Name: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced; 1 stalk of celery, chopped; ½ white onion, diced; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; ½ cup shredded carrots; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cups low sodium chicken broth; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon thyme; 16 ounces potato gnocchi; 2 cups half and half; 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

If you have ever craved the creamy, comforting goodness of Olive Garden’s classic soup, let me introduce you to the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Recipe) Recipe that will have you swooning right in your own kitchen. This soup is a heartwarming blend of tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh veggies, and a silky broth that tastes every bit as rich and delicious as the original, yet comes together in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re a soup lover or searching for an easy but impressive meal, this recipe hits all the right notes with cozy flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a top-down view of various ingredients placed in white bowls and containers arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are 11 containers in total: a bowl of gnocchi with a light yellow color and soft texture in the top left, a bowl of white flour above it, and a small bowl of dark soy sauce next to the flour. Below the soy sauce is a small bowl of mixed dried herbs, and next to it is a glass measuring cup filled with white milk. Moving downward, there is a small bowl of finely chopped garlic, a bowl filled with bright green chopped celery, and a bowl with finely chopped white onions. Near the center-bottom, there is a bowl with shredded cooked chicken in beige and light brown tones, and below it, a bowl of fresh green spinach leaves. To the right of the chicken is a small dish containing a square piece of pale yellow butter, and at the bottom right, a large glass measuring cup filled with brown broth. At the bottom left, there is a bowl of thinly sliced orange carrots. The whole setup is clean and organized with fresh, colorful ingredients clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Recipe) Recipe relies on simple ingredients that pack a powerful punch in flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the fragrant garlic and thyme that invite you in with warm aromas, to the tender gnocchi that adds the perfect pillowy bite. These everyday pantry staples come together to create a meal that’s comforting, rich, and vibrant.

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cooked and diced for tender protein that complements the creamy broth.

1 stalk of celery, chopped: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness that keeps the soup light.
½ white onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed until translucent.
2 teaspoons minced garlic: Offers a punch of savory warmth that elevates the entire soup.

½ cup shredded carrots: Introduces a pop of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing vegetables and building the soup’s foundation.
4 cups low sodium chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together without overpowering.

Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors just right without being salty.
1 teaspoon thyme: Adds an earthy herbaceous note that complements the chicken beautifully.
16 ounces potato gnocchi: The star of the dish with its pillowy, chewy texture.

2 cups half and half: Creates the creamy richness that makes this soup so indulgent (see note below).
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds a vibrant green color and a subtle earthiness at the end.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Recipe) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped celery, diced onions, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 2-3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and soft. This step brings out their natural sweetness and forms a fragrant flavor base for your soup.

Step 2: Combine Chicken and Broth

Add your cooked and diced chicken breasts to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil to marry all these flavors. This broth, infused with herbs and savory chicken, is the soul of your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Recipe) Recipe, so taking your time here really pays off.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Once boiling, carefully stir in the potato gnocchi. Let it boil for another 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi begin to float and get that perfect chewy-tender texture. Then reduce heat to a simmer and let everything meld together for 10 minutes. This allows the gnocchi to soak up the delicious broth flavors without getting mushy.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Spinach

Stir in the half and half gently, followed by the fresh chopped spinach. Cook the soup for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach softens and the broth turns silky smooth and creamy. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Recipe) Recipe is now ready to warm your soul.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Recipe) Recipe

A round dark red cast iron pot filled with thick creamy white soup containing visible pieces of light pink chicken, pale green celery, small orange carrot strips, dark green leafy herbs, and white gnocchi-like shapes. The soup has a smooth, rich texture with some black pepper sprinkled on top. A silver ladle with a long handle is lifting a portion of the soup with chunks of chicken, celery, carrot, and gnocchi from the pot. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a little extra flair and flavor, consider topping your soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. A few fresh basil or parsley leaves can also brighten each spoonful and add a lovely herbal note. These simple garnishes make each bowl feel like something truly special.

Side Dishes

This creamy soup pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread, warm focaccia, or even a light Caesar salad. The bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth, while the salad adds a crisp contrast that keeps the meal balanced. Trust me, these sides will round out your dining experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-friendly presentation, serve the soup in oversized mugs to encourage cozy eating vibes. You can also ladle the soup over a warm bowl of rice or add crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky crunch. These tweaks are fun ways to personalize the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Recipe) Recipe to your liking and impress any guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Recipe) Recipe stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the soup contains dairy and delicate gnocchi, make sure to cool it quickly and reheat gently to preserve its creamy texture and prevent curdling.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your soup, it’s best to leave out the spinach since it can become mushy after thawing. Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh spinach when reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your soup slowly on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid using high heat to keep the half and half from separating. Add a splash more half and half or broth if the soup becomes too thick, and stir in fresh spinach right at the end to revive those vibrant greens.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cooked chicken instead of cooking it myself?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken makes this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Recipe) Recipe even faster without sacrificing flavor. Just chop it up and add it during the broth step.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

You can swap the half and half for unsweetened coconut milk or a favorite plant-based creamer. The taste will vary slightly but remain creamy and delicious, perfect for those avoiding dairy.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes! Just thaw frozen gnocchi before adding to the soup, or cook them separately according to package instructions and add at the end. Fresh gnocchi tend to cook more quickly, but frozen works well too.

How thick should the soup be?

It should be creamy but still somewhat brothy. If it feels too thick after simmering, add a bit more chicken broth or half and half to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Can I prepare this soup in advance and reheat for a crowd?

Definitely! This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Recipe) Recipe holds up well with gentle reheating. Just be sure to add fresh spinach when warming it back up to keep the flavors bright and fresh.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Recipe) Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. With tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy, herb-infused broth, this soup is a wonderful way to bring restaurant-quality flavors into your home kitchen with ease. Next time you’re craving something cozy and satisfying, I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Recipe) Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need