Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup: The Ultimate Creamy Homemade Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with this rich, incredibly creamy chicken gnocchi soup, a perfect Olive Garden copycat recipe that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen. This hearty soup is brimming with tender potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, sweet shredded carrots, crisp celery, and succulent cubed chicken. It’s an ideal dish for those evenings when you crave warmth, comfort, and a touch of Italian-American flair without leaving your home. We’re confident this recipe will become a staple in your meal rotation, bringing restaurant-quality taste right to your dining table.
Why This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a Must-Try
This Olive Garden copycat chicken gnocchi soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. There’s something inherently soothing about a large, steamy bowl of creamy chicken and gnocchi, especially as the weather turns chilly. It’s the ultimate comfort food, wrapping you in warmth from the inside out. What makes this particular recipe stand out is its delightful balance of textures and flavors. The pillowy gnocchi melts in your mouth, complementing the tender chicken and the subtle crunch of fresh vegetables, all bathed in a luxurious, herbaceous cream broth. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies your soul and leaves you feeling utterly content.
Beyond its incredible taste, this soup is surprisingly easy to make. Don’t be intimidated by its gourmet appeal; the process is straightforward. You’ll simply chop your ingredients, add them to a single pot, and allow them to simmer to perfection. While it requires a bit of gentle sautéing to soften the aromatic vegetables and a stir or two to meld the flavors, the overall effort is minimal for such a rewarding outcome. It’s “easy peasy” in preparation but “full of flavor” in every spoonful – exactly how we love our homemade meals! You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can achieve such a rich and complex taste, rivalling your favorite restaurant version.
Olive Garden’s soups have a special place in many hearts, and for good reason. From their hearty Pasta Fagioli to the savory Zuppa Toscana and classic minestrone, each offers a unique comfort. However, this creamy chicken gnocchi soup truly “hits the spot,” particularly when served alongside those irresistible, soft garlic butter-basted Olive Garden breadsticks for dipping. The combination is simply divine and makes for a complete, satisfying meal that feels like a special treat any day of the week.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Gnocchi Soup
To whip up this delectable soup, you’ll need a selection of fresh and pantry staples. While the full list with precise measurements and detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here’s an overview of the key components:
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitution Ideas
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing possible substitutions can elevate your cooking and adapt this recipe to your preferences or what you have on hand.
CHICKEN: For this recipe, we typically use two chicken breasts, which are cooked and then diced. However, feel free to simplify things by using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. Simply shred or cube the rotisserie chicken and add it to the soup towards the end of the cooking process, just long enough to warm it through. This is a fantastic time-saver, especially on busy weeknights. If you prefer, chicken thighs can also be used for a slightly richer flavor and more tender texture. Ensure any raw chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the simmering broth, or as an alternative, you can lightly brown diced raw chicken in the pot before adding vegetables (as detailed in the “Before You Begin” notes in the recipe card).
GNOCCHI: The magic of gnocchi isn’t just its delightful texture but also its ability to subtly thicken the soup as it simmers. We recommend using store-bought potato gnocchi for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade gnocchi would be an incredible addition. If you desire an even heartier, more substantial soup, don’t hesitate to double the amount of gnocchi. Keep in mind that as the gnocchi cooks, it will absorb some of the liquid, contributing to the creamy consistency. For dietary alternatives, gluten-free gnocchi options are available and work wonderfully in this recipe.
VEGETABLES: Our core vegetables include white onion, garlic, shredded carrots, and sliced celery, which create a fragrant and flavorful base. Fresh baby spinach is stirred in at the end, wilting beautifully and adding a vibrant color and essential nutrients. Feel free to adjust the quantities of these vegetables to your liking. For additional nutrients or a different flavor profile, consider adding other quick-cooking vegetables like chopped zucchini, green beans, or even a handful of frozen peas during the last few minutes of simmering.
BROTH & CREAM: The foundation of this soup’s incredible depth comes from a good quality chicken broth or stock. A rich broth will contribute significantly to the overall flavor. If you’re using a low-sodium broth, water, or a lighter stock, remember to adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and herbs to taste. Bouillon granules dissolved in hot water can also be an excellent substitute for broth in a pinch. Finally, heavy whipping cream is what gives this soup its signature creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel. For a slightly lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, though it might result in a thinner consistency. Dairy-free heavy cream alternatives are also available for those with dietary restrictions, just be mindful of their specific flavor profiles.
SEASONINGS: A blend of dried thyme, oregano, and basil, along with salt and coarse black pepper, provides the classic Italian-inspired flavors. Fresh herbs can always be substituted for dried ones; a good rule of thumb is to use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. Adjust all seasonings according to your personal preference – taste as you go!
How to Make This Irresistible Chicken Gnocchi Soup
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for your soup.
- Next, add the shredded carrots and sliced celery to the pot. Continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly and absorb the flavors of the onion and garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add the dried thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, add the cooked and diced chicken, along with the gnocchi. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finally, stir in the fresh baby spinach and heavy cream. Continue to stir until the spinach wilts down, which should take only 1-2 minutes. At this point, your creamy chicken gnocchi soup is ready to be enjoyed!
- Give the soup a final stir, taste, and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and savor every comforting spoonful.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Soup
Store any leftover chicken gnocchi soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so over low heat on the stovetop. You might notice the soup has thickened significantly while refrigerated due to the gnocchi absorbing more liquid. To loosen it back up and restore its creamy consistency, simply add a splash of water or extra chicken broth during reheating until it reaches your desired texture. Avoid boiling it vigorously to prevent the gnocchi from breaking down too much.
If you prefer a thicker, more stew-like consistency, you can easily achieve this by making a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the simmering soup (as a final step after adding spinach and cream) and continue to simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking. For a thinner soup, just add a bit more chicken broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency. Remember that the gnocchi naturally thickens the soup as it cooks and cools, so keep that in mind when adjusting.
Freezing creamy soups can be a bit tricky, as the cream might separate upon thawing, and gnocchi can become mushy. While it’s generally not recommended for optimal texture, if you must freeze it, do so without the gnocchi and cream. Prepare the soup up to the point of adding broth and chicken. Freeze this base in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat the base, then add fresh gnocchi and heavy cream, cooking until the gnocchi is tender and the soup is creamy. If freezing the finished soup, be prepared for a slightly different texture in both the cream and the gnocchi.
Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the chicken entirely. You can replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it fully plant-based. For added protein and heartiness, consider adding white beans, chickpeas, or additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also add some plant-based ‘chicken’ strips or tofu towards the end of cooking. The rich base of vegetables, gnocchi, and cream makes a wonderfully satisfying vegetarian meal on its own.
Serving Suggestions for Your Cozy Soup
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is a meal in itself, but it truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. For the full Olive Garden experience, serve it with warm, crusty bread or those beloved garlic butter breadsticks for dipping into the rich broth. A fresh, crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the soup’s creamy texture. If you’re like me, a glass of refreshing peach iced tea complements the meal perfectly, just like at Olive Garden. Enjoy this comforting dish as a delightful appetizer or a satisfying main course!
More Delightful Soup Recipes to Explore
If you’re a soup lover, there’s always a new recipe to discover. Here are some other fantastic soup ideas to keep you warm and cozy:
- Hearty Taco Soup
- Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Comforting Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup
- Italian Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup
- Luxurious Lobster Bisque
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Chicken Gnocchi Soup
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup white onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup shredded carrot 1-2 medium carrots
- 1 cup celery sliced, 2-3 stalks
- 6 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper plus more to taste
- 2 chicken breasts cooked and diced
- 16 ounce gnocchi
- 1 cups baby spinach leaves 1-2 cups
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Things You’ll Need
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Stockpot or dutch oven
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Chef’s knife
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Cutting board
Before You Begin
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- You can also cook the chicken as part of the recipe. Dice raw chicken into pieces. Use a bit more olive oil (or cooking oil) and saute the chicken until browned (does not need to cook through) and remove to a plate. Then proceed with the sauteeing the onion and continuing with the recipe.
- The gnocchi thicken up the soup a bit during simmering. You could double the amount of gnocchi for a heartier soup.
- If you want a thicker stew-like consistency, make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir the slurry into the simmering soup (as a final step) and simmer until it thickens.
- Use a rich chicken broth/stock or use bouillon granules. If you use a low sodium broth, water, a light stock, etc., use additional salt/pepper and seasonings.
Instructions
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In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Saute onion soft and translucent; add the garlic and cook 1-2 minutes more, until garlic is fragrant.
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Add carrots and celery; saute 2-3 minutes longer.
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Add chicken broth, thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot and bring to a boil. Add the chicken and gnocchi and cook on low heat, covered, for 10 minutes.
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Stir in the spinach and heavy cream. Once the spinach wilts (1-2 minutes), the soup is ready.
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Stir the soup, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.