Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup

The rich, velvety texture of warm Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup instantly transports you to the comfort of your favorite Italian restaurant. This creamy, hearty soup combines tender chunks of chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth that’s both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re craving that signature Olive Garden taste or looking for the perfect soup to warm up a chilly evening, this homemade version delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen. You’ll learn how to recreate this beloved classic with simple ingredients while achieving that authentic taste that makes the original so popular.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup isn’t just another soup recipe—it’s a restaurant-quality experience you can create at home whenever the craving strikes. The contrasting textures make every spoonful exciting—from the tender, juicy bites of chicken to the soft, pillowy gnocchi that practically melts in your mouth. The velvety broth provides the perfect backdrop, rich with herbs and spices that infuse every element with flavor.

What makes this recipe truly special is its perfect balance of convenience and sophistication. Using store-bought gnocchi saves significant time without compromising on taste, while the fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the flavor profile to restaurant standards. The soup achieves that signature Olive Garden creaminess without being overwhelmingly heavy, making it suitable for both special occasions and weeknight dinners.

Perhaps best of all, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop—making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen right before they arrive.

Ingredients

For this comforting Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into ½-inch pieces
• 16 oz (450g) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• 4 tablespoons (56g) butter
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 carrots, peeled and julienned (about 1 cup)
• 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup (42g) all-purpose flour
• 6 cups (1.4L) chicken broth
• 2 cups (480ml) half-and-half
• 1 cup (30g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The star ingredients here are the pillowy gnocchi—little Italian potato dumplings that add incredible texture—and the combination of half-and-half with flour, which creates that signature Olive Garden creaminess without being too heavy. Fresh vegetables add both color and nutrition, while the herb blend provides that distinctive Italian flavor profile.

Pro Tips

Use Cold Butter for the Roux: When creating the base for your Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup, start with cold butter rather than melted. Cutting the butter into small cubes and gradually incorporating it with the flour creates a smoother, more stable roux that won’t separate, ensuring your soup has that perfect silky texture that Olive Garden is known for.

Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: This is critical for achieving the ideal texture. Add the gnocchi to the simmering soup during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking time. Store-bought gnocchi cooks quickly, and overcooked gnocchi becomes mushy and falls apart. You want them tender but still with a slight bite—when they float to the surface, they’re usually done. If you’re planning leftovers, consider cooking and storing the gnocchi separately, adding them to individual portions when reheating.

Build Flavors in Layers: The secret to depth in this soup is building flavors gradually. Begin by sautéing the vegetables until they’re softened but not browned, which releases their natural sweetness. When adding the chicken, allow it to gain some color before moving forward—those little browned bits at the bottom of the pan (fond) will add remarkable richness to your broth. Finally, add herbs at different stages—hardy herbs like thyme early on, and more delicate ones like parsley just before serving for the brightest flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. The vegetables should become translucent but not brown—this creates a sweeter, cleaner flavor profile. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it as this would add bitterness to your Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside but not fully cooked through (it will finish cooking in the soup). This partial cooking ensures the chicken stays tender in the final dish rather than becoming tough and overcooked.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring constantly to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. This step is crucial—the flour needs to cook properly to prevent a pasty flavor in your soup. You’ll notice the mixture becoming slightly thicker and the flour taking on a slight golden hue.

Step 4: Add Liquids

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Add the thyme and Italian seasoning, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the broth to thicken slightly and the flavors to begin melding together.

Step 5: Incorporate Cream and Gnocchi

Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly stir in the half-and-half. Add the gnocchi and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender. Be careful not to let the soup boil once the cream is added, as this can cause it to separate or develop a grainy texture.

Step 6: Finish the Soup

Stir in the chopped spinach and nutmeg, cooking just until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and let the Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup stand for 5 minutes before serving, which allows the flavors to settle and develop. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Variations

Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup: Transform this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup into a vegetarian delight by omitting the chicken and substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth. To maintain the heartiness, add extra vegetables like zucchini, yellow squash, or mushrooms. For additional protein, stir in a can of rinsed and drained white beans or cannellini beans when you add the gnocchi. The beans add a creamy texture and absorb the flavorful broth beautifully.

Dairy-Free Option: For those avoiding dairy, create a luscious dairy-free version by replacing the butter with olive oil and substituting the half-and-half with full-fat coconut milk or a quality dairy-free creamer. The coconut milk adds richness without an overwhelming coconut flavor once combined with the herbs and seasonings. Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to enhance the savory flavor profile that might otherwise be lost without the dairy components.

Spicy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Add a kick to your soup by incorporating red pepper flakes (½-1 teaspoon depending on heat preference) when sautéing the vegetables, or stir in 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce at the end of cooking. For a smoky heat variation, add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and a diced roasted red pepper along with the other vegetables.

Storage and Serving

Your Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When properly stored, the flavors actually continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day. If you’re planning to make this soup ahead, consider cooking the gnocchi separately and adding it to individual portions when reheating to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.

For freezing, cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. However, note that cream-based soups can sometimes separate when thawed—reheat gently over low heat while whisking to help recombine the ingredients.

Serve this comforting soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping—a rustic Italian loaf or garlic breadsticks are perfect companions. For a complete Olive Garden experience, pair with a simple side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. For an elegant presentation, serve in wide, shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works wonderfully in this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup. There’s no need to thaw it first; simply add it directly to the simmering soup and allow an extra minute or two of cooking time until the gnocchi float to the top.

My soup is too thick. How can I thin it?
If your soup becomes too thick, especially after refrigeration, simply thin it with additional chicken broth or a splash of half-and-half when reheating. Add liquid gradually, stirring well between additions, until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or dice about 2 cups of meat and add it when you would normally add the cooked chicken pieces, just long enough to heat through.

Is there a way to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, but with modifications. Cook the chicken, vegetables, and create the roux on the stovetop first, then transfer to the slow cooker with the broth. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then add the half-and-half, gnocchi, and spinach during the last 30 minutes.

Can I substitute something else for the half-and-half?
Yes, you can use whole milk for a lighter version (though less creamy) or heavy cream for an even richer soup. For a middle ground, try a combination of milk and heavy cream in equal parts.

Conclusion

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is comfort food at its finest — a creamy, herb-infused embrace in a bowl that rivals the restaurant original while giving you the satisfaction of homemade quality. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion or provides welcome comfort on chilly days when you need something substantial and soothing. With its balance of convenience and impressive flavor, this soup proves that recreating restaurant favorites at home isn’t just possible—it’s often even better when made with care in your own kitchen.

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