The Ultimate Olive Garden Copycat Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe: A Hearty and Easy Delight
Indulge in the comforting embrace of a rich and creamy chicken gnocchi soup, a beloved Olive Garden copycat recipe that consistently wins hearts. This hearty soup is generously loaded with tender potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, finely shredded carrots, crisp celery, and perfectly cubed chicken, creating a symphony of textures and flavors in every spoonful. It’s a culinary masterpiece that brings the essence of your favorite Italian-American restaurant right to your dining table, promising warmth, satisfaction, and a truly memorable meal.
Why This Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a Must-Try
There’s a reason this Olive Garden copycat chicken gnocchi soup has garnered such a loyal following – it’s the epitome of comfort food, perfectly marrying convenience with an abundance of flavor. Imagine a large, steaming bowl of creamy chicken and gnocchi, a velvety texture that soothes the soul, making it the ideal dish to cozy up with on a crisp autumn evening or a chilly winter day. What makes this recipe truly stand out is its surprising simplicity. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip up this impressive meal.
The magic happens with just a few straightforward steps: a bit of chopping, adding ingredients to a single pot, and then allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over gentle heat. While it does require a little interaction—a quick sauté to soften the aromatic vegetables and a gentle stir to ensure everything is perfectly combined—the process is incredibly forgiving and enjoyable. The result is a soup that tastes like it took hours of intricate preparation, but in reality, comes together with “easy peasy” effort, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. This balance of ease and deliciousness is precisely why it’s a staple in many homes.
Olive Garden’s soups have undeniably captured our collective palates, and for good reason. From the rustic charm of Pasta Fagioli to the robust goodness of Zuppa Toscana and the fresh appeal of Minestrone, each of their offerings hits just the right spot. This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is no exception, delivering a rich, satisfying experience that is only elevated when paired with their legendary soft, garlic butter-basted breadsticks for dipping. That perfect combination is simply swoon-worthy!
Key Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Crafting this delicious soup requires a selection of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create its signature creamy, savory profile. While the detailed measurements and step-by-step instructions are provided in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here’s an overview of what you’ll need to gather:
- Protein: Chicken breasts (or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- Pasta: Potato gnocchi
- Aromatics: White onion and garlic
- Hearty Vegetables: Shredded carrots, sliced celery, and fresh baby spinach
- Liquid Base: High-quality chicken broth or stock
- Creaminess: Heavy whipping cream
- Seasonings: Olive oil, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and coarse black pepper
Having these ingredients prepped and ready will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience!
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips for Perfect Results & Easy Swaps
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing a few clever substitutions can elevate your cooking and make this recipe even more versatile. Here’s a closer look:
CHICKEN – For this recipe, we typically recommend using 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced or shredded. However, if you’re looking to significantly reduce prep time without sacrificing flavor, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store is an excellent shortcut. Simply shred or cube the rotisserie chicken and stir it into the soup near the very end of cooking, just until it’s warmed through. Alternatively, chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor profile, just ensure they are cooked and shredded or diced as well.
GNOCCHI – These delightful potato dumplings are key to the soup’s hearty texture and contribute to its slight thickening as they simmer. While traditional potato gnocchi is our go-to, feel free to experiment with sweet potato gnocchi for a subtly different flavor. For an even more substantial and filling soup, you could easily double the amount of gnocchi. Just remember that more gnocchi will absorb more liquid, so you might need to adjust the broth consistency slightly.
VEGETABLES – Carrots, celery, and spinach form the foundational vegetable base, providing essential nutrients, color, and depth of flavor. For convenience, pre-shredded carrots work wonderfully. Don’t hesitate to add other vegetables to customize your soup. Diced zucchini, frozen peas, corn, or even a handful of chopped kale (added alongside the spinach) can be delicious additions. Make sure to chop any additional hard vegetables to a similar size for even cooking.
BROTH/STOCK – The quality of your chicken broth or stock significantly impacts the overall flavor of your soup. We recommend using a rich chicken broth or stock for the best taste. If you only have bouillon granules, they can be dissolved in hot water to create a flavorful broth. If you opt for a low-sodium broth, plain water, or a lighter stock, remember that you’ll likely need to add extra salt, pepper, and other seasonings to achieve the desired depth of flavor. Taste as you go!
CREAM – Heavy whipping cream is essential for that signature creamy, luxurious texture that makes this soup so irresistible. Avoid using half-and-half or milk as they tend to curdle when heated for extended periods or might not provide the same richness without additional thickeners. For a slightly lighter option, full-fat coconut milk can be used, but be aware it will impart a subtle coconut flavor.
SEASONINGS – Dried thyme, oregano, and basil are the classic Italian herbs that give this soup its aromatic foundation. A bay leaf added during the simmering phase can also add another layer of complexity. Freshly ground black pepper and salt are crucial for balancing the flavors. Don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting the seasoning to your preference before serving. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a mild heat if you enjoy a little kick.
Crafting Your Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are provided to help you visualize the process of making this delightful soup. For the precise measurements and the full printable version of this recipe, complete with nutritional information, please Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- In a large stockpot or a sturdy Dutch oven, begin by heating the olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced white onion and sauté until it becomes wonderfully soft and translucent, usually around 5-7 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Now, introduce the shredded carrots and sliced celery to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly and absorb the flavors of the onion and garlic. This step enhances the sweetness of the carrots and the savory notes of the celery.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add the dried thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, then carefully add the cooked and diced chicken and the gnocchi to the pot. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes, giving the gnocchi time to cook through and become tender, and for all the flavors to truly meld into a delicious base.
- Finally, stir in the fresh baby spinach and the heavy cream. Continue to gently stir until the spinach wilts down completely, which should only take about 1-2 minutes. The soup will transform into its signature creamy, rich consistency at this stage. Once the spinach has softened and the cream is fully incorporated, your delectable chicken gnocchi soup is ready to be enjoyed.
- Before serving, give the soup a final stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference. Ladle into bowls and prepare for a truly satisfying experience!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Store any leftover chicken gnocchi soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it over low heat on the stovetop. The soup may thicken considerably while refrigerated due to the gnocchi absorbing more liquid and the cream settling. To restore its creamy consistency, simply add a splash of water or a bit of extra chicken broth while reheating, stirring until it reaches your desired texture.
If you desire a thicker, more stew-like consistency, there are a couple of methods. The simplest is to create a cornstarch slurry: 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 cream and spinach) and continue to simmer for a few minutes until it visibly thickens. Another trick is to remove about 1/2 cup of the cooked gnocchi from the pot, mash it lightly with a fork, and stir it back into the soup. The starches from the mashed gnocchi will naturally help to thicken the broth.
Absolutely! To save time, you can chop all your vegetables (onion, carrots, celery, garlic) ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, you can cook and dice/shred it a day or two before. This makes assembling the soup on cooking day much quicker and easier.
Freezing creamy soups, especially those containing gnocchi or potatoes, can be tricky as the dairy might separate, and the gnocchi can become mushy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, we recommend freezing the soup *before* adding the heavy cream and gnocchi. When ready to serve, thaw the soup base, bring it to a simmer, then add the gnocchi and cream and cook as directed. If you must freeze the finished soup, stir it well during reheating and be prepared to add extra broth or cream to restore its texture.
Elevate Your Meal: Delicious Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is a satisfying meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary sides. For that authentic Olive Garden experience, serve it alongside warm, crusty bread or fluffy, garlic-infused breadsticks – perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth. A crisp, refreshing side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a wonderful contrast to the soup’s richness. To enhance the flavor even further, consider garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh parsley or basil leaves for a pop of color and herbaceous aroma. And if you’re like me, no Olive Garden-inspired meal is complete without a tall glass of refreshing peach iced tea. Enjoy your homemade feast!
Discover More Comforting Soup Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the warmth and heartiness of this chicken gnocchi soup, you’ll be thrilled to explore more delicious soup creations. Soups are the ultimate comfort food, versatile and perfect for any season. Here are some other fantastic recipes to add to your culinary repertoire:
- Hearty & Flavorful Taco Soup
- Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Zesty Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Comforting Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup
- Robust Italian Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup
- Luxurious Lobster Bisque
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)
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 or shredded
- 16 ounce gnocchi
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves 1-2 cups, loosely packed
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Things You’ll Need
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Stockpot or Dutch oven (large, heavy-bottomed)
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Chef’s knife
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Cutting board
Before You Begin: Important Notes & Pro Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to thin if too thick.
- You can cook raw chicken directly in the pot. Dice raw chicken breasts into small pieces. Heat a bit more olive oil (or cooking oil) in the pot, sauté the chicken until browned (it doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point), then remove to a plate. Proceed with sautéing the onion and follow the recipe steps. Return the chicken to the pot when adding the broth.
- The gnocchi will absorb liquid and thicken the soup slightly during simmering. For an even heartier, more substantial soup, consider doubling the amount of gnocchi.
- If you prefer a thicker, stew-like consistency, create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Stir this slurry into the simmering soup (as a final step, after the cream and spinach) and continue to simmer gently until it reaches your desired thickness.
- For the best flavor, use a rich chicken broth or stock. If using a low-sodium broth, water, or a light stock, remember to adjust the seasoning by adding extra salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
Instructions
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In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more, until fragrant.
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Add the shredded carrots and sliced celery to the pot; sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.
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Pour in the chicken broth, then add the dried thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Add the cooked chicken and gnocchi, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Stir in the fresh baby spinach and heavy cream. Continue stirring gently until the spinach wilts (this usually takes 1-2 minutes).
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Give the soup a final stir, season with additional salt and pepper to taste if needed, and serve immediately.
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.