Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Welcome to the ultimate guide for recreating one of Olive Garden’s most beloved menu items right in your own kitchen! If you adore the creamy, comforting embrace of their Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’re in for a treat. This copycat recipe brings all the delightful flavors and textures of the restaurant classic directly to your table, allowing you to savor its warmth and richness whenever the craving strikes. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort with our easy-to-follow, delicious homemade version.

The Best Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There’s something undeniably special about a creamy chicken gnocchi soup. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, offering a perfect blend of tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh vegetables enveloped in a rich, savory broth. Our take on this iconic soup captures the essence of Olive Garden’s famous recipe, making it an ideal meal for a chilly evening, a cozy weekend lunch, or whenever you need a little culinary hug.

Over the years, we’ve perfected several Olive Garden copycat recipes, sharing our love for their incredible soups. We’ve previously brought you the fiery Zuppa Toscana, the hearty Minestrone, and the robust Pasta e Fagioli. Now, we complete the quartet with this exquisite Chicken Gnocchi Soup, rounding out your collection of Olive Garden-inspired comfort foods.

And for a truly complete Olive Garden at-home experience, don’t forget to whip up our Copycat Olive Garden Lemon Cream Cake for dessert. It’s an unbelievably delicious and refreshing finish to any meal, proving just how much we adore this Italian-American chain!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Authentic Flavor: Our recipe meticulously replicates the creamy, savory taste you know and love from Olive Garden.
• Comforting & Hearty: Packed with chicken, vegetables, and pillowy gnocchi, it’s a satisfying meal that fills you up and warms your soul.
• Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet appeal, this soup is straightforward to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
• Budget-Friendly: Enjoy your favorite restaurant soup without the restaurant price tag.

Key Ingredients for an Epic Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Crafting this delicious soup requires a blend of fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Butter & Olive Oil: The base for sautéing our aromatics, providing a rich foundation.
• Aromatics (Onion, Carrots, Celery, Minced Garlic): These form the flavor backbone of the soup, adding depth and a subtle sweetness. Using fresh vegetables is key for the best texture and taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a roux, which thickens the soup and gives it its signature creamy consistency.
• Chicken Broth: The liquid base for the soup. Opt for a good quality broth, low-sodium if you want to control the salt content.
• Cooked Chicken: We love the convenience of using a store-bought rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced. It saves time and adds fantastic flavor. Alternatively, you can cook your own chicken breasts or thighs.
• Potato Gnocchi: These soft, doughy potato dumplings are the star! Look for shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi in the pasta aisle. They cook quickly and absorb the soup’s flavors beautifully. You can also make homemade gnocchi for an extra touch.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds vibrant color, a touch of freshness, and a boost of nutrients. It wilts perfectly into the hot soup.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic fresh basil, chopped and stirred in at the end, brightens the entire dish with its sweet, peppery notes.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese (for garnish): A final sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami finish.

Equipment Needed

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Kitchen Spoon or Stirring Utensil
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board (for vegetables)
• Separate Pot (for cooking gnocchi, if preferred)
• Serving Bowls

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creating this rich and hearty soup is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl every time:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften but are not browned. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking until fragrant.
2. Form the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This step is crucial for thickening the soup later.
3. Build the Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
4. Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken pieces. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for at least 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to become very tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
5. Cook Gnocchi: While the soup simmers, cook the potato gnocchi according to package directions in a separate pot of salted boiling water. Gnocchi cook quickly, usually floating to the surface when done. Drain them well.
6. Combine & Finish: Add the cooked gnocchi and fresh spinach to the simmering soup. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts. Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
7. Season & Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese.

Preparation and Storage Tips

Making this soup ahead of time or storing leftovers is a breeze, especially with the roux acting as a stabilizer for the dairy components.

Make-Ahead & Storage: This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is perfect for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing Instructions: To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. The roux in this recipe helps prevent the dairy from separating excessively upon thawing, ensuring a creamier texture than many other cream-based soups.

Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave. If the soup is too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or a little milk to reach your desired consistency.

Recipe Variations to Explore

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for various dietary adjustments and flavor enhancements.

• Chicken Substitutions: While a Costco rotisserie chicken offers ultimate convenience, you can easily use leftover roasted chicken, boiled and shredded chicken breast, or even turkey. For a DIY approach, try our CrockPot Lemon Dill Chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add extra vegetables or a can of drained cannellini beans for added protein and heartiness.
• Vegan Option: For a vegan version, in addition to the vegetarian modifications, replace butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Most potato gnocchi contains eggs, so look for a certified vegan gnocchi brand. You may also need to adjust the thickening agent if avoiding flour or dairy; a cornstarch slurry can be used.
• Gluten-Free: For gluten-free eaters, ensure you use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux and gluten-free potato gnocchi. Always double-check your chicken broth label, as some brands may contain gluten-based additives.
• Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a quarter teaspoon of smoked paprika while sautéing the vegetables.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like finely diced zucchini, green beans, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
• Herb Alternatives: If fresh basil isn’t available, dried basil can be used (use about one-third of the amount). Fresh parsley or a blend of Italian herbs would also be delicious.

Expert Tips for the Best Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Fresh Veggies are Best: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh onions, carrots, and celery. Frozen vegetables can sometimes become mushy when cooked in soup.
• Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks very quickly. As soon as they float to the surface, they are typically done. Overcooking will make them rubbery or disintegrate.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, add a bit more chicken broth. For a thicker consistency, you can let it simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last few minutes of simmering.
• Season in Layers: Season with salt and pepper at various stages of cooking – when sautéing vegetables, after adding broth, and again before serving. This builds a deeper flavor profile.
• Fresh Herbs at the End: Always add delicate fresh herbs like basil and spinach towards the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant color and flavor.
• Garnish Generously: A final sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and maybe a few fresh basil leaves not only looks appealing but also adds an extra burst of flavor.

What to Serve with Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Italian-inspired creamy chicken gnocchi soup is fantastic on its own for a satisfying lunch, but it also pairs wonderfully with other Italian favorites to create a full meal experience right at home.

Classic Sides:

• Olive Garden Breadsticks: The quintessential accompaniment for dipping into the creamy broth.
• A fresh Olive Garden-style house salad with Italian dressing.
• Other Olive Garden Copycat Soups: Offer a soup sampler with Minestrone, Zuppa Toscana, or Pasta e Fagioli.

Main Dishes (if serving as an appetizer):

• Pasta dishes with Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce or Copycat Olive Garden Marinara Sauce.
• A light chicken or fish entrée.

Delicious Desserts:

• Our refreshing Copycat Olive Garden Lemon Cream Cake.
• Classic Tiramisu or Zeppoli.

When to Serve This Delightful Soup

• Lunch: A hearty and satisfying midday meal.
• Dinner: Perfect for a family dinner, especially on cooler evenings.
• Date Night: Impress your partner with a homemade Italian-inspired meal.
• Italian Night: Create a full Italian feast with this soup as a centerpiece.
• Potlucks or Gatherings: A crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to transport and serve.

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And don’t miss our broader categories of copycat recipes, tempting dessert recipes, and an abundance of CrockPot Recipes.

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Recipe originally shared March 8, 2016.