Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup: A Comforting Copycat You’ll Crave

There’s something about a warm, creamy bowl of soup that always brings you back to a familiar place. Maybe it reminds you of a cozy dinner after a long day, or maybe it takes you straight to that first spoonful you enjoyed at Olive Garden on a chilly night. When you make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home, you get the same comforting flavor without leaving your kitchen, and you get to make it exactly the way you like it. If you’ve ever craved that blend of creamy broth, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi, you’ll love how easy it is to recreate this classic restaurant favorite.

What Is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

You’ve probably seen this soup on the menu and wondered why it stands out. At its core, Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hearty, creamy chicken soup loaded with soft potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, sautéed vegetables, and simple herbs that build layers of flavor. It’s a comforting mix of textures that feels richer than a standard chicken soup but still light enough to enjoy any time of year.

What makes this version so appealing is how approachable it feels. You’re working with familiar ingredients, yet the finished bowl tastes like something a restaurant simmered for hours. The gnocchi adds a satisfying chew, while the broth stays silky and soothing. You get a balanced dish that feels filling without being overly heavy, giving you a warm, homemade experience each time you make it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need everyday ingredients, many of which you might already have. When you bring them together, you create a soup that’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly comforting.

Base Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (breasts or thighs)
• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Enhancements

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for depth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan for richer flavor
• Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

These ingredients are simple, but once they simmer together, you get that unmistakable restaurant-style taste in your own kitchen.

this recipe

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make It at Home

You’ll notice how quickly this soup comes together once everything is prepped. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a big win on a weeknight because it tastes like you put in much more effort than you actually did.

Sauté the Vegetables

Start by warming your butter and olive oil over medium heat. When the mixture begins to shimmer, add your diced onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. As they soften, they release their sweetness, creating that aromatics base that gives the soup its signature depth.

Build the Creamy Broth

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir until everything is coated. This step helps thicken the broth later. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure no lumps form. You’ll see the mixture start to smooth out and thicken as it warms.

Add Chicken and Seasonings

Stir in your shredded chicken along with thyme, parsley, and black pepper. Let everything simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld. You might notice the broth getting slightly fuller and creamier as it cooks.

Cook the Gnocchi

Drop in the gnocchi and let it simmer until the pieces rise to the surface. This usually takes about five minutes. When they float, you know they’re soft and perfectly cooked.

Finish With Cream and Spinach

Pour in the heavy cream and add the chopped spinach. The cream rounds out the broth, making it silky, while the spinach softens just enough to add a fresh touch. If you like a richer finish, now is the moment to stir in Parmesan.

Nutrition and What to Expect

A typical serving of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup offers a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats, usually sitting around the mid-200-calorie range depending on how you prepare it. The homemade version gives you more flexibility. You can lighten it with half-and-half, reduce the butter, or add extra vegetables to increase the volume without making it heavier.

Because you control the seasoning, you can also manage the sodium level better than a restaurant might. The end result is a hearty yet flexible soup that gives you comfort without feeling too indulgent.

Dietary Variations

If you’re cooking for different preferences or dietary needs, this soup adapts remarkably well. With a few simple swaps, you can create a version that fits your lifestyle while keeping that same cozy flavor you’re craving.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free gnocchi and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. You’ll still get a creamy texture without losing the body of the soup.

Vegetarian

Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can bulk it up with mushrooms, white beans, or extra gnocchi for heartiness.

Vegan

Use olive oil instead of butter, coconut cream or oat-based cream for the broth, vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and a plant-based protein or extra vegetables instead of chicken. Vegan gnocchi is widely available, making this an easy swap.

Low-Calorie

Use half-and-half in place of heavy cream, reduce the butter, and add extra spinach or carrots to make each serving feel larger without adding many calories.

Halal

Choose halal-certified chicken and broth. The rest of the ingredients are naturally compliant, so this version doesn’t require significant adjustments.

These variations ensure you can tailor the soup without losing what makes it special.

Storage, Leftovers, and Meal-Prep Tips

If you’re planning ahead or cooking for the week, this soup stores beautifully with a few small adjustments. In the fridge, it keeps well for three to four days when stored in an airtight container. As it sits, the gnocchi absorbs some broth, so when you reheat it, you may want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture.

You can freeze it, though the gnocchi may soften slightly once thawed. If you plan to freeze individual portions, consider adding the gnocchi fresh when reheating for the best texture. Warm it gently on the stovetop to preserve the creamy consistency.

When you make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home, you’re bringing a restaurant favorite into your kitchen in the most comforting way possible. Each bowl feels familiar, soothing, and incredibly satisfying, especially when you get to customize it just the way you like. Whether you cook it for a cozy night in or to warm up a busy week, this recipe delivers the kind of comfort that keeps you coming back for another spoonful.

FAQ

How do you thicken Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

You can thicken Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup by adding a little more flour to the roux or whisking in a small cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking. If the soup thickens too much as it cools, you can loosen it with a splash of broth when reheating.

Can you use frozen gnocchi in this soup?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works just as well as shelf-stable gnocchi. It cooks quickly and gives the same soft, chewy texture you expect in a copycat chicken gnocchi soup. Just add it directly to the simmering broth.

Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?

You can adapt Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup for a slow cooker by cooking the vegetables, broth, and chicken first, then adding the gnocchi, cream, and spinach during the last 30 minutes so they don’t overcook.

Does Chicken Gnocchi Soup freeze well?

The soup freezes well, but the gnocchi may soften slightly after thawing. For the best texture, freeze the base without the gnocchi and add it fresh when reheating.

Get inspired with more mouthwatering recipes! Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for new cooking ideas every week.

Print