Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the creamy, comforting bowl regulars order on repeat — pillowy potato gnocchi, tender shredded chicken, and spinach in a rich, velvety broth. This copycat nails it exactly, and it comes together in one pot in about 40 minutes. Use rotisserie chicken and you’ve got a cozy restaurant-quality dinner on a weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Creamy and hearty — a full meal in a bowl, just like the restaurant.
- One pot, 40 minutes — weeknight-friendly comfort food.
- Rotisserie-chicken shortcut — fast and flavorful.
- Crowd-pleaser — kids and adults both go back for seconds.
The Ingredients That Matter
- Potato gnocchi — the soft, pillowy star. Store-bought shelf or refrigerated gnocchi both work beautifully.
- Half-and-half — gives the broth its signature velvety richness without being too heavy.
- Cooked chicken — rotisserie keeps it juicy and saves time.
- Spinach and carrots — color, freshness, and that classic Olive Garden look.
How to Make It
Soften the aromatics in butter, build a quick roux, then stir in broth and half-and-half. Add the chicken and gnocchi to simmer until tender, and finish with spinach. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
Pro Tips
- Don’t boil after adding the half-and-half — a gentle simmer keeps it smooth.
- Gnocchi cook fast — they’re done when they float, in about 4 minutes.
- Add spinach at the end so it stays bright green.
- Thicken or thin with a splash more broth or a touch more roux to your liking.
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Saute the onion, garlic, and carrots until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Whisk in the flour and cook 1 minute, then slowly stir in the chicken broth and half-and-half until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Simmer 4-5 minutes until the gnocchi float and are tender.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
Notes
What to Serve With It
Serve it with warm Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks for dipping. Building the full spread? Add Zuppa Toscana and creamy Alfredo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, though gnocchi soften over time. For the best texture, add fresh gnocchi when reheating rather than storing them in the soup.
Can I freeze chicken gnocchi soup?
Cream-based soups can separate when frozen. Freeze the broth base without the gnocchi and dairy, then add those fresh when reheating.
How do I make it thicker?
Simmer a few extra minutes, or stir in a little extra roux (butter + flour) for a thicker, restaurant-style broth.
More Copycat Olive Garden
Pair it with Breadsticks and Alfredo Sauce for a full Italian-cafe dinner.
