Ultimate Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup: A Homemade Comfort Classic
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to soothe the soul, especially when it evokes the familiar comfort of a beloved restaurant dish. This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe brings that cherished experience right into your own kitchen, allowing you to recreate a classic with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Imagine tender, shredded chicken, a vibrant medley of garden vegetables, and aromatic herbs swimming in a rich, creamy broth, perfectly complemented by delicate, pillowy soft potato gnocchi. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, perfect for any day of the week.
If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you’re likely familiar with the irresistible allure of their Chicken & Gnocchi Soup. It’s a fan-favorite for a reason, known for its luscious creaminess and hearty ingredients. Today, I’m thrilled to share an easy-to-follow homemade version of this iconic dish. This homemade chicken gnocchi soup recipe allows you to not only savor that familiar taste but also to control the quality of ingredients, customize it to your liking, and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. This is, without a doubt, one of my absolute favorite soup recipes and one your entire family is guaranteed to adore.
I frequently rotate this comforting soup into our meal plans, alongside other beloved recipes like this Potato Leek Soup, Chicken Tortellini Soup, Vegetable Barley Soup, and this Creamy Cauliflower Soup. There’s truly something uniquely satisfying about gnocchi that elevates any dish. I often incorporate it into various meals, from other creamy soups like this Easy Gnocchi Soup to delightful main courses such as this One Pot French Onion Gnocchi and this flavorful Brown Butter Gnocchi with Broccoli and Pine Nuts. Its soft, chewy texture adds a wonderful dimension that’s hard to beat.
Why You Will Love This Creamy Gnocchi Soup:
- A Truly Authentic Copycat Recipe: This recipe is meticulously crafted to mirror the incredible flavors of the original Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Many fans consider it to taste just as good, if not better, than the restaurant version, rivalling even their famous Zuppa Toscana. You’ll be amazed at how accurately this homemade version captures that signature creamy texture and savory taste.
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: Don’t let the restaurant-quality taste fool you; this chicken gnocchi soup is surprisingly simple to prepare. It doesn’t demand excessive hands-on time or complex techniques. You’ll primarily be sautéing a few fresh vegetables, adding the remaining ingredients to a single pot, and then allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as the soup gently simmers on your stovetop. It’s a perfect weeknight meal solution!
- Incredibly Hearty and Satisfying: If you, like me, appreciate a soup that truly fills you up, then this creamy gnocchi soup is your ideal choice. Each spoonful delivers a substantial and deeply satisfying experience, brimming with tender pieces of shredded chicken, a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables, and those irresistible, soft gnocchi. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, ensuring everyone leaves the table feeling nourished and content.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe yields a generous amount, making it fantastic for meal prepping. Enjoy a comforting bowl for dinner, then pack the leftovers for delicious lunches throughout the week. It reheats wonderfully, maintaining its rich flavor and creamy texture.
- Customizable to Your Taste: One of the greatest advantages of making soup at home is the freedom to adjust it to your family’s preferences. Want more veggies? Go for it! Prefer a different protein? Easy! This recipe provides a fantastic base for experimentation, ensuring it’s always a hit with everyone.
Key Recipe Ingredients for the Best Flavor
Here’s an overview of the simple, yet essential, ingredients we’re using to create this flavorful creamy chicken gnocchi soup. For exact ingredient amounts and detailed printable instructions, be sure to jump to the recipe card below.
- Flavorful Vegetables: The foundation of any great soup starts with a classic mirepoix. We use finely chopped fresh garlic, sweet yellow onion, crisp celery, and vibrant carrots. These ingredients are gently sautéed to form an aromatic base that adds incredible depth and a natural sweetness to the broth. The small dice ensures they soften beautifully and blend seamlessly into the soup’s creamy texture.
- Essential Seasoning Blend: Our seasoning profile includes a harmonious mix of salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried thyme, robust Italian seasoning, dried basil, and a touch of mustard powder. These spices are key to capturing the distinctive flavor of the Olive Garden classic. For those who enjoy a little kick, optional red pepper flakes can be added to introduce a subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Tender Chicken: For ultimate convenience, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cooked directly in the simmering broth, allowing them to absorb all the wonderful flavors. Once cooked, they are easily shredded and returned to the soup. Alternatively, you can save time by using pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken you might have on hand. If using pre-cooked chicken, simply add it towards the end when you stir in the gnocchi to warm through.
- Pillowy Gnocchi: The star of this soup! I opt for high-quality store-bought potato gnocchi for its incredible ease and consistent results. These delightful little dumplings become wonderfully soft and tender as they simmer in the creamy broth, providing a satisfying chew. For the ambitious home cook, homemade gnocchi would certainly elevate this dish even further, offering an extra touch of artisanal charm.
- Fresh Greens: To introduce a burst of color and a boost of nutrients, fresh spinach is stirred in at the very end. Its delicate leaves wilt quickly, adding a fresh contrast to the rich soup. You can easily substitute spinach with other hearty leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard, or even baby kale, depending on your preference and what you have available.
- Rich Creaminess: To achieve that signature creamy texture that makes this soup so comforting, 2 cups of heavy cream are added. This provides a luxurious mouthfeel and richness. For a slightly lighter version without sacrificing too much creaminess, half-and-half can be used. If you prefer a broth-based soup, you can omit the cream entirely for a different, yet still delicious, experience.
Creative Ways to Modify Your Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This homemade chicken gnocchi soup recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for many delicious adaptations to suit your taste, dietary needs, or simply what you have in your pantry. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
- Gnocchi Variations: While store-bought potato gnocchi offers supreme convenience, the world of gnocchi is vast! Consider trying sweet potato gnocchi for a touch of autumnal sweetness, or even ricotta gnocchi for an even lighter, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, crafting your own homemade gnocchi can be a rewarding experience and will undoubtedly make this soup extra special.
- Pasta Alternatives: If gnocchi isn’t your preference or you’re simply looking for a change, a variety of pasta shapes can be substituted. Small, hearty pasta like ditalini, orzo, small shells, or even broken spaghetti can work wonderfully, absorbing the creamy broth and adding a familiar texture. Adjust cooking times according to package directions.
- Chicken Choices: While chicken breasts are lean and classic, boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and tend to stay more moist when simmered. You can also brown them slightly before adding to the soup for an extra layer of flavor.
- Utilizing Pre-Cooked Chicken: This soup is fantastic for using up leftovers! Instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts, you can easily incorporate pre-cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even leftover shredded turkey. If using pre-cooked chicken, ensure it’s shredded or diced, and add it with the gnocchi towards the end of the cooking process, just long enough to heat through. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights.
- Diverse Leafy Greens: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully, but feel free to experiment with other nutrient-packed leafy greens. Kale, with its slightly bitter and robust texture, adds a wonderful counterpoint to the creamy soup. Cavolo nero (black kale) or Swiss chard are also excellent choices, providing both color and a healthy boost. Just ensure to chop tougher greens finely and add them a little earlier to allow them to soften.
- Aromatic Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme and parsley as a garnish provides a delightful aroma and freshness. To infuse even more flavor throughout the soup, consider adding a sprig of fresh rosemary, a few bay leaves, or a handful of chopped fresh oregano while the soup simmers. Remember to remove bay leaves and rosemary sprigs before serving.
- Spice It Up: Elevate the flavor profile with additional spices. A pinch of turmeric can add a warm, earthy note and a beautiful golden hue. Smoked paprika will lend a subtle smoky depth, while a dash of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes can kick up the heat. For an unexpected twist, a sprinkle of za’atar could introduce a Mediterranean flair.
How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious creamy chicken gnocchi soup at home is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl every time!
Step 1. Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables: Begin by placing a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely, stirring gently to ensure it doesn’t brown too quickly. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not burnt. Next, introduce the diced onions, celery, and carrots to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for approximately 4-5 minutes, or until they have softened and become tender. This step builds the foundational flavor of your soup, creating a rich aromatic base.
Step 2. Create the Roux with Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir it in thoroughly, ensuring all the vegetables are coated. Continue to cook and stir constantly for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste and begin to turn a light golden-brown. This step creates a roux, which will serve as the thickening agent for your rich and creamy soup.
Step 3. Gradually Add the Broth: Begin slowly pouring in the low-sodium chicken broth, whisking continuously as you add it. This gradual addition and constant stirring are crucial to prevent lumps from forming, ensuring your soup has a smooth, velvety consistency. The broth will combine with the roux to create a rich base for your Olive Garden style chicken gnocchi soup.
Step 4. Season the Soup to Perfection: Now, it’s time to add the flavor powerhouses. Stir in the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, dried basil, mustard powder, and if desired, the crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and infuse the broth with their aromatic qualities.
Step 5. Cook the Chicken: Carefully add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the simmering broth. If you are using pre-cooked chicken, you can skip this step and add it later with the gnocchi. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and continue to cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. This typically takes around 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Once cooked, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon, shred it using two forks, and then return the tender shredded chicken to the pot. This method ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
Step 6. Introduce the Gnocchi: Now that your broth is flavorful and the chicken is ready, it’s time for the star ingredient. Add the potato gnocchi into the pot. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are cooked through and tender. Always refer to the package directions for your specific brand of gnocchi, as cooking times can vary slightly. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the surface and are perfectly soft and chewy.
Step 7. Achieve Creaminess and Finish: Reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter touch) and stir gently until it is fully incorporated and the soup achieves its signature creamy consistency. Add the fresh spinach leaves to the pot and stir just until they are wilted, typically within a minute or two. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to your preference. To serve, ladle this incredible Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls, garnish generously with fresh thyme and parsley, and serve immediately with warm, crusty bread for dipping. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Your Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup for days to come. Always allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Once cooled, store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s fully heated through. Alternatively, for a quick reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
This creamy chicken soup recipe also freezes exceptionally well. After cooling, pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to savor a comforting bowl, simply defrost the soup in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat it on the stovetop, adding a splash of extra chicken broth or cream if needed to achieve the desired consistency, as soups can thicken slightly upon freezing and thawing.
Recipe FAQ: Your Questions Answered
The trick to a smooth, lump-free soup lies in two key steps. First, ensure you cook the flour with the vegetables for a minute or two to create a roux, eliminating any raw flour taste. Second, and most importantly, take your time when adding the chicken broth. Pour it in slowly, in a thin stream, while continuously whisking the mixture. This gradual addition and constant agitation will help the flour dissolve evenly into the liquid, thickening the soup beautifully without any unwanted lumps.
As this rich and creamy soup simmers, and especially as it cools, it tends to thicken considerably due to the roux and cream. If you find the consistency a little too thick for your liking, it’s very easy to adjust. Simply add a small amount of extra low-sodium chicken broth or a splash of water, a quarter cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition and let it warm through before serving.
For this recipe, I’ve used boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which cook directly in the soup and absorb wonderful flavors before being shredded. However, for a fantastic shortcut and even more tender results, you have several options! Precooked shredded chicken, a store-bought rotisserie chicken (shredded), or even leftover chicken thigh meat from recipes like these Air Fryer Mediterranean Chicken Thighs work perfectly. If using pre-cooked chicken, simply add it to the soup along with the gnocchi to allow it to warm through.
Other Comforting Soup Recipes to Try:
Vegetarian
Mediterranean White Bean Soup
Vegetarian
Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup
Beef
Cabbage Roll Soup
Soups
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
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Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves,, minced
- 1/2 of a small sweet onion,, diced
- 2 stalks of celery,, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots or matchstick carrots
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes {optional}
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts,, cooked and diced
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach – roughly chopped
- 2 cups cream or half and half
Instructions
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Heat a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and heat until it melts stirring the whole time.
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Add the garlic and saute for two minutes.
Add the onions, celery and carrots and saute until soft, about 4-5 minutes. -
Add the flour and stir well. Cook the vegetables with the flour, stirring constantly until the flour begins to brown.
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Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring as you add them in {you want to add these slowly to help create a thicker soup}.
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Add the salt, pepper, thyme, Italian seasoning, basil, mustard powder and crushed red pepper and stir well.
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Add the chicken breasts in to the pot {if using pre-cooked chicken you can skip this step}.
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Bring the broth to a gently simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F {about 8-10 minutes}. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and dice it. Add it back into the pot and stir.
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Continue to simmer the soup for another 4-5 minutes to thicken it. Add the gnocchi in to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes or until the gnocchi is cooked through {follow package directions on cook time for your gnocchi}.
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Reduce the heat to low and add in the half and half and stir until combined. Add the spinach into the pot. Stir until the spinach is wilted.
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Garnish with fresh thyme and parsley. Serve with crusty bread. Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Feel free to use leftover chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken if you have it.
- If you have sliced carrots you will want to make sure they are thinly sliced so they cook through.
- Storing leftovers: Let this olive garden’s chicken gnocchi soup come to room temperature before storing. Pour it into an airtight container, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop, simmering and stirring until fully heated through. Alternatively warm the soup up in the microwave to 2 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.