics

1. Cook & Shred Chicken (If Not Using Pre-Cooked): If using raw chicken breasts, poach or bake them until cooked through (165°F/74°C). Let cool slightly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. If using rotisserie chicken, simply shred or dice the cooked meat. Set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion, celery, and shredded/diced carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the 3-4 cloves of minced garlic and optional ½ teaspoon dried thyme. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This builds the flavor base for your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Soup Base

1. Create Roux: Sprinkle the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables in the pot. Stir constantly and cook for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This forms a roux which will help thicken your soup.
2. Gradually Whisk in Broth: Slowly pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Ensure the roux is fully incorporated into the broth.
3. Simmer Broth: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the broth to thicken slightly. This is key for the best homemade creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe.

Step 3: Add Chicken, Gnocchi, Cream & Spinach

1. Stir in Half-and-Half & Chicken: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the 2 cups of half-and-half (or heavy cream/milk) and the cooked, shredded/diced chicken. Heat gently, do not let it come to a rapid boil once the dairy is added.
2. Cook Gnocchi: Add the 1 package of potato gnocchi to the soup. Stir gently. Cook according to the gnocchi package directions, usually for about 3-5 minutes after they float to the surface, or until they are tender and cooked through. This is how to make chicken and gnocchi soup like olive garden with perfect gnocchi.
3. Wilt Spinach: Once the gnocchi is cooked, stir in the 5 oz of fresh baby spinach. Cook for just 1-2 minutes more, until the spinach is just wilted into the soup.
4. Season to Perfection: Taste the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe and season generously with salt and black pepper to your preference. Remember that broth and pre-cooked chicken can vary in saltiness.

Step 4: Serve Your Comforting Bowl of Goodness!

1. Ladle and Garnish: Ladle the hot, creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe into warm serving bowls.
2. Optional Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a little extra chopped fresh parsley or a grind of black pepper, if desired.
3. Serve Immediately: Enjoy this flavorful chicken spinach carrot gnocchi soup while it’s warm and comforting, perhaps with some crusty bread for dipping! This is a truly quick comfort food soup recipe with chicken and potato gnocchi.

Wise Tips for the Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Home

Recreate that restaurant magic with these tips for your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe:

• Don’t Boil After Adding Dairy: Once you add the half-and-half or cream, keep the soup at a gentle simmer. Boiling vigorously can sometimes cause dairy to curdle or separate.
• Gnocchi Timing: Add gnocchi towards the end of the soup-making process, as they cook quickly. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy. Follow package directions.
• Finely Chopped/Shredded Veggies: For a texture similar to the restaurant version, ensure your onions, celery, and carrots are finely chopped or shredded so they meld into the creamy broth nicely.
• Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver for this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: This is crucial for any soup. Broth saltiness varies, so taste frequently and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
• Fresh Spinach is Best: It wilts down beautifully. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out all excess water before adding.
• Creamy Consistency: If your soup is too thick, thin it with a little more warm broth or milk. If too thin, you can simmer it gently for a bit longer to reduce, or make a small slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water and whisk it into the simmering soup until thickened (use sparingly).

Delicious Variations & Additions to Explore

While this copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is classic, feel free to experiment:

• Add More Veggies: Sautéed sliced mushrooms or diced zucchini would be lovely additions.
• Different Herbs: A pinch of dried rosemary or a bay leaf simmered with the broth can add another layer of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a bit of warmth.
• Cheesier Version: Stir in an extra ¼ to ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese directly into the soup with the spinach for an even richer flavor.
• Make it Vegetarian (Almost!): Omit the chicken, use vegetable broth, and load up on more vegetables like mushrooms and perhaps some cannellini beans for heartiness. It won’t be “Chicken Gnocchi Soup” anymore, but a delicious Creamy Veggie Gnocchi Soup!
• Bacon Bits: Sprinkle some crispy cooked bacon bits on top as a garnish for an extra savory crunch.

Storing & Reheating Your Creamy Comfort Soup

Enjoying leftovers of your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe:

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. The soup (and gnocchi) will thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a splash of milk, half-and-half, or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency when reheating. Avoid boiling vigorously.
• Freezing (With Caution): Cream-based soups and cooked gnocchi can sometimes change texture upon freezing and thawing (dairy can separate, gnocchi can become a bit mushy). If you do freeze, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat very gently, stirring well. It might not be quite as perfect as fresh but can still be enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Your common questions about this beloved copycat soup:

1. What kind of gnocchi should I use for this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe?
   Shelf-stable potato gnocchi (found in the pasta aisle) or refrigerated fresh potato gnocchi both work well. Mini gnocchi are also a fun option if you can find them.
2. Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
   Yes, using heavy cream will result in an even richer and creamier soup. You can also use whole milk for a slightly lighter version, though it won’t be as decadent as the original Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe.
3. How do I prevent my gnocchi from getting mushy?
   Add the gnocchi towards the end of the cooking process and cook them only until they are tender and float (or according to package directions). Avoid over-stirring vigorously once the gnocchi are in the soup.
4. Is this recipe exactly like Olive Garden’s?
   This easy copycat olive garden chicken gnocchi soup aims to get very close in flavor and texture to the beloved restaurant version, using simple, accessible ingredients for home cooks. Many find it to be a spot-on recreation!
5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make it a day ahead. The flavors often meld and become even better. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of liquid if needed, as described in the storage section. Add fresh parsley or Parmesan garnish just before serving.

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is the ultimate bowl of creamy, hearty comfort. It’s an easy copycat olive garden chicken gnocchi soup that brings all the beloved flavors of the restaurant classic right to your home kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, sweet carrots, wilted spinach, and savory garlic in that luscious broth is truly a flavorful chicken spinach carrot gnocchi soup experience. It’s the perfect dinner option for a cold winter night!

I am so excited for you to try this recipe and cozy up with a warm bowl of this incredible soup! If you make this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, please come back and share your delicious success in the comments below! Did it taste just like your Olive Garden favorite? Happy soup making!