If you’ve ever found yourself craving a bowl of ultimate comfort, allow me to introduce you to Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This wonderfully creamy, herb-scented soup combines pillowy gnocchi, juicy chicken, and just enough veggies in a silky, savory broth — the sort of dish that makes every spoonful feel like a hug. Bringing the flavors of your favorite restaurant right to your own kitchen, this recipe is a guaranteed way to brighten any chilly evening or cozy up with loved ones at home. Trust me, you’ll taste the magic with every bite!

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is that each component does a little heavy lifting to create that rich, satisfying depth of flavor. Keeping it simple means you can focus on quality ingredients and those special touches that make homemade taste so much better.

Chicken Breast: Cooked, shredded chicken brings juicy protein and soaks up the creamy broth beautifully.
Potato Gnocchi: These soft, bite-sized dumplings are the soul of the soup and carry all the flavors splendidly.
Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots add a gentle sweetness and a lovely pop of color to each bowl.
Celery: Crisp celery provides a subtle, savory backbone and a classic soup texture.
Yellow Onion: Dice it small—onion creates an aromatic base that makes every bite deeply satisfying.
Garlic: Minced garlic gives the broth warmth and unmistakable Italian flair.
Spinach: A handful of fresh baby spinach wilts perfectly at the end, adding nutrients and beautiful green swirls.
Chicken Broth: Use a good-quality broth for that rich, savory flavor that sets this soup apart.
Heavy Cream: Essential for the luxurious, creamy texture—don’t skip this!
Butter: Adds a touch of richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
Olive Oil: Use a splash to sauté veggies and coax out their sweetness.
Thyme & Parsley: Fresh or dried, these herbs bring a welcoming, herbal fragrance.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste; these basics enhance every other flavor in the pot.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting butter with a little olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced carrot, celery, and onion, letting them soften and become fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it smells irresistible. This forms the aromatic foundation that infuses the entire Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with comforting Italian flavor.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Sprinkle the veggies with thyme and a generous pinch of salt and pepper, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing the vegetables to become perfectly tender.

Step 3: Add the Gnocchi and Chicken

Once your broth is bubbling softly, add the shredded chicken and potato gnocchi right to the pot. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top, signaling they’re done and perfectly pillowy. The chicken absorbs the broth, making each bite taste like it’s been slow-cooked all day.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Spinach

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in the heavy cream. Toss in your handful of fresh spinach and stir until it wilts, turning bright green. At this point, your soup is thick, creamy, and nearly ready to serve, with all the cozy flavors mingling in the pot.

Step 5: Taste and Finish

Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle in some chopped parsley for freshness and fragrance, and let the soup sit for just a minute to allow all the flavors to come together. Your Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is now ready for bowls and happy eaters!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

Go classic by showering each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan for a salty, umami finish. A twist of cracked black pepper adds a final pop, making the soup look and taste as wonderful as it smells.

Side Dishes

Pair your copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with fresh, crusty bread or warm breadsticks to soak up every last bit of that creamy broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps round out the meal without overshadowing the soup’s rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the soup into big mugs for a cozy, hand-warming meal on the couch, or serve in wide, shallow bowls for an elegant dinner with friends. For a personalized touch, let everyone top their bowl with their favorite garnish—fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or extra cheese are always hits!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making the soup even dreamier the next day!

Freezing

While this soup can be frozen, keep in mind that the creamy texture and gnocchi can change after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup before adding spinach and cream—just reheat and stir those in fresh when you’re ready to enjoy your next bowl.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring often until it’s completely hot. Add a splash of extra broth or cream if the soup has thickened in the fridge; a quick stir will bring it right back to its original, silky texture.

FAQs

What type of gnocchi works best in this soup?

Pillow-soft potato gnocchi from the refrigerated section work best, but shelf-stable or even homemade gnocchi taste wonderful too. Just adjust cooking times as needed to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for more veggies or cannellini beans, and use a rich vegetable broth. The soup will still be creamy and satisfying without sacrificing flavor.

How can I thicken the soup if it seems too thin?

If you like your Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup extra thick, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in at the end, letting it simmer for just a minute or two until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Rotisserie chicken is a favorite shortcut! Simply shred and add to the soup for incredible flavor and a major time saver.

Is there a dairy-free version?

It’s easy to make a dairy-free version by swapping the cream for canned coconut milk or an unsweetened dairy-free creamer, and using plant-based butter—still rich and completely delicious!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been daydreaming about a cozy, restaurant-worthy bowl of comfort, there’s no better time to bring Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup into your own kitchen. Each bite is a joyful, homemade reminder that great food connects us all—so grab your favorite pot and treat yourself tonight!

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe