Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any day you crave something warm and satisfying. Inspired by Olive Garden’s beloved recipe, it combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 14-ounce can chicken broth (use 2 cans for a thinner soup)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
• 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast (rotisserie works well)
• 1 16-ounce package potato gnocchi
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are tender. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
2. Step 2: Gradually pour in the half-and-half and chicken broth, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the fresh thyme, shredded carrots, chopped spinach, diced chicken, and potato gnocchi. Let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi is cooked through and the soup has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter soup, use low-fat milk instead of half-and-half, but expect a slightly thinner texture.
• Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the roux can enhance the creamy flavor.
• Try swapping fresh spinach for kale for a heartier green.
• If you prefer a spicier soup, add a dash of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb some liquid and soften over time. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, stir in a little extra chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time until they float and are tender.

What can I substitute for half-and-half?

You can use equal parts milk and cream as a substitute, or whole milk for a lighter version, though the soup will be less creamy and rich.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 446 reviews

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and rich Olive Garden copycat recipe, featuring tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth flavored with thyme. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup combines sautéed vegetables, a roux-based creamy sauce, and hearty ingredients to create a delicious homemade soup.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth (for a thinner soup, use 2 cans)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
• 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast (rotisserie recommended)
• 1 (16 ounce) package potato gnocchi
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Create Roux: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. This will form a roux that will help thicken the soup.
3. Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the half-and-half and chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Continue to stir until the mixture starts to thicken slightly.
4. Add Vegetables and Chicken: Stir in fresh thyme, shredded carrots, chopped spinach, diced cooked chicken breast, and potato gnocchi. Mix everything well.
5. Simmer and Cook Gnocchi: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the soup for about 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi is cooked through and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency. If you prefer thinner soup, add an additional can of chicken broth.
6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor boost.
• Add an extra can of chicken broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.
• Fresh thyme can be substituted with 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute half-and-half with coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer and use dairy-free butter.
• The gnocchi cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to prevent it from falling apart.

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, Olive Garden Copycat, Chicken Soup, Comfort Food, Potato Gnocchi Soup, Easy Dinner Recipe