Homemade Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Creamy olive garden chicken gnocchi soup has been my go-to comfort meal since discovering its magic in my kitchen.

Friends always request this restaurant-inspired recipe when they visit.

Soft potato dumplings nestled in a velvety broth create pure magic on cold evenings.

Rich chunks of tender chicken add substantial protein to each hearty spoonful.

My secret involves slowly simmering ingredients to develop deep, complex flavors that mirror the restaurant classic.

Spinach provides a fresh, bright contrast against the thick, luxurious base.

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Essentials

• Craft a Comforting Classic: Recreate the beloved Olive Garden soup right in your kitchen, bringing restaurant-quality flavors to your dining table without the hefty price tag.
• Master a Versatile Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families, this one-pot wonder combines protein, vegetables, and satisfying gnocchi in a creamy, hearty broth that pleases every palate.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using rotisserie chicken, adjusting vegetable quantities, or adding extra herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core.
• Nutrition in Every Spoonful: Packed with lean protein from chicken, vitamins from spinach and vegetables, this soup delivers a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

Ingredients for Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that provides a hearty base for the soup.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add a comforting and filling element to the dish.
• Spinach: Fresh leafy green that brings color and nutritional value to the soup.

• Yellow Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and fragrant flavor to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium liquid that forms the soup's flavorful base.
• Half-and-Half: Creamy dairy component that adds richness and smoothness to the soup.

• Thyme: Fresh herb that provides an earthy and aromatic flavor profile.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the soup.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding a subtle flavor to the dish.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Awaken the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions, shredded carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic.

Season with salt and pepper. Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and release their aromatic goodness, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves. Add shredded chicken to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently. Allow the flavors to dance and mingle for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Pillowy Gnocchi and Vibrant Greens

Gently fold in the potato gnocchi and baby spinach. Pour half-and-half into the pot, creating a luxurious creamy base.

• Gnocchi turns tender
• Spinach wilts delicately
• Soup reaches a dreamy consistency

Step 4: Serve with Comfort

• Crusty artisan bread
• Crisp side salad
• Sprinkle of fresh herbs (optional)

Enjoy your homemade restaurant-style comfort in a bowl!

Expert Tips for Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Swap chicken for rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken to save time and add deeper flavor.
• Choose refrigerated gnocchi for the best texture; frozen or shelf-stable versions might become mushy during cooking.
• Use fresh thyme if possible, but dried thyme works well as a convenient alternative with similar taste profile.
• Select low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely during cooking.
• Quickly cook spinach to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent wilting into an unappealing texture.

Variations on Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Swap: Replace traditional potato gnocchi with gluten-free gnocchi made from rice flour or cauliflower for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Substitute shredded chicken with white beans, tofu, or roasted chickpeas to create a plant-based version of the soup while maintaining protein content.
• Dairy-Free Cream Alternative: Use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of half-and-half to create a creamy texture without dairy ingredients.
• Low-Carb Vegetable Swap: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetables to the recipe.

Pairing Suggestions for Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Select a medium-bodied, unoaked Chardonnay with subtle citrus notes that complement the creamy soup's richness without overpowering its delicate flavors.
• Toast thick slices of Italian bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil, creating a perfect crunchy companion that helps soak up the soup's velvety broth.
• Toss peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to provide a light, zesty contrast to the soup's creamy texture.

Storage Advice for Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal carefully, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi if possible, as they can become mushy upon thawing.
• Warm refrigerated soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Heat until thoroughly warmed, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup special?

The soup features potato gnocchi, shredded chicken, baby spinach, and half-and-half, creating a creamy and hearty dish that’s packed with flavor and texture.

• Is this recipe difficult to prepare for home cooks?

Not at all! This soup is relatively simple to make, requiring basic cooking skills like sautéing vegetables, simmering broth, and adding pre-cooked ingredients. Most home cooks can easily master this recipe in under 30 minutes.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of shredded chicken, frozen spinach in place of fresh, and regular cream or milk as an alternative to half-and-half. Just adjust quantities to maintain the soup’s consistency.

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup delights home cooks with its creamy Italian-inspired comfort. Rich flavors and hearty ingredients combine for a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (shredded chicken) cooked
• 1 pound (454 g) refrigerated potato gnocchi (not frozen)
• 4 cups (32 oz / 946 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) half-and-half
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 5-oz bag baby spinach
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Introduce chopped onions, shredded carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
2. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture. Add shredded chicken and fresh thyme. Elevate the heat to bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow the flavors to harmonize for 10 minutes.
3. Gently fold in potato gnocchi and baby spinach. Stream half-and-half into the pot, creating a creamy consistency. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, ensuring gnocchi are tender but not mushy and spinach leaves wilt gracefully.
4. Carefully ladle the soup into warm serving bowls. Garnish with an optional sprinkle of fresh herbs or cracked black pepper. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread or a crisp side salad for a complete dining experience.

Notes

• Swap veggies easily by using seasonal or preferred alternatives like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and variety.
• Reduce dairy content by substituting half-and-half with unsweetened almond milk or light coconut milk for a lighter, lactose-free version.
• Prep chicken ahead of time by using rotisserie chicken or quickly shredding leftover grilled chicken to save preparation time.
• Boost protein content by adding white beans or extra chicken, making the soup more filling and satisfying for hearty eaters.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 275 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg