Easy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There’s something about walking into Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup season that just feels right. The creamy broth, tender pillowy gnocchi, and perfectly cooked chickenit’s comfort in a bowl, and honestly, one of those menu items you crave long after you’ve left the restaurant.

I spent a winter testing this copycat about six times because the balance between cream and chicken stock can make or break it. My trick? Don’t rush the simmerlet those flavors marry for just a few extra minutes and you’ll taste the difference. After a decade of recipe developing, I can say this one nails that cozy, restaurant-quality vibe without any fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe

This is the kind of soup that turns a regular Tuesday into something special. Creamy, cozy, and ready faster than it takes to drive to the restaurantplus you control exactly how much garlic and cream goes in.

• Restaurant flavor at home: All the richness and comfort of the original, minus the wait and the bill.
• Under 30 minutes: From chopping to serving, this soup comes together in one pot with minimal fuss.
• Flexible and forgiving: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge, and it still tastes incredible.
• Crowd-pleaser: Kids love the pillowy gnocchi, adults love the creamy brothit’s a win all around.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here is in the balance. You’ve got tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a creamy broth that’s just rich enough without feeling heavy. Fresh spinach adds color and a bit of earthiness, while the carrots and celery build a classic soup base that feels nostalgic and homey.

Pro Tip: Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time, or poach your chicken breasts in the broth for extra flavor. Either way works beautifully.

Ingredient	Why It Matters
Potato gnocchi	Soft, pillowy texture that soaks up the creamy broth
Half and half	Creates that signature Olive Garden creaminess without being too heavy
Fresh spinach	Adds color, nutrition, and a slight bitterness that balances the richness
Low sodium chicken broth	Builds a flavorful base you can season to taste

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Start by building your flavor base. Heat olive oil in a large pot, then sauté your celery, onion, garlic, and carrots until the onion turns translucentthis only takes a few minutes, but it’s where all the depth comes from.

Next, add your cooked chicken, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring everything to a boil, then gently stir in the gnocchi. Let it boil for 3 to 4 minutes before lowering the heat to a simmer and cooking for 10 minutes. This step lets the gnocchi puff up and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Finish by stirring in the half and half and fresh spinach. Cook for another minute or two until the spinach wilts. Taste, adjust your seasoning, and serve hot. The whole process is straightforward, forgiving, and perfect for a weeknight.

Swaps and Substitutions

One of the best things about this soup is how flexible it is. You can tweak ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers, and it still turns out delicious.

Original Ingredient	Easy Swap
Half and half	Use 1 cup heavy cream + 1 cup whole milk for extra richness
Fresh spinach	Swap in kale or Swiss chard, chopped small
Boneless chicken breasts	Use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey
Potato gnocchi	Try cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter option
White onion	Yellow onion or shallots work just as well

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve this soup hot with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for dippingit’s the full Olive Garden experience at home. A simple side salad with Italian dressing rounds out the meal perfectly.

Storage: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb some liquid as it sits, so add a splash of chicken broth or half and half when reheating.

Freezing Note: The half and half can separate when frozen, so if you plan to freeze leftovers, hold off on adding the cream until you reheat. Freeze the soup base for up to 2 months, then stir in fresh half and half when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your soup turns out too thick, don’t panicjust thin it with a little extra chicken broth or half and half until it reaches your preferred consistency. Gnocchi loves to soak up liquid, especially if the soup sits for a while.

On the flip side, if your soup feels too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken naturally. You can also mash a few pieces of gnocchi against the side of the pot to release starch, which helps thicken the broth beautifully.

Pro Tip: Taste as you go. Low sodium chicken broth gives you control, so adjust salt and pepper at the end based on your preference. A little extra thyme or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice twist too.

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How I Finally Perfected This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup took me months to get right. My first attempts were too thin, then too thick, and once I added way too much spinach. But after careful adjustments and timing the gnocchi perfectly, I finally nailed that creamy, comforting bowl we all crave.

FAQs (Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup)

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup comes together in under thirty minutes, and the payoff is realcreamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi that soak up every bit of that rich, savory broth. You’ll love how it turns out, especially on those nights when you need something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The aroma alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen asking when dinner’s ready.

A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen: add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream for extra warmth and depth. You can also toss in a handful of fresh thyme or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten things up. If you’re meal prepping, store the soup and gnocchi separately so the gnocchi stays tenderjust combine and reheat gently with a splash of broth when you’re ready to serve.

I’d love to see how yours turns outsnap a photo and tag me, or leave a comment below if you added your own twist. Did you grow up with a soup like this that reminds you of cozy family dinners? Save this recipe for the next time you need a hug in a bowl, or share it with someone who could use a little comfort. Here’s to meals that feel like home.