Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that brings the beloved restaurant favorite right to your kitchen. This homemade version features tender chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a luscious, flavorful broth that will warm you up from the inside out.
Why make it at home? Simple! It’s fresher, more budget-friendly, and you can tweak it to your taste. Plus, making it yourself ensures high-quality ingredients without any unnecessary additives. Let’s dive into this easy, one-pot soup recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes just like Olive Garden’s version – maybe even better!
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Simple ingredients – You probably already have most of them in your kitchen.
- Perfect for meal prep – Stores well for leftovers.
- Great for cozy nights – The ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this creamy and comforting soup:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (32 ounces)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 pound refrigerated potato gnocchi (not frozen)
- 1 (5-ounce) bag baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Sautéing the Vegetables
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
2. Adding the Broth and Chicken
Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, followed by 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. Incorporating the Gnocchi and Spinach
Add 1 pound of refrigerated potato gnocchi, 1 (5-ounce) bag of baby spinach, and 1 1/2 cups of half-and-half to the pot. Stir well and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi becomes tender and the spinach wilts. Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi—you want them soft and fluffy, not mushy!
4. Serving the Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Pair it with crusty bread or a light salad for a restaurant-quality meal right at home!
Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi—they only need a couple of minutes.
- Add extra herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh flavor boost.
- For a thicker soup, add a bit of cornstarch slurry or reduce the amount of broth.
Variations and Substitutions
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap half-and-half for full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based alternative.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
- Extra Protein: Add crumbled sausage or bacon for a heartier dish.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing
- Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.
- If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or half-and-half to loosen it.
Related Recipes:
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Savory Kielbasa
Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce
Crispy Parmesan Chicken – Cheesy & Flavorful Delight
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Yes, but the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly. If freezing, leave out the gnocchi and add fresh ones when reheating.
2. What’s the best way to make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) or let it simmer longer to reduce.
3. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Just cook it separately and add it in at the end to prevent it from becoming too soft.
4. What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
Kale or Swiss chard works well as a substitute.
5. Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes, but the soup won’t be as creamy. You can mix whole milk with a little heavy cream for a similar effect.
Now that you have the perfect Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe, you can enjoy this creamy comfort food whenever you crave it! Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out!
For more Italian-inspired meal ideas, visit Food Network’s Italian Recipes.