Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup A Cozy Copycat Masterpiece

Tender pillows of gnocchi, shredded chicken, and vibrant veggies swim in a velvety, herb-infused cream broth that’s pure comfort. Now, you can skip the restaurant line and recreate this iconic dish at home! Our copycat recipe captures every decadent detail, from the savory garlic undertones to the silky texture, but with a fraction of the effort. Perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or impressing guests, this soup is ready in 40 minutes and tastes even better than the original. Let’s dive in!

Why This Recipe Works

Olive Garden’s version leans on heavy cream, but our recipe balances richness with depth by using a mix of half-and-half and a roux for body. Sautéing fresh veggies (no shortcuts here!) builds a flavorful foundation, while a hint of nutmeg and thyme adds that signature Italian-inspired warmth. Store-bought gnocchi keeps it quick, but we’ll share a pro tip for homemade if you’re feeling ambitious. Best of all, this soup is forgiving—swap in rotisserie chicken, adjust the creaminess, or add spinach for extra greens.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 6–8)

2 tbsp butter (or olive oil)

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup diced celery

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp dried thyme

½ tsp ground nutmeg

⅓ cup all-purpose flour

6 cups chicken broth

1 lb cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great!)

1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream for extra richness)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional garnish: Grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Veggies

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, and nutmeg; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Create the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

3. Build the Broth

Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Add Chicken & Gnocchi

Stir in shredded chicken and gnocchi. Simmer for 5 minutes until gnocchi float to the top and are tender.

5. Finish with Cream & Spinach

Reduce heat to low. Add spinach and half-and-half, stirring until spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

Pro Tips for Success

Gnocchi Hack: Boil gnocchi separately and add them just before serving to avoid mushiness.

Vegetarian Twist: Use vegetable broth and omit chicken. Add white beans for protein.

Cream Control: Substitute half-and-half with evaporated milk for a lighter texture.

Fresh Herbs: Swap dried thyme for 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves.

Make-Ahead: Prepare the soup base (without gnocchi or cream) up to 2 days ahead. Add gnocchi and dairy when reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and crusty bread for dipping. Pair with a Caesar salad and garlic knots to nail the Olive Garden experience at home. For a low-carb option, skip the gnocchi and add cauliflower florets instead.

Storage & Reheating

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the texture. Freezing is not recommended (gnocchi may become grainy), but the broth-base (without dairy or gnocchi) freezes well for up to 2 months.

Why This Soup Beats the Restaurant

This copycat version lets you control the quality of ingredients—no mystery additives or excessive salt. It’s creamier, packed with more chicken, and infinitely customizable. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s weeknight-friendly yet elegant enough for dinner parties. The aroma alone—garlicky, buttery, and herbaceous—will have your family hovering around the kitchen.

Final Ladle

With this recipe, Olive Garden’s cozy magic is just a pot away. Whether you’re nursing a cold, craving comfort, or hosting a cozy gathering, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. So grab your biggest spoon, dust off that bread basket, and prepare for compliments—because once you try this version, there’s no going back.