Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe – Easy & Delicious Copycat

Ever notice how the smell of creamy soup and garlic bread instantly zips you back to Friday nights at Olive Garden—with your perm still crunchy and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” on the radio? This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is making waves on TikTok and Pinterest, and yep—it’s just as cozy as you remember. Ready in about 40 minutes and simple enough for a weeknight win, it’s the copycat comfort recipe every tired soul needs right now.

It’s a creamy, dreamy bowl packed with soft gnocchi, tender shredded chicken, and sweet carrots swimming in a velvety broth. Just milk, chicken, and a handful of pantry stapes. Like Mom’s Sunday stew—but with gnocchi instead of elbow macaroni. Full details in the blog!

Grandma could thicken soup with her eyes closed. Mom? Let’s just say she kept takeout menus handy. I’ve taken their best moves and swirled in a pinch of thyme and a dash of cream cheese for a little twist. No blenders, no fuss—just simple homemade comfort.

Why This Soup is So Special

There’s just something magical about a bowl of this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s creamy, hearty, and feels like getting a warm hug on a chilly evening. The fluffy gnocchi, tender shredded chicken, and fresh spinach all come together in a rich, velvety broth that’s packed with comforting flavors. Whether you’re curled up on the couch or pulling off a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe brings that cozy restaurant vibe straight to your kitchen.

Pro Tip: The dried basil and thyme give this soup that savory depth you love from the original. Don’t skip them—they’re the secret weapon here!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of easy ingredients, and chances are, most of them are already in your kitchen! The highlights? Soft gnocchi, shredded chicken, and a touch of heavy cream for richness. You can use fresh or store-bought gnocchi—both work wonderfully. And if you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here.

Pro Tip: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully right in the hot soup. No extra prep needed—just toss it in for a pop of color and nutrients.

Ingredient	Substitutions
Cooked Chicken	Rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey
Gnocchi	Gluten-free gnocchi
Heavy Cream	Coconut cream or dairy-free alternatives

Step-by-Step Directions

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot. Sauté your diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until they soften and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing—about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and basil, stirring them around to wake up their flavors.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded chicken and gnocchi, letting everything cook for about 4–5 minutes. Pro Tip: Gnocchi cooks fast—once they float to the surface, they’re ready!

Lastly, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Let it simmer for just a couple of minutes until the spinach wilts into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re all set! Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with grated Parmesan if you’d like, and serve immediately.

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

If your soup feels too thick or gloopy, don’t panic—just stir in a splash of extra chicken broth or warm water to thin it out. On the other hand, if it’s not creamy enough for your liking, add a touch more heavy cream for extra richness.

Pro Tip: Taste test as you go! A little extra salt or black pepper can make all the difference in enhancing those comforting flavors you’re craving.

Creative Variations & Serving Ideas

This soup is a blank canvas for all sorts of fun tweaks! Want to up the greens? Toss in kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach. Don’t eat chicken? Try shredded turkey or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

For the ultimate Olive Garden experience, serve your soup with a side of warm breadsticks or a crisp Caesar salad. And if you’re like me, a sprinkle of Parmesan on top makes every bite just a little more special.

Pro Tip: Leftovers make a fantastic lunch! Simply store in an airtight container in the fridge—just add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it silky.

Expert Insight: Mastering Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi

Chicken gnocchi is a comforting dish that balances tender dumplings with a creamy sauce, making texture key. For Olive Garden chicken gnocchi, using fresh gnocchi and simmering the sauce gently ensures the flavors meld without losing that signature silky consistency—a simple technique that elevates homemade versions to restaurant quality.

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A Cozy Spoonful of Memories

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe always brings me back to chilly afternoons spent cooking with Rachel, who insists on stirring ‘just enough’ to avoid my classic burnt messes. It’s the kind of cozy dish that turns kitchen chaos into warm family moments—comfort food that tastes like home, laughter, and love all in one bowl.

FAQs ( Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe )

Wrapping Up This Cozy Classic

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi soup is a total winner—ready in under an hour, with creamy, dreamy bites that feel like a warm hug from your kitchen. You’ll love how simple pantry ingredients turn into something perfectly comforting every time.

Feel free to swap spinach for kale or use leftover turkey if you’re mixing it up. Leftovers? Just add a splash of broth when reheating, and it’s like freshly made all over again—trust me on this kitchen hack.

Now it’s your turn: snap your best bowl and share your spin on this beloved family recipe. Did you have a soup that felt like home growing up? Pass this along and cozy up—you’ve just found a new favorite to keep forever.

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