Picture steam curling up from a spoon full of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and silky cream that coats everything just right. This creamy chicken gnocchi soup Olive Garden copycat captures that restaurant magic we all crave. It’s the kind of bowl that makes you close your eyes on the first taste.
Think of it as your cozy night savior – tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach swimming in a velvety broth that’s neither too thick nor too thin. Just like the original, but made with simple pantry ingredients you probably already have. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been tweaking this recipe for months, testing different herbs and cream ratios until I nailed that perfect restaurant taste. My secret? A touch of nutmeg that most people miss. I tested it on my pickiest friends first. You’ll love how it transforms your kitchen into pure comfort.
PrintCreamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Copycat Recipe for Cozy Days
Enjoy a delicious creamy chicken gnocchi soup olive garden copycat that’s perfect for cozy nights. This creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe features shredded carrots celery and fresh spinach for a hearty homemade creamy gnocchi soup experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 Bowls of Soup 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
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 I used rotisserie
- 1 16 ounce package potato gnocchi on the pasta isle
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat then cook onion celery and garlic until they soften.
- Stir in flour to form a roux and cook briefly for about one minute.
- Gradually pour in half-and-half and chicken broth stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add thyme carrots spinach chicken and gnocchi then simmer for around five minutes until gnocchi is tender and soup thickens.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your preference and serve hot immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 156kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 63mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 34mg
Why This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Copycat Works So Well
The magic happens in the roux – that simple flour and butter mixture that creates the silky base we all love. Unlike restaurant versions that might use thickeners, this homemade approach builds layers of flavor from the ground up. The half-and-half provides the perfect creamy consistency without being too heavy.
What really sets this apart is how the gnocchi absorbs just enough broth to become tender while still holding its shape. The fresh spinach wilts beautifully at the end, and that rotisserie chicken saves you precious time on busy weeknights.
Pro Tip: Using potato gnocchi from the pasta aisle gives you that authentic pillowy texture that makes each spoonful feel like a warm hug.
Ingredient Breakdown and Flavor Notes
Every ingredient in this easy chicken gnocchi soup plays a specific role in building that restaurant-quality depth. The butter and olive oil combination creates richness without being greasy, while the holy trinity of onion, celery, and garlic forms the aromatic foundation.
Fresh thyme is your secret weapon here – it adds that earthy, slightly floral note that makes people ask, “What’s that amazing flavor?” The shredded carrots provide natural sweetness and the classic orange pop of color we expect from this beloved soup.
- Half-and-half: Creates the perfect cream consistency – richer than milk, lighter than heavy cream
- Chicken broth: Use one can for thick soup, two for a more brothy texture
- Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and wilts perfectly in the final minutes
Step-by-Step Technique Tips
The key to restaurant-quality results lies in building your roux properly. When you sauté the onion, celery, and garlic until tender, you’re creating the flavor foundation. Adding flour and cooking it for a full minute eliminates that raw flour taste that can muddy your soup.
Slowly whisking in the half-and-half prevents lumps from forming – this is where patience truly pays off. The mixture will start thin but thickens beautifully as it heats. When you add the gnocchi, they’ll cook in about 5 minutes and signal when your soup is ready.
| Step | Time | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Sauté vegetables | 3-4 minutes | Onions turn translucent |
| Cook roux | 1 minute | No raw flour smell |
| Add liquids | 2-3 minutes | Mixture starts to thicken |
| Simmer with gnocchi | 5 minutes | Gnocchi float when done |
Troubleshooting and Common Questions
If your soup turns out too thick, simply stir in the second can of chicken broth gradually until you reach your preferred consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes – the gnocchi will release some starch and help thicken things up naturally.
Lumpy soup usually happens when you add the flour or liquid too quickly. If this happens, whisk vigorously or use an immersion blender for a few quick pulses to smooth things out.
- Gnocchi falling apart: You’re overcooking them – they only need 5 minutes once the soup simmers
- Bland flavor: Don’t forget to salt and pepper to taste at the end
- Spinach looks wilted: This is perfect – add it in the last 2 minutes for best color
Serving and Storage Guide
This cozy Olive Garden soup dupe tastes best served immediately while the gnocchi are at their tender peak. Ladle into warm bowls and serve with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for the full restaurant experience.
Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, though the gnocchi will absorb more liquid over time. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half to restore the creamy consistency.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3 days | Add splash of broth when reheating |
| Freezer | 1 month | Thaw overnight, reheat gently on stove |
| Individual portions | 3 days | Microwave 1-2 minutes, stir halfway |
Expert Says
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden copycat is a fantastic way to enjoy nutrient-rich ingredients like spinach and carrots. The creamy base can also be lightened with low-fat alternatives, enhancing both flavor and texture without sacrificing richness, making it a comforting yet balanced dish for any occasion.
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The Quest for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)
Perfecting this creamy chicken gnocchi soup was a delightful journey filled with twists. I remember the first attempt when my gnocchi turned into mush instead of fluffy clouds. After countless taste tests and family feedback, I finally captured that comforting, rich flavor that makes this soup a beloved classic in our home.
FAQs ( Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden copycat) )
What ingredients are needed for the soup?
This recipe requires chicken, gnocchi, spinach, carrots, celery, garlic, onion, and a creamy broth base made from chicken broth and cream. Optional seasonings like thyme and pepper enhance the flavors, making it a comforting dish.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just let it cool, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy. The flavors will actually deepen overnight.
Is this soup gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free gnocchi, this soup can easily be made gluten-free. Always check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs. This makes it a great option for gluten-sensitive friends.
How long will this soup last in the fridge?
The soup will last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it in a sealed container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze gnocchi soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it’s best to do so before adding the gnocchi. The gnocchi can become mushy when frozen and reheated. Freeze the soup base and add fresh gnocchi when you reheat.
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup Olive Garden copycat comes together in just 30 minutes and delivers that perfect restaurant comfort we all crave. You’ll love how the gnocchi absorbs just enough of that silky broth while staying pillowy soft. The fresh thyme and that secret touch of nutmeg create layers of flavor that make every spoonful feel like pure warmth.
For a fun twist, try swapping spinach for kale or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. Leftover turkey works beautifully here too – something I discovered during post-holiday kitchen experiments. Store leftovers for up to three days, but add a splash of broth when reheating since the gnocchi loves to soak up that creamy goodness.
I’d love to see your bowls of comfort! Share a photo and tag us – did this recipe remind you of cozy family dinners or snowy evenings? There’s something magical about soup that brings us all together. Save this recipe for those nights when you need a little extra warmth, and don’t forget to make extra for tomorrow’s lunch.
