The Best Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that many people love. With its flavorful broth, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi, it’s no wonder this dish has become a fan favorite. But you don’t have to go to the restaurant to enjoy it. This copycat recipe brings the same flavors right to your kitchen in less than 30 minutes!

This soup is perfect for cozy evenings, and it’s a great way to enjoy the beloved dish without having to wait or pay a premium at the restaurant. Made with basic ingredients that are easy to find, you can prepare this delicious soup quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Quick and Easy: You can make this soup in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Comforting and Creamy: The creamy base, loaded with tender chicken, spinach, and gnocchi, is both comforting and delicious.
• Restaurant Quality at Home: Skip the line at Olive Garden and make this famous soup in your own kitchen.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or tweak the spices to fit your taste.

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking routine. It’s packed with flavor, comfort, and richness, and best of all, it’s super simple to make. Let’s dive into how to make it!

Ingredients in Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1. Chicken: You’ll need cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are diced into bite-sized pieces. This makes the soup quick to prepare. You can also use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut!

2. Gnocchi: The soft, pillowy dumplings made from potatoes are a key element in this soup. You can find them in the pasta aisle, or you can make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.

3. Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth creates the savory base for the soup. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

4. Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery provide the perfect base and texture for this soup. Spinach is added at the end to give the soup a fresh, green touch.

5. Half-and-half: This is used to create a rich, creamy texture in the soup. If you prefer, you can substitute it with heavy cream for an even creamier result.

6. Seasonings: Thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper bring the soup together, creating a depth of flavor that makes it so irresistible.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the celery, onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the vegetables start to soften.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

Add the diced chicken, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the gnocchi to the pot, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi begins to float.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Once the gnocchi is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the half-and-half and spinach. Let the soup simmer for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Serve

Serve hot, and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor and richness. You can also add crusty bread on the side to make the meal even more comforting.

Storing and Reheating Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you happen to have leftovers of this delicious soup, don’t worry—Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

How to Store Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This soup can also be frozen for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. However, note that the gnocchi may change texture after freezing, so it’s best to store them separately and add them fresh when reheating.

How to Reheat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• On the stovetop: To reheat the soup, place it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, and if the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• In the microwave: Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot throughout. Be cautious when reheating the gnocchi, as it can become too soft if heated for too long.

Tips for Best Results

• Avoid Overcooking the Gnocchi: The gnocchi will soften as it sits in the soup. If you’re storing leftovers, consider adding extra fresh gnocchi when reheating for a better texture.
• Adding Fresh Spinach: If you know you’ll have leftovers, it’s best to add fresh spinach when reheating, as spinach can lose its texture and color after storing.

Variations of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

While the classic version of Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hit, here are some fun variations to mix things up and suit different tastes or dietary needs:

1. Vegetarian Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Skip the chicken and opt for a vegetable-based broth. Add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and peas for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Use tofu or tempeh as a substitute for chicken to add protein without the meat.

2. Spicy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• For a little extra heat, add some jalapeños or chili peppers. You can also add a bit of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
• A sprinkle of cayenne pepper will take the soup to the next level for those who love spice.

3. Low-Carb Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Replace the traditional gnocchi with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to make the soup lower in carbs.
• You can also skip the carrots or replace them with low-carb vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.

4. Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• For an even creamier soup, swap half and half for heavy cream or a combination of cream cheese and milk.
• You can also blend part of the soup for a smoother texture and a creamier consistency.

5. Chicken and Gnocchi Soup with Extra Greens

• Add more greens like kale or Swiss chard for a nutrient-packed twist. These greens hold up better when cooked for longer periods of time, unlike spinach, which wilts quickly.

Nutritional Information for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not just tasty but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrition facts:

1. Protein

• Chicken and gnocchi provide a great source of protein that helps with muscle repair and growth.

2. Fiber

• The carrots, spinach, and gnocchi add fiber to this dish, which supports healthy digestion and helps you feel full for longer.

3. Vitamins and Minerals

• Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which support healthy skin and immune function.
• Carrots and thyme provide an additional dose of vitamin A, which is great for eye health.

4. Healthy Fats

• Olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which are important for heart health and can help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Half-and-half adds creaminess while also contributing a moderate amount of healthy fat for energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is in the Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Olive Garden?

The Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Olive Garden is a creamy soup made with chicken, potato gnocchi, spinach, and a flavorful broth. It also contains carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and seasonings like thyme. The soup is finished with half-and-half (or cream) to create a rich, creamy texture, making it a comforting and hearty dish.

2. What is Chicken and Gnocchi Soup made of?

Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is made of chicken, gnocchi (small potato dumplings), vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and spinach. The soup is flavored with garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. It is made creamy with half-and-half or cream, and chicken broth serves as the base.

3. What is the most popular soup at Olive Garden?

The most popular soup at Olive Garden is the Zuppa Toscana. This hearty soup is made with Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth. It’s often a favorite because of its rich flavor and comforting ingredients.

4. Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu or vegetables, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also skip the half-and-half and opt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream to keep it creamy.

5. Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe. In fact, many people prefer to use store-bought gnocchi because it saves time and is just as delicious. You can find gnocchi in the pasta section of most grocery stores, and it comes in both fresh and frozen varieties.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe Card

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 (or use heavy cream for a richer texture)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add celery, onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the vegetables start to soften.

2. Add Chicken and Broth: Add the diced chicken, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Cook Gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and let it boil for 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi starts to float. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

4. Finish the Soup: Stir in half and half and spinach. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

5. Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese and your favorite bread on the side for dipping.

Notes:

• Homemade Gnocchi: You can use homemade gnocchi if you prefer, but store-bought gnocchi works just as well and saves time.
• Creaminess: For a richer texture, swap out half-and-half for heavy cream.
• Chicken: Use cooked and diced rotisserie chicken as a time-saver or freshly cooked chicken for a more tender texture.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth with tofu or extra vegetables for a vegetarian alternative.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

Recipe Details:

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian, American