Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

The Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a popular dish that many people love for it’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it a favorite on chilly days. I decided to try making it at home, and to my surprise, it turned out even better than the restaurant version! The rich broth, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi come together to create a soup that’s just perfect.

If you’re craving this delicious soup and want to enjoy it in the comfort of your own kitchen, just follow the steps below. I promise, you won’t be disappointed – this homemade version might just become your new favorite!

Why I Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup

I can honestly say this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is one of my all-time favorite dishes. It’s the kind of soup that makes you feel cozy and satisfied from the first bite. Here’s why I love it so much:

• Creamy and rich – The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth creates a silky, creamy texture that wraps around the gnocchi and chicken like a warm hug.
• Packed with flavor – The blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh vegetables adds so much depth to the soup. It’s savory with just a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes (if you choose to add them).
• Comfort in a bowl – Whether you’re eating it on a chilly evening or enjoying it with friends and family, this soup is the definition of comfort food.
• Simple to make – This recipe may sound fancy, but trust me, it’s easy. You don’t need any fancy skills, just some basic kitchen tools and fresh ingredients!

Ingredients You Will Need

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one adds a unique flavor or texture that makes the soup irresistible:

For the Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts – This will be the protein base of your soup. You can use cooked chicken if you prefer to save time.
• Olive oil (for cooking) – Used to sear the chicken, adding flavor and helping it cook evenly.
• Blend of seasoning (garlic salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika) – These seasonings will coat the chicken, giving it an amazing flavor.

For the Soup:

• 4 tbsp butter – Adds richness to the soup base.
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced) – Garlic gives the soup a wonderful savory aroma and flavor.
• 1/4 white onion (diced) – Onion helps bring sweetness and balance to the dish.
• 3 celery stalks (diced) – Celery adds crunch and freshness to the soup.
• 2 carrots (diced) – Carrots add a slight sweetness and color to the soup.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening) – Flour is used to thicken the soup and create that creamy texture.
• 3 cups chicken broth – Chicken broth is the base for the soup and provides depth of flavor.
• 2 cups whole milk – Adds creaminess and richness to the soup.
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream – The heavy cream is what gives this soup its indulgent, velvety texture.
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning – A must-have for that classic Italian flavor.
• 1 lb (16 oz) gnocchi – The gnocchi is what makes this soup special. It’s soft and chewy, soaking up the broth beautifully.
• 1 handful of spinach (or 1 1/2 cups) – Spinach adds some green goodness and extra nutrients.
• Parmesan cheese (for topping) – Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish to the soup.
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra flavor) – If you like a bit of spice, red pepper flakes are a perfect addition.

Substitutions & Variations

Here are some ideas for changing up the recipe:

1. Chicken – If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can use rotisserie chicken or even shredded turkey.
2. Vegetables – Swap out the spinach for kale, or add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
3. Broth – You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter, vegetarian version.
4. Gnocchi – If you don’t have gnocchi, you can substitute it with small pasta like orzo or ditalini.
5. Cream – If you want to lighten up the soup, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but it won’t be quite as rich.

Kitchen Appliances Needed

To make this Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll need just a few kitchen tools:

1. A large pot – This is where all the magic happens. You’ll cook the chicken and the soup base in it.
2. A frying pan – If you’re cooking the chicken separately first, you’ll need a pan for that step.
3. A knife and chopping board – For dicing vegetables and cutting the chicken.
4. A stirring spoon or spatula – To keep things moving around in the pot so nothing sticks.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi

Here’s how to make this delicious soup step by step:

Step 1 | Prepare the chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Heat a pan over medium heat, then cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Once done, set it aside to cool, then chop it into small bite-sized pieces.

Step 2 | Cook the vegetables

In the same pot, add 4 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic and diced onions. Sauté for about a minute. Next, add the celery and carrots and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3 | Make the base

Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the vegetables, and stir until combined. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Then, add the whole milk and heavy cream. Stir in the Italian seasoning.

Step 4 | Add the chicken

Add the chopped chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the base. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once it starts boiling, it’s ready for the next step!

Step 5 | Add the gnocchi and spinach

Add the gnocchi and spinach to the pot. Stir well, cover, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is cooked through and tender.

Step 6 | Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, then top with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi – It only takes about 5 minutes to cook the gnocchi, so keep an eye on it. Overcooking can make it mushy.
• Use fresh ingredients – The fresher your vegetables and herbs, the more flavorful the soup will be.
• Adjust the seasoning – Taste as you go! You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning based on your preferences.

What to Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

This soup is filling on its own, but here are some great pairing ideas:

1. Crusty bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
2. Salad – A light side salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
3. Garlic bread – For extra flavor and crunch on the side.

Proper Storage & Reheating Tips

Storing the Soup

To store leftover soup, allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate. The soup will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Reheating the Soup

To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat. If it’s too thick, you can add a little extra chicken broth or milk to thin it out. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through.

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup FAQs

1. How do I make the soup spicier?

To make it spicier, add more red pepper flakes, or you can even toss in a diced jalapeño for extra heat.

2. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it and add it to the soup with the broth. It adds extra flavor and saves time!

3. Can You Use a Crockpot?

Yes! Cook chicken first, then add everything except gnocchi and spinach to the Crockpot. Cook on low 4 hours. Stir in gnocchi and spinach 30 minutes before serving.

4. How can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?

Sauté the veggies, then add raw chicken, broth, and seasoning. Pressure cook for 8 minutes, then shred the chicken. Stir in the flour-milk mixture, gnocchi, and spinach for a quick and easy version.

5. Can I make this soup ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can! Make the soup base 1-2 days ahead but leave out the gnocchi and spinach. Reheat the soup, then add the gnocchi and spinach on the day of serving.

Conclusion

I hope you try this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi soup recipe in your own kitchen! There’s something truly special about recreating a restaurant favorite at home, and this soup brings all those cozy, comforting flavors right to your dinner table. The creamy base, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi come together to create a dish that’s perfect for any night.

Don’t forget to share your cooking experience with us, and be sure to follow us on Pinterest for more recipes like this one. Enjoy!