Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is that warm hug in a bowl we all secretly wish someone would hand us after a long day—especially when fall hits and you’re running on caffeine, carpool chaos, and the lingering scent of dry shampoo. If you’ve ever sat at Olive Garden just for the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks, you already know the magic we’re talking about. And guess what? You can make this creamy, soul-soothing classic right at home in under 30 minutes. Yup—restaurant-quality comfort food without wrestling your bra off in the booth. Let’s dive in (not literally… it’s hot soup, girl)

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What is Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup?

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is a creamy chicken soup loaded with tender gnocchi, shredded carrots, chopped spinach, and cozy Italian spices. It’s a staple on Olive Garden’s menu and one of the most-loved comfort foods for good reason. This homemade version nails that restaurant flavor without the price tag (or the 45-minute wait for a table). Imagine chicken pot pie’s more sophisticated cousin—just as comforting, but creamier and with those dreamy pillowy gnocchi instead of crust. Plus, it’s ready in about the time it takes to watch one episode of The Golden Bachelor. Cozy, creamy, and totally satisfying.

Reasons to Try Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup

First off, Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is weeknight gold. You’ll only need one pot, minimal chopping, and no fancy gadgets. If you’re juggling picky eaters, deadlines, and dishes from last night still in the sink (we see you), this soup comes in clutch. It’s budget-friendly, pantry-friendly, and honestly—just tastes like a hug. Leftovers? Even better the next day. Plus, if you’ve got some rotisserie chicken on standby, you’re basically halfway there. And let’s not forget: gnocchi. Those fluffy potato pillows are the MVP of this whole show.

Ingredients Needed to Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 small rib celery, sliced (1/3 cup)
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup matchstick carrots
• 3 small garlic cloves, finely chopped (2 tsp)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 cup finely chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 (12-ounce) package refrigerated gnocchi (Rana is a great pick)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped baby spinach
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of ground nutmeg

Instructions to Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup comes together in just one pot, and it’s way easier than you’d think. Whether you’re new to soups or a seasoned home cook, this recipe will become your cozy go-to. Let’s walk through the entire process—step by step—with all the little tips that make a big difference.

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies to Build Flavor

Start by grabbing a large Dutch oven or deep soup pot. Turn the heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once melted and bubbly, toss in your sliced celery, chopped onion, and matchstick carrots.

Let the vegetables cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring often with a wooden spoon. You’re looking for the onions to turn translucent and the carrots and celery to soften slightly. This step gives the soup its signature flavor base—don’t rush it!

Next, add your minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it—burned garlic can overpower the soup.

Pro Tip: If you’re into cozy, hearty soups like this, you’ll also love this Creamy Mushroom Soup with Thyme—it uses the same veggie base and makes for an excellent next-day lunch.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Soup Base

Now, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter into the veggie mixture. Once the butter melts completely, sprinkle in the 1/4 cup of flour and stir constantly. You’re creating a light roux, which helps thicken the soup later.

Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, just until it turns slightly golden. This roux gives the soup its signature thick, silky texture without making it feel too heavy.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking or stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Then add the half-and-half, and stir until everything is well combined.

Next, stir in the cooked chopped chicken, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—don’t let it boil too hard, or the dairy can separate.

Step 3: Add the Gnocchi and Let It Soften

Now comes the star of the show: the gnocchi. Drop the entire 12-ounce package of refrigerated gnocchi into the simmering soup.

Let it cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure they don’t stick together or to the bottom. The gnocchi will float to the top once they’re done—like little clouds of potato magic. At this point, your kitchen should smell insanely good.

Step 4: Stir in Spinach and Seasonings

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the chopped baby spinach, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and just a pinch of nutmeg (trust us—it makes the soup warm and rich without tasting like dessert).

Let everything simmer for another 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the flavors blend beautifully.

Optional Add-in: If you love a little extra flavor depth, stir in a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese here. It’s not traditional, but it’s delicious.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Cozy

Ladle your Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup into bowls and serve hot. This soup is rich, hearty, and satisfying all on its own—but feel free to serve it with crusty bread, a green salad, or copycat Olive Garden breadsticks if you’re really leaning into the theme.

Want another creamy chicken soup to add to your weekly dinner plan? Check out this Rotisserie Chicken and Mushroom Soup for a similar one-pot winner.

Final Notes for This Step-by-Step Recipe:

• Don’t skip the flour—it’s crucial for thickening.
• Add gnocchi only after the soup base is fully simmering for best texture.
• Spinach wilts fast—add it last.
• Stir often during each step so the dairy doesn’t scorch.
• For even more soup ideas, browse our full collection of cozy soups, perfect for fall and winter nights.

What to Serve with Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup

This soup’s creamy, hearty goodness makes it the star of the show—but every headliner needs a solid backup act. Serve it with warm breadsticks (duh), a fresh Caesar salad, or even some roasted garlic Parmesan potatoes if you’re feeling extra. A crusty baguette works perfectly for dunking. And hey, if you’re aiming for a full cozy night in, pair it with this Creamy Mushroom Soup with Thyme for a dreamy soup duo situation.

Key Tips for Making Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup

1. Use pre-cooked chicken—rotisserie saves time and adds flavor.
2. Don’t skip the flour step—it’s the secret to that creamy, thick base.
3. Add gnocchi gently; they’re delicate little clouds.
4. Want it thicker? Let it simmer 5 extra minutes uncovered.
5. Add the spinach at the end to keep it fresh and bright, not slimy.
6. Stir constantly when adding the flour and broth to avoid lumps (nobody likes clumpy soup).

Storage and Reheating Tips for Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The gnocchi will soak up some liquid, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating. Microwave on medium power, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. This soup does not freeze well—the dairy and gnocchi don’t hold up after thawing (trust me, I tried). Best to make fresh or enjoy within the week.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, just add 1–2 extra minutes of cooking time.

Is there a dairy-free version?
You can swap half-and-half with unsweetened oat milk + 1 tbsp cornstarch for creaminess, but it won’t be quite the same.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Sure, but it’s so quick on the stove that slow cooking may not save you time. Still, add everything except gnocchi and spinach for 3–4 hours on low. Add gnocchi and spinach at the end.

Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely. Sauté them with the onions and carrots for an extra umami kick.

Where can I find gnocchi in the store?
Look in the refrigerated pasta section, usually near tortellini. Rana is a great brand!

Final Thoughts

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup isn’t just soup—it’s a mood. It’s for the nights you want to stay in but still eat something that feels a little extra. Creamy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy, this is the kind of recipe you’ll keep in rotation all season long. Whether you’re feeding the whole crew or just want leftovers that actually taste better the next day, this one’s got you covered. And if you’re soup-obsessed like the rest of us, don’t miss this dreamy creamy mushroom potato soup for your next bowl therapy session.

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