A creamy, hearty soup loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables. It’s a perfect comfort dish that brings the taste of Olive Garden to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: Perfectly balanced with creamy broth and tender gnocchi.
- Restaurant-Style at Home: Enjoy Olive Garden flavors without leaving your house.
- Hearty and Comforting: A filling dish that’s perfect for chilly days.
- Versatile: Easy to adapt with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 (16 oz) package gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced celery, and shredded carrots. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the heavy cream, cooked chicken, dried thyme, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- Extra Protein: Add crumbled Italian sausage or cooked bacon for a meatier soup.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or cashew cream in place of heavy cream.
- Spicier Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened.
- Freezing: This soup doesn’t freeze well due to the cream and gnocchi, which can alter the texture when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Yes, homemade gnocchi works wonderfully and adds a personal touch to the dish.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful option.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk can be used, though the soup may be less creamy.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free gnocchi and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour.
What other vegetables can I add?
Zucchini, peas, or kale make great additions to this soup.
How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Make a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the soup and simmer until thickened.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but add the gnocchi and spinach just before serving to maintain their texture.
Can I omit the spinach?
Yes, you can leave it out or replace it with another green like kale or Swiss chard.
Is this soup spicy?
No, it’s mild, but you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
Can I use pre-shredded chicken?
Yes, pre-shredded or canned chicken works well for convenience.
Conclusion
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy textures with hearty ingredients. This easy-to-make recipe delivers all the restaurant-quality flavors you love, right in your own kitchen. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying and cozy meal!
Print
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy soup with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables—your comfort dish inspired by Olive Garden.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 (16 oz) package gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced celery, and shredded carrots. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the heavy cream, cooked chicken, dried thyme, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup