Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you have ever craved the comforting, creamy goodness of a restaurant favorite, this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup will quickly become your new go-to. It’s a rich, velvety soup bursting with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh veggies, and just the right touch of herbs. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or need a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, this recipe brings the soul-soothing flavors of Olive Garden right into your kitchen. Trust me, once you try making this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered it anywhere else.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple staples that come together effortlessly to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your soup. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s the creamy richness from the heavy cream or the fresh crunch from the celery and spinach.

• Butter: Provides a silky base and brings out the aroma of the sautéed vegetables.
• Celery: Adds a subtle, fresh crunch and a classic flavor dimension.
• Carrots: Gives natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Sweet onion: Brings a gentle, savory depth when finely chopped and cooked.
• Garlic cloves: Intensifies the savory notes with a fragrant punch.
• Flour: Acts as a thickener to create that luscious, creamy soup texture.
• Chicken broth: Builds a flavorful and comforting liquid foundation.
• Chicken breast: Adds hearty protein and tender bites throughout the soup.
• Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Heavy cream: Creates the soup’s rich, velvety finish.
• Spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a subtle earthiness when wilted.
• Fresh thyme leaves: Offers a bright herbal note that perfectly balances the creaminess.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add diced celery, carrots, sweet onion, and minced garlic. Sauté them gently for about 8 minutes until tender and fragrant. This step is crucial as the softened vegetables form a flavorful base that will infuse the entire soup with warmth and depth.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Next, stir in the flour with the cooked vegetables and continue to cook for about 2 minutes. This helps the raw flour taste to cook off and prepares it to thicken your soup, creating that signature creamy texture. Make sure you mix it well so the flour coats the veggies evenly.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Chicken

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Then add the cooked, chopped chicken breast. Bring this mixture up to a boil; this simmers everything together and combines those lovely flavors in the broth.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the potato gnocchi to the boiling soup and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5 minutes, until they float and become tender. These dumplings are the soul of the soup—they soak up the creamy broth and make every spoonful comforting and filling.

Step 5: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Thyme

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Warm the soup until it is steaming but not boiling, which keeps the cream from curdling. Add fresh spinach and thyme leaves, stirring gently until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through perfectly. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, and you’ve got a bowl of homemade deliciousness that rivals the Olive Garden original.

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

Finish off your bowl of soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper to add a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley also brightens the presentation and adds a subtle herby note that complements the thyme beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks to help scoop up every last bit. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can add some crisp freshness, balancing the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in mini bread bowls, turning the bread into an edible vessel. You can also add a drizzle of truffle oil or a few crispy pancetta bits on top for a gourmet twist that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the soup, consider omitting the heavy cream and spinach initially, then add them fresh when reheating. Freeze the soup base in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. This keeps the textures fresh and maintains that creamy consistency.

Reheating

When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat. Add the cream and fresh spinach at this time, stirring until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through. Avoid boiling to maintain the soup’s silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well and will cook in about the same amount of time. Just be sure not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.

Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor profile but still yield a delicious result.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Definitely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves cooking time without compromising the soup’s taste.

What type of thyme works best?

Fresh thyme leaves are ideal for the bright, aromatic punch, but if you only have dried thyme, use about one-third of the amount and sprinkle it in earlier during cooking to release its flavor.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking will give the soup a lovely warming heat without overpowering the creamy base.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is hands down one of those magical dishes that feels indulgent yet homemade, impressive but easy. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something cozy or for special dinners that call for a little extra comfort. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this creamy, savory bowl of happiness as much as I do.

Print