Name: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 cup carrots, sliced thin; 1 cup celery, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound chicken breast, cubed or shredded; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 pound potato gnocchi; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

I’ve always had a soft spot for the warm, creamy comfort of a good soup, especially when it’s filled with tender bites and rich flavors. One of my absolute favorites to recreate at home is the Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s the kind of dish that brings instant comfort, wrapping you up in creamy, savory goodness with every spoonful. The first time I tried it at Olive Garden, I knew I had to crack the code and make it in my own kitchen—and honestly, I think this homemade version might be even better.

It’s thick, hearty, and full of pillowy potato gnocchi, juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and tiny bites of carrot and celery, all swimming in a luxurious, garlic-kissed cream broth. The balance of richness and freshness makes it more than just a soup—it’s a full meal that satisfies every craving. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a night when you want something cozy and indulgent, this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

It’s restaurant-quality comfort at home – rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
Budget-friendly – way cheaper than eating out, especially for families.
Perfectly balanced – hearty chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh veggies.
Quick and easy – on the table in about 30 minutes.
Crowd favorite – even picky eaters go back for seconds.

What Kind of Gnocchi Should I Use?

When it comes to making Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home, choosing the right gnocchi really does matter. I personally prefer using shelf-stable potato gnocchi that you can find in the pasta aisle—it holds its shape well and cooks quickly right in the soup. If you can find fresh gnocchi in the refrigerated section, that’s also a great choice for an extra tender bite.

Frozen gnocchi works too, but be aware it can break down a bit faster in the hot broth, so you may want to add it later in the cooking process. Homemade gnocchi? Absolutely dreamy if you’re up for the task—but not necessary for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Options for Substitutions

Want to make this soup your own? It’s super forgiving and easy to customize.

No heavy cream? Use half-and-half or even whole milk with a bit of cornstarch to thicken it up.
Dairy-free? Try full-fat coconut milk or any unsweetened creamy plant-based alternative.
Gluten-free? Grab gluten-free gnocchi (many stores carry it now).
Rotisserie chicken shortcut: Skip the cooking step by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
No spinach? Kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes—just chop them finely and cook a little longer.
Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or peas for an extra hit of color and texture.

Ingredients for This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken breast – I like using boneless, skinless chicken breast for a lean, tender protein that shreds beautifully into the soup. You can also dice it if you prefer chunkier bites.

Potato gnocchi – These soft, pillowy dumplings are the heart of this soup. They add body, texture, and a bit of comforting starchiness.

Carrots – Thinly sliced carrots bring sweetness and a lovely pop of color to every bowl.

Celery – Adds a subtle crunch and earthy depth to the flavor base.

Yellow onion – When sautéed, onion brings aromatic sweetness and rounds out the broth.

Garlic – I love garlic here—it lifts the cream base and makes the soup so savory and rich.

Spinach – Chopped fresh spinach adds freshness and color, and balances the richness of the cream.

Chicken broth – Forms the savory backbone of the soup. Go for low-sodium so you can control the salt.

Heavy cream – This is what makes the soup luxuriously creamy and smooth.

Olive oil & butter – For sautéing and adding richness to the base.

All-purpose flour – Used to thicken the broth into that classic velvety texture.

Salt & black pepper – Essential seasoning to pull all the flavors together.

Italian seasoning – Just a pinch for that herby, comforting undertone.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the cubed or shredded chicken breast to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside—about 5 minutes. If you’re using cooked or rotisserie chicken, just stir it in here to warm it up.

Step 3: Make the Cream Base

Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. This forms the base for the creamy texture. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so it starts to thicken.

Step 4: Add the Gnocchi and Cream

Gently stir in the potato gnocchi and heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the gnocchi floats and becomes tender. You’ll notice the soup thickens slightly during this time.

Step 5: Stir in the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a crack of fresh black pepper. Serve hot with warm bread or a fresh salad on the side.

How Long to Cook the Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

From start to finish, this soup takes about 30 minutes to cook. That includes sautéing the vegetables, cooking the chicken, thickening the broth, and simmering the gnocchi. Once the gnocchi is tender and the spinach is wilted, it’s ready to serve. It’s a fast, one-pot meal that doesn’t skimp on comfort or flavor.

Tips for Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chop veggies evenly so they cook at the same rate and give a nice bite in every spoonful.
Don’t overcook the gnocchi—once they float and are tender, they’re done. Overcooking makes them mushy.
Use a whisk when adding the flour and broth to avoid clumps and get a smooth, silky texture.
Add the spinach last to keep its color and texture fresh.
Simmer gently, not at a rolling boil, to keep the cream from curdling.
Taste as you go, especially before serving—seasoning makes all the difference in a cream-based soup.
Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut when you’re short on time—it’s just as tasty.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the flour step: This is what gives the soup its rich, creamy body. Don’t skip it or your broth will be too thin.
Adding the gnocchi too early: If they simmer too long, they can break apart and make the soup gummy.
Boiling the cream: A gentle simmer is all you need—boiling can cause the cream to split and look grainy.
Forgetting to taste before serving: This soup needs balanced seasoning—salt and pepper bring everything together.
Crowding the pot: If your pot is too small, the gnocchi won’t cook evenly. Use a large Dutch oven or stockpot.
Overcooking the spinach: Add it at the end so it stays vibrant and doesn’t turn soggy.
Not stirring enough after adding flour: Keep stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even thickening.

What to Serve With Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Garlic Bread

Classic and irresistible. Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.

Caesar Salad

Crisp, tangy, and light—a great contrast to the richness of the soup.

Rustic Bread or Baguette

A warm loaf with a crusty outside and soft interior adds heartiness.

Cheesy Breadsticks

Soft, buttery, and melty with cheese—they pair beautifully with the soup’s flavor.

Fresh Fruit Salad

A bright and juicy mix of fruit can lighten the meal and cleanse the palate.

Arugula or Spinach Salad with Balsamic

Something fresh and peppery to balance the creamy texture of the soup.

Mini Antipasto Skewers

A small side of olives, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes makes a fun and savory combo.

A Glass of White Wine

Something crisp like Pinot Grigio adds elegance and cuts through the richness.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup stores beautifully for a couple of days. Just make sure it cools completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
Freezing isn’t ideal: The gnocchi and cream can separate or become mushy after thawing. If you must freeze, do so before adding gnocchi and spinach, and add them fresh when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

Please note these values are approximate and will vary based on portion size and exact ingredients used:

Calories: 380
Protein: 22g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 690mg

This soup is hearty and satisfying, making it a full meal on its own while offering a nice balance of protein and comfort carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, consider adding the gnocchi and spinach right before serving to maintain their texture.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Just shred or cube it and add it after sautéing the veggies, letting it warm through in the broth.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative like oat cream. Just be sure it’s unsweetened.

What can I use instead of gnocchi?

Small pasta like ditalini or even cooked rice works, though it changes the texture. Gnocchi is key for authenticity!

Can I thicken the soup more?

Definitely. Add a bit more flour during the roux step or let the soup simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reduces slightly.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before stirring it in near the end of cooking.

How do I make this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free gnocchi and swap regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend when making the roux.

Does this soup taste just like Olive Garden’s?

It’s incredibly close—and dare I say, even better. Homemade always gives you more control over flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s warm, creamy, loaded with flavor, and tastes just like the restaurant favorite—if not better. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or cozying up solo with a bowl, it’s a deeply satisfying, soul-hugging dish that comes together easily and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Once you make it, it’s bound to become a regular part of your dinner rotation.