Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Creamy, Cozy Copycat Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of warm, creamy soup especially when it tastes just like the one from your favorite restaurant. This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is the kind of meal that wraps you in a blanket of rich flavors, soft textures, and homestyle warmth. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or looking to recreate a restaurant classic at home, this recipe delivers both familiarity and heartiness in one pot. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make it from scratch with simple steps and ingredients you likely already have.

A Cozy Night with Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

How This Soup Became a Family Staple

It all started on a freezing night in December. I had just ducked into an Olive Garden with my kids after a long day of running errands in the cold. The minute I tasted their Chicken Gnocchi Soup, I knew I’d found something special. It wasn’t flashy just humble chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and vegetables swimming in a creamy, satisfying broth but it hit all the right notes. It felt like a hug in a bowl.

As someone who enjoys cooking at home, I couldn’t wait to recreate it. The first time I tested it, my family scraped the pot clean no leftovers. That’s when I realized it wasn’t just a one-time hit; it was a keeper.

Ever since, it’s become our go-to for chilly evenings, quick weekend lunches, and even casual gatherings. There’s a nostalgic magic in recipes that you can make again and again without getting tired of them. This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup has that kind of magic. The best part? You don’t need any complicated ingredients or fancy tools just a big pot, a few pantry staples, and a little heart.

What Makes This Soup Irresistibly Comforting

It’s all about balance. The creaminess doesn’t overwhelm; the gnocchi is tender but never mushy. Each spoonful gives you a bit of everything juicy chicken, vibrant spinach, sweet carrots, and that cozy blend of garlic and broth that lingers long after the bowl is empty.

This soup isn’t just comforting because of what’s in it it’s how it makes you feel. The act of stirring a pot on the stove, the smell of sautéing onions and garlic filling the kitchen, the sound of a bubbling broth it all adds up to something quietly special. And while the recipe itself is simple, the experience it creates is anything but ordinary.

What You’ll Need for the Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Fresh Ingredients, Better Flavor

What sets this soup apart is its use of fresh, simple ingredients that come together in a rich and satisfying way. While it mimics the restaurant version, the homemade version actually tastes fresher and it’s easy to tailor it to your own preferences. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you get started:

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	2 cups, cooked and diced
Potato gnocchi	1 pound
Fresh spinach	2 cups, chopped
Carrots	2 medium, diced
Celery stalks	2, diced
Yellow onion	1 small, diced
Garlic cloves	2, minced
Chicken broth	4 cups (low sodium preferred)
Heavy cream	1 cup
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Salt and black pepper	To taste

Using fresh spinach gives a bright color and clean taste, while real heavy cream ensures richness. If possible, opt for homemade chicken broth or a quality low-sodium store-bought version for depth of flavor.

Smart Substitutes & Dietary Swaps

One of the things that makes this soup so versatile is how easily it adapts to different needs. For a dairy-free version, swap out the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite unsweetened plant-based cream. The flavor stays rich without any dairy involved.

If you’re avoiding gluten, many stores carry gluten-free potato gnocchi that holds up well in soup. As for the chicken, feel free to use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time it blends beautifully into the broth.

Want a thicker texture without extra cream? Mash a few gnocchi pieces near the end of cooking to naturally thicken the broth. That little trick gives it a heartier texture without changing the flavor.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Home

Sauté, Simmer, and Stir with Love

This recipe comes together beautifully in one pot, making cleanup as easy as the cooking. The key to achieving that signature restaurant-style flavor is layering each component start with aromatics, then add the hearty ingredients, and finish with creaminess.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast and cook until golden on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute don’t let it burn!
3. Build the Broth: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. This is when the kitchen starts to smell like something special is happening.
4. Add Gnocchi: Stir in the potato gnocchi. Simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, or follow the cooking time on the package, until the gnocchi float to the top and become tender.
5. Creamy Finish: Lower the heat. Add the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the soup is well combined.
6. Final Seasoning: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

The result? A rich, creamy soup with soft gnocchi, savory chicken, and vibrant greens in every bite. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving this gives the flavors time to meld and makes each spoonful even more satisfying.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Pot Every Time

Here are a few small tricks that make a big difference:

• Don’t rush the aromatics: Letting the onions, carrots, and celery soften slowly builds a deeper, richer flavor base for the whole soup.
• Use freshly cooked chicken if possible: It absorbs the broth better than pre-cooked or leftover meat.
• Avoid boiling after adding cream: A gentle simmer keeps the cream from separating and ensures a smooth texture.
• Adjust consistency to your liking: If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth. Too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce slightly.

This isn’t a fussy recipe it’s forgiving and flexible, which is why so many home cooks fall in love with it. Once you’ve made it once, it’ll be second nature next time.

Customize & Serve Your Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about this soup is how easy it is to make it your own. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can tweak it to fit your mood, the season, or what you have in the fridge.

Want a shortcut? Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken it blends right in and saves time. Prefer a more vegetable-heavy version? Add sliced mushrooms or chopped zucchini when you sauté the carrots and celery. These absorb flavor and make the soup even heartier without overpowering the original taste.

For a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when adding the broth. You can also stir in a few teaspoons of Italian seasoning or fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme. These layers of flavor enhance the richness without needing any complicated ingredients.

And here’s a clever trick: if you like thicker soup, mash a few gnocchi against the side of the pot before stirring in the cream. This helps thicken the broth naturally and gives it that cozy, slightly rustic texture.

What to Serve With Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This soup is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides that round out the dish without stealing the spotlight. Think fresh-baked bread, cheesy garlic toast, or warm dinner rolls perfect for dipping and scooping every last drop.

If you’re aiming for a lighter pairing, a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the creamy richness of the soup. Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and shaved Parmesan, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy lunch or dinner at home.

For cozy weeknights, try serving this soup with a small bowl of olives or marinated vegetables on the side quick, easy, and full of flavor. It also reheats well, making it a smart choice for make-ahead meals and lunch leftovers the next day.

Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends, this copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup fits the occasion. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together no fuss, just warmth and good flavor.

Print

FAQs

Conclusion

There’s something truly satisfying about recreating a restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen especially when it’s as comforting and family-friendly as this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. From the creamy broth to the tender gnocchi and savory chicken, every spoonful feels like home.

This recipe isn’t just about cooking it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re serving it up on a cold night or prepping lunches for the week, it always delivers warmth, flavor, and a little sense of celebration. Simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser this is the kind of soup you’ll come back to again and again.