Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe – Easy & Delicious Copycat

Remember those chilly afternoons when nothing hit quite like a hot bowl of something creamy? This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat is all over TikTok and Pinterest, and I had to jump in. It’s the kind of cozy dish that smells like home—velvety broth, garlicky simmer, soft pillowy gnocchi—mmmm. I’ve made it a dozen times by now. Super doable. About 30 minutes, one pot, pure happy sighs.

It’s a creamy gnocchi chicken soup recipe that warms the soul. Just chicken, cream, spinach, and those dreamy little dumplings. Stuff you probably already got. Like your mom’s Sunday soup, but dressed up a bit. Full details in the blog!

I first tested this after a Saturday in the kitchen with my kiddos—just like the old days with my mom. Took a few tries (too thick, not enough flavor), but now? It’s bliss in a bowl. No fancy gadgets, just spoon, stove, and heart. I added one tiny twist—you’ll love it.

Why This Recipe Is Loved

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the definition of cozy—it’s hearty, creamy, and packed with nostalgic flavor. Recreating it at home lets you bring the restaurant’s charm straight to your kitchen, minus the endless breadsticks. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug, especially on chilly evenings. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for a family dinner or when you just want some comfort in a bowl.

Cooking this soup reminds me of those afternoons spent in the kitchen with my mom, chopping veggies and stirring pots. It’s a dish that doesn’t just taste good—it feels good, too, connecting us to simple, joyful memories.

The Ingredients and Their Roles

This recipe brings together staples you likely already have. The sautéed onion, garlic, carrots, and celery create that classic soup base, full of depth and aroma. They’re the foundation, setting the mood for the broth.

The shredded chicken is the heart of the dish—protein-rich and tender, it soaks up the herby flavors of the thyme and basil. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness, balancing out the creaminess from the heavy cream. And of course, the gnocchi! These pillowy little bites are the soul of the soup, adding texture and comfort in every spoonful.

Pro Tip: You can play around with the salt and pepper toward the end to get the flavor just right for your taste buds.

Step-by-Step Process with Kitchen Tips

Step 1: Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender—5 minutes should do it. Stir occasionally to avoid any sticking.

Step 2: Sprinkle the thyme and basil over the veggies, letting the herbs bloom for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes. This step deepens the flavor.

Step 3: Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and gnocchi. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the gnocchi doesn’t clump. Add the fresh spinach and heavy cream last, letting them gently wilt and warm for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re done!

Pro Tip: Add the spinach at the very end to keep it bright and fresh—it only needs a couple minutes.

Step	Time
Sauté veggies	5 minutes
Simmer broth	10 minutes
Add chicken & gnocchi	5 minutes
Spinach & cream	2–3 minutes

Troubleshooting and Lessons Learned

I’ll admit—my first try wasn’t perfect. The soup got too thick because I let it simmer too long, and one batch of gnocchi turned out soggy from overcooking. Here’s what I learned: Gnocchi cooks fast, so keep an eye on it. Five minutes is usually plenty to maintain its soft, pillowy texture without it turning mushy.

If the soup feels too thick, just stir in a splash of extra chicken broth (or even water) to loosen things up. Remember, you’re in charge here—adjust the broth-to-cream ratio to fit your preferred consistency. Adding cream last is another win—it keeps everything glossy and rich.

Creative Twists and Serving Ideas

Want to jazz things up? A sprinkle of crispy bacon or grated Parmesan on top takes this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup to the next level. You could even swap the spinach for kale if you’re feeling fancy (or want to use what’s in your fridge). Serve it with crusty bread for dipping—because the broth is too good to leave behind.

Storage Tips: Leftovers reheat wonderfully! Keep the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Prolonged reheating can thicken the soup, so add a splash of broth or cream to bring back that velvety texture.

Ingredient Swap	Alternative
Chicken	Turkey
Spinach	Kale
Heavy Cream	Half-and-half

Expert Insight: The Appeal of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi captures the magic of combining pillowy gnocchi with a rich, creamy sauce that balances tenderness and flavor. The key is gently simmering the ingredients to meld the chicken and gnocchi textures without overcooking, ensuring a comforting yet elevated dish every time.

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Perfecting the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

After several rounds of tweaking and a few kitchen missteps—like overcooking the gnocchi—I finally nailed this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe. Each attempt deepened my love for its creamy warmth, and today I’m sharing the version that feels just right, a true reflection of patience and taste.

FAQs ( Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe )

Wrapping Up This Cozy Classic

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi soup comes together in just about 30 minutes, with simple kitchen staples transforming into a creamy, comforting hug in a bowl. You’ll love how the tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi melt into that rich broth—it’s all heart, no fuss.

Feeling adventurous? Toss in crispy bacon or swap spinach for kale to shake things up. Leftovers? Just add a splash of broth when reheating to keep that silky texture. Trust me, these little tweaks make it your own, every time.

I’d love to hear how your version turned out! Did this bring back any cherished family memories? Snap a pic, share your story, or pass this recipe along to someone who needs a little homemade warmth today.

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