If you’re on the hunt for a soul-warming dinner that’s both comforting and luxuriously creamy, look no further than this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. With pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and a delightfully rich broth packed with veggies and flavor, it’s the ultimate way to recreate that beloved restaurant favorite right at home. Every spoonful is like wrapping yourself in a delicious, savory hug, whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner. Let’s dive into the magic of bringing this Italian classic to your kitchen!

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup shines because it keeps things simple—every ingredient has an essential role, whether it’s lending depth, texture, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start simmering:

Chicken breast: Cooked and shredded or diced; it’s the hearty backbone of this soup and ensures each bite is satisfying.
Potato gnocchi: Little Italian dumplings that soak up the flavorful broth and provide delightful chew.
Carrots: Sliced or diced; they add sweetness and bring a beautiful color contrast to the creamy soup.
Celery: Classic for soups, celery gives an aromatic crunch and balances out the flavors.
Fresh spinach: Wilted in at the end for a pop of green and a boost of nutrition.
Yellow onion: Sauteed for a sweet, mellow foundation that ties all the vegetables together.
Garlic: Minced and sautéed for bold, fragrant flavor—don’t skip it!
Butter: Used for sautéing veggies and adding a savory richness to the broth.
All-purpose flour: Sprinkled in to help thicken the soup to that perfect creamy consistency.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that gives depth and warmth to every spoonful.
Heavy cream: Adds lusciousness and turns the soup sumptuously creamy.
Salt and black pepper: For seasoning the soup to taste—start light, taste as you go, and adjust!
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle brings together all the herby notes Olive Garden fans love.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies

Start by melting the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery, giving them a quick stir so they’re coated in butter. Let them cook for five minutes or so, stirring occasionally, until they start softening and smelling sweet. Add the garlic next and sauté for another minute, just until fragrant—garlic cooks fast, so keep an eye out!

Step 2: Make a Roux

Now sprinkle the flour over your softened vegetables, and stir well to combine. This will look a little pasty at first—don’t worry, you’re creating the thick, luscious foundation for the Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Let the flour cook for a minute or two, just to get rid of that raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Gradually whisk or stir in the chicken broth, scraping up anything stuck to the bottom of the pot and helping the roux dissolve smoothly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This is when all those veggie flavors start coming together in the soup base.

Step 4: Stir in Chicken and Gnocchi

Add the cooked, shredded chicken and the potato gnocchi to the pot. Simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes, just until the gnocchi float to the top and the chicken is heated through. If you’re using store-bought gnocchi, they’ll cook up quickly—so keep an eye out, you don’t want them overcooked!

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach

Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and stir until they’re just wilted and bright green—this only takes a minute or two. Taste, adjust your seasonings, and get ready to ladle up bowls of pure delight.

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

For that restaurant-worthy finish, top each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a scattering of chopped parsley or fresh basil. Add a few extra cracks of black pepper to amp up the flavor and give the soup a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

This soup is fantastic all on its own, but if you’re going for the full Olive Garden experience, serve it alongside warm, fluffy breadsticks or a simple mixed green salad tossed with Italian dressing. Garlic toast also makes an amazing companion, perfect for dipping in the creamy broth.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, try serving the Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in individual bread bowls for a fun twist. Or ladle it up in big family-style tureens right at the table, letting everyone help themselves. Adding a drizzle of good olive oil before serving gives it that extra touch of Italian flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors often deepen as they sit, making it even more delicious the next day. Note that the gnocchi will continue to soak up broth—if it thickens, just add a splash of chicken stock when reheating.

Freezing

If you’d like to make your Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in advance, freeze it before adding the spinach and cream for best results. Once thawed, reheat gently and then stir in the cream and spinach just before serving. This helps keep the texture just right and the spinach bright green.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick from the gnocchi soaking up more liquid, add a bit of extra broth or cream. You can also microwave individual bowls for a quick lunch—just take care not to overheat, as cream-based soups can sometimes curdle if heated too aggressively.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option and adds extra flavor and tenderness to the soup. Just shred it up and toss it in with your gnocchi.

Is it possible to make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup gluten free?

You sure can! Swap regular gnocchi for gluten-free potato gnocchi, and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Double-check that your chicken broth is gluten free as well, and you’re all set.

What if I can’t find potato gnocchi?

Many supermarkets carry shelf-stable gnocchi in the pasta aisle, but if you’re in a pinch, you can even use small potato dumplings or make a quick homemade version. Some pasta shapes can be substituted, but classic gnocchi give you that authentic texture.

Can I add other veggies?

Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or even a handful of peas can make lovely additions if you’d like to bulk up the soup or mix in new colors and flavors. Just add them in with the carrots and celery at the start.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with extra veggies or canned white beans, and opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will still be rich, satisfying, and full of Italian-inspired goodness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to dig into this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup as I am to share it. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and just brimming with creamy, comforting flavors. If you love a good copycat recipe and want to bring a taste of Olive Garden right to your table, this is one soup you absolutely don’t want to miss—enjoy every delicious spoonful!

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe