Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup 🍲🥣 – The Ultimate Copycat Recipe for Creamy Comfort

There’s a reason why Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup has become a cult favorite. Its rich, creamy texture, combined with fluffy gnocchi, tender shredded chicken, and vibrant vegetables, creates a comforting bowl of warmth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’ve savored it at the restaurant or are just discovering it, this homemade copycat recipe captures the exact flavor and texture that makes the original so crave-worthy.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to recreate this iconic dish from scratch, bringing restaurant-quality flavor into your kitchen.

🍗 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Creamy and comforting: A luxuriously smooth broth that warms you from the inside out.
  • Hearty and filling: Gnocchi, chicken, and vegetables make it a full meal in one bowl.
  • Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, with simple, wholesome ingredients.
  • Perfect for all occasions: Ideal for a cozy dinner, a family gathering, or even meal prep.

🥕 Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Soup – Just Like Olive Garden’s

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this creamy delight:

  • 4 tablespoons butter – for a rich, buttery base
  • ½ cup diced celery – adds crunch and depth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced – builds flavor in the broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced – essential aromatic
  • ½ cup shredded carrots – slight sweetness and color
  • 4 cups chicken broth – the foundation of the soup
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch – thickens the soup without making it heavy
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme – earthy herbaceous note
  • 16 oz gnocchi (fresh or frozen) – the star of the show
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – rotisserie works great
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped – for color, texture, and nutrients
  • 2 cups heavy cream – ultimate creaminess
  • Salt & freshly cracked black pepper – to taste

🍳 How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Home

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the celery, onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent. This aromatic base builds the savory depth of your soup.

Step 2: Add Broth & Thicken

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and a few tablespoons of chicken broth to create a slurry. Add this to your sautéed vegetables, then slowly pour in the remaining chicken broth while stirring. Add the thyme, and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. This helps develop the body of the soup without making it too thick or gloopy.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the gnocchi directly into the simmering broth. Stir gently and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top—this is your sign they’re perfectly cooked and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Spinach

Stir in your shredded chicken and chopped spinach. Continue to cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through. The chicken adds hearty protein, while spinach contributes color and balance.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Finish

Lower the heat to prevent boiling. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a silky, luscious texture. Continue to cook just until the soup is hot throughout. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions – Make It a Meal

  • Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
  • Simple Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad complements the richness of the soup.
  • Grated Parmesan: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parm on top.
  • Cracked Black Pepper & Fresh Thyme Leaves: A beautiful finishing touch for each bowl.

đź’ˇ Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Use Quality Gnocchi

Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly and delivers a fluffy texture. Frozen gnocchi works too but may require a minute or two longer in the simmering broth.

Add More Veggies (Optional)

Enhance the nutritional value with additions like zucchini, mushrooms, or kale if you want to give your soup a personal twist.

Make It Lighter

Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk if you want a slightly lighter version, though it will be less rich.

Make It Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure your broth and cornstarch are gluten-free certified.

🥡 Storing and Reheating Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Storage:

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Note: The gnocchi may continue absorbing the liquid over time, thickening the soup.

Reheating:

  • Warm slowly on the stovetop over medium heat.
  • Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it if needed.
  • Avoid boiling once the cream has been added to prevent curdling.

Freezing:

  • It’s best to freeze before adding the gnocchi or cream.
  • When ready to eat, defrost, add the gnocchi and cream during reheating.

đź’¬ Why This Chicken Gnocchi Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Menu

  • It’s fast and doesn’t skimp on flavor.
  • It’s versatile—you can adapt ingredients based on what’s in your fridge.
  • It’s restaurant-worthy without the cost of dining out.
  • It’s the perfect comfort food, no matter the season.

👨‍🍳 Final Thoughts: Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup – Better Than the Original?

There’s nothing quite like replicating your favorite restaurant dish at home—and with this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe, you won’t miss the original. In fact, once you’ve tasted this creamy, dreamy soup, you might even prefer it to the real deal. It’s easy, indulgent, and 100% satisfying. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family tradition.

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