Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

There’s something about a warm, comforting bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup that just hits the spot—especially when it’s inspired by the iconic version from Olive Garden! Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables, this soup is truly a hug in a bowl. Imagine dipping a soft piece of warm bread into this rich, flavorful broth… it’s pure comfort! The best part? You can recreate it at home in your own kitchen and enjoy that restaurant-quality experience without the wait. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Rich & Creamy: The creamy base is just the right balance—velvety, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. It’s the kind of soup that sticks with you and warms you from the inside out.

Quick & Easy: You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to make this. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality soup ready in no time.

Hearty & Filling: This isn’t just your average soup. The gnocchi, chicken, and veggies make it feel like a full meal in a bowl. You won’t be left hungry after this one!

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner, impressing friends, or enjoying a comforting lunch, this soup is always the answer. It’s a dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Freezer-Friendly: You can make a big batch of this soup and freeze it for a quick meal down the line. It’s perfect for meal prep!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly for this soup. Cooked, shredded chicken provides the hearty protein that makes this soup so filling.

Gnocchi

The star of the dish! These soft, pillowy potato dumplings are the perfect texture for this creamy soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own, but store-bought works just as wonderfully.

Carrots and Celery

These two veggies bring that classic soup flavor and crunch to balance out the creaminess of the broth.

Spinach

Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, plus it wilts perfectly into the soup.

Heavy Cream and Chicken Broth

The combination of rich heavy cream and savory chicken broth creates the luscious base for this soup.

Garlic

Minced garlic brings that warm, aromatic flavor that makes the soup even more irresistible.

Butter

Butter adds richness and depth to the base of the soup.

Flour

This helps to thicken the soup and give it that velvety texture.

Seasonings

You’ll need salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (trust me, it really adds a special touch!) to bring everything together.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make your very own Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by cooking your chicken. You can either bake, grill, or pan-fry it—whatever you prefer. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat them evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Add Cream

Once the broth is simmering, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.

Step 5: Add Gnocchi and Spinach

Add the gnocchi and spinach to the soup. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the top and is cooked through. The spinach will wilt into the soup, adding color and nutrition.

Step 6: Add Chicken

Finally, stir in the shredded chicken and let the soup cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or a pinch more nutmeg depending on your flavor preferences.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot! It’s perfect with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This soup is already hearty on its own, but here are a few suggestions to make your meal even more special:

Serve with Bread

Crusty bread or soft rolls are perfect for dipping into this creamy soup. You could also serve it with cheesy garlic bread for an extra indulgence.

Pair with a Salad

A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup. Try a simple green salad or a Caesar salad for a classic pairing.

Add Extra Herbs

Top your soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness and color.

Additional Tips

Use Pre-Cooked Chicken

To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for this recipe. Just shred it and add it in at the end!

Make It Healthier

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter. You can also swap the gnocchi for cauliflower gnocchi for a low-carb option.

Keep It Thick

If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer or add a little more flour to the base. Just be sure to stir it well to avoid lumps.

Freeze Leftovers

This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Add Extra Veggies

Feel free to add more vegetables, like mushrooms, potatoes, or zucchini, to the soup to suit your taste.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A1: Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe! Just add it directly to the soup and cook until it floats to the top.

Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better overnight!

Q3: Can I substitute the cream for something lighter?
A3: Yes, you can use half-and-half or even milk as a lighter alternative to heavy cream, but the soup may not be quite as rich.

Q4: Can I add other proteins to the soup?
A4: Definitely! If you prefer, you can add cooked sausage, shrimp, or even bacon for a different twist.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop and add a little extra broth if the soup thickens too much.

Q6: Can I freeze the soup?
A6: Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Q7: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A7: Absolutely! You can skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Q8: Can I add other vegetables?
A8: Yes, feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just sauté them with the carrots and celery at the beginning.

Q9: How can I make this soup spicier?
A9: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the soup while it’s cooking.

Q10: Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?
A10: Yes, you can! Cook the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours, then add the cream, gnocchi, and spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or just craving something cozy, this soup will not disappoint. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection!

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