Craving Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup but don’t want to leave home? This easy, creamy copycat recipe brings the restaurant flavors straight to your kitchen. With tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, flavorful broth, this homemade version is even better than the original.

Making soups from scratch might seem daunting, but this recipe is surprisingly simple. Using homemade chicken broth (learn how to make it here), you’ll get a deep, rich flavor that’s impossible to replicate with store-bought versions. Plus, this soup is budget-friendly, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality dish at home for a fraction of the price.

Want to know the secret behind perfectly thick and creamy soups? It all starts with a classic roux (what is a roux?). This essential cooking technique helps achieve that signature smooth and velvety texture. Whether you’re making this for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup will become a household favorite!

What Makes This the Best Copycat Recipe?

This Olive Garden copycat recipe stands out because:

It replicates the authentic restaurant flavor with simple ingredients.
It’s customizable—adjust the seasonings, swap out ingredients, or make it gluten-free with a few tweaks.
It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.

Did you know gnocchi (learn more about gnocchi) is a traditional Italian dumpling made from potatoes, flour, and eggs? This soft, pillowy ingredient makes the soup extra hearty and comforting. Paired with a touch of Italian seasoning (what’s in Italian seasoning?), the flavors come together beautifully!

If you love copycat Olive Garden recipes, check out these Pinterest favorites for more inspiration!

Ingredients Breakdown

To achieve the perfect balance of creaminess and flavor, here’s what you’ll need:

Butter & Flour: Used to create a thick, creamy base.
Chicken Broth: Essential for a rich, savory taste.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience!
Heavy Cream & Milk: For that luxurious creamy texture.
Seasonings: A mix of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper enhances the flavors.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and fresh spinach add depth and nutrients.
Gnocchi: The star ingredient, giving the soup its hearty bite.

Want to try making homemade gnocchi? Here’s an easy Pinterest guide to help you!

Now, let’s get into how to prepare this delicious, creamy soup step by step.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Sauté the aromatics – Melt butter in a large pot, add diced onions and cook until soft. Stir in minced garlic for extra depth.
Make the roux – Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to create a smooth paste.
Add the broth – Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Let it simmer.
Incorporate chicken and dairy – Add shredded chicken, heavy cream, and milk, stirring to blend flavors.
Mix in veggies – Toss in carrots and spinach, letting them soften.
Cook the gnocchi – Add potato gnocchi and cook until they float to the top, about 3-4 minutes.
Season & serve – Adjust seasoning if needed. Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving.

Want to explore slow cooker options? Check out this guide on making soups in a crockpot!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Soup

Prevent curdling: Add dairy slowly and avoid high heat.
Get the right thickness: If the soup is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry. Too thick? Add more broth!
Shred chicken easily: Use a hand mixer to shred warm chicken in seconds.
For a richer flavor: Use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.

For more easy soup recipes, check out these Pinterest ideas.

Variations & Substitutions

Looking for alternative ways to enjoy this soup? Here are some options:

Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and replace flour with cornstarch.
Extra Protein: Try adding sausage or bacon for a smoky flavor.

For more classic creamy soups, check out this Wikipedia article.

Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes

Bread Pairings: Serve with garlic bread or warm breadsticks.
Salad Options: A Caesar salad makes the perfect side.
Wine Pairing: A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy flavors.

Want to learn more about Olive Garden’s history? Read here.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheat slowly over low heat to prevent the dairy from separating.
Freezing Tips: Avoid freezing since dairy-based soups can separate when thawed.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook everything except the gnocchi and dairy on low for 4-6 hours, then stir them in during the last 30 minutes.

How do I thicken my soup?

Use a flour or cornstarch slurry to make the soup thicker.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

For more cozy fall dinner ideas, check out these Pinterest recipes.

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. Make it today for a comforting homemade meal that’s even better than the restaurant version! 🍲✨

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Author: Christopher

Print Recipe

Description

Craving Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi Soup? 🍲 Now you can make it at home with this easy, creamy copycat recipe! Loaded with tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, flavorful broth, this soup is comfort food at its best.

Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a quick and satisfying meal, this homemade version is even better than the restaurant’s—customizable, budget-friendly, and packed with fresh ingredients. Pair it with warm breadsticks or a crisp Caesar salad for the ultimate cozy dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup carrots, shredded
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 pound potato gnocchi

Instructions

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring continuously for about one minute to create a roux.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Add the shredded chicken, heavy cream, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Add the shredded carrots and chopped spinach, then let the soup simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Gently stir in the gnocchi and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Gnocchi Cooking Tip: Add the gnocchi at the end and cook until they float—overcooking will make them mushy!
Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for cornstarch and use gluten-free gnocchi.
Storage Tip: The soup thickens as it sits; add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Extra Flavor Boost: Stir in crispy bacon or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving!

Want more Olive Garden copycat recipes? Check out these Pinterest ideas! 😍

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