I still remember the first time I tasted Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It was one of those chilly, rainy days when nothing sounded better than something warm and hearty. I wasn’t even planning to order soup, but the server offered a sample—and oh my goodness, it was love at first spoonful! The creamy broth, the tender chicken, the fluffy little gnocchi—it was everything cozy wrapped up in one bowl.
Naturally, I knew I had to try making it at home. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of versions, tweaking little things here and there. Today, I’m sharing my perfected homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe that tastes just like (dare I say, even better than) the Olive Garden classic. It’s simple, cozy, and perfect for any day you need a hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Super Creamy and Flavorful: Rich broth, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi—pure comfort food!
- One Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in a single pot, making cleanup easy.
- Better Than Takeout: Save money and enjoy even fresher flavors right from your kitchen.
- Customizable: Easily tweak it for gluten-free, dairy-free, or lighter versions.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike gobble this up without complaints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to recreate this restaurant favorite at home:
- Chicken: 1–1½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced.
Tip: Rotisserie chicken is a huge timesaver here! - Potato Gnocchi: 1 (16 oz) package, store-bought or homemade.
- Carrots: ¾ cup, finely diced.
- Celery: ¾ cup, diced.
- Onion: 1 small, diced.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (preferably low sodium).
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup.
Tip: For a lighter version, you can sub half-and-half or whole milk, but it won’t be as creamy. - Baby Spinach: 2–3 cups, roughly chopped.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons.
- Flour: 2 tablespoons (for thickening).
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon.
- Nutmeg: A pinch (trust me—this tiny addition makes the soup magic).
Optional Add-Ins
- Parmesan Cheese: For an extra savory depth.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a subtle kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Build the Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste—this step helps thicken the soup beautifully!
3. Add Broth and Seasonings
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth.
- Add dried thyme, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Chicken and Gnocchi
- Stir in the cooked chicken.
- Add the gnocchi and let the soup simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface (this means they’re cooked!).
5. Finish with Cream and Spinach
- Stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach.
- Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
6. Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice if it needs a little brightness.
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly! Once it floats, it’s done.
- Use Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach adds color, nutrients, and freshness. Frozen spinach can work in a pinch but may alter the texture.
- Add Nutmeg Sparingly: Just a pinch adds a subtle warmth without making the soup taste like dessert.
- Control the Thickness: If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered a few minutes longer.
- Double the Recipe: It freezes beautifully! Perfect for future cozy nights.
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gnocchi and a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free cream (like coconut cream or oat milk creamer).
- Add Bacon: A few crispy bacon bits stirred in right before serving take it over the top.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken, add more veggies like mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in peas, corn, or diced zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Breadsticks: Go all-in on the Olive Garden experience!
- Simple Side Salad: Something crisp and tangy balances the creamy soup nicely.
- Roasted Vegetables: If you want a veggie-heavy meal, roast up some Brussels sprouts or broccoli.
- Parmesan Croutons: Sprinkle a few crunchy croutons on top for texture.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- The gnocchi will absorb some broth over time, so you may need to thin it out when reheating.
Reheating
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
- You can microwave individual portions, but stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Freezing
- Freeze in individual portions without the gnocchi (gnocchi can get mushy after freezing).
- When ready to eat, thaw, reheat, and cook fresh gnocchi separately to add in.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes! Dice raw chicken and sauté it with the veggies before adding the broth. Make sure it’s fully cooked before continuing.
What kind of gnocchi should I use?
Shelf-stable potato gnocchi works perfectly. You can also use refrigerated or even homemade gnocchi for a fresher flavor.
How do I keep the soup from getting too thick?
Add extra chicken broth as needed when reheating or after sitting in the fridge. It thickens naturally as it sits.
Is this soup spicy?
No, it’s very mild. If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the veggies first, then add everything except the cream, spinach, and gnocchi to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours. Stir in the gnocchi, cream, and spinach in the last 30 minutes.
There’s just something magical about a warm bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup—it feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl. Making it at home is easy, budget-friendly, and honestly even better because you control the ingredients. I hope you enjoy this copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup as much as I do!
Have you made this soup yet? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share your cozy creation with me.