Serve an Italian-inspired dinner with this comforting copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
The Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a beloved favorite for many, and this homemade version captures the same creamy, comforting flavors. Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, spinach, and a creamy broth come together with simple pantry spices to create a weeknight meal that feels special enough for holidays like Christmas Eve.
How to Make a Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients you’ll need
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 quart (4 cups) half-and-half (or see substitution below)
- 28 oz (about 900 ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup coarsely chopped spinach leaves
- 1 large chicken breast, cooked and diced (about 1 cup)
- 16 oz fresh gnocchi, ready to use
What is gnocchi?
Gnocchi are small dumplings traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. They have a soft, pillowy texture that sits somewhere between a dumpling and pasta. While you can make gnocchi from scratch, using store-bought fresh gnocchi saves time without sacrificing taste.
Half-and-half substitution
If you don’t have half-and-half, a quick substitute is to mix 1/3 cup melted butter into enough milk to make 4 cups total. This creates a richer milk that works well in the soup. Using true half-and-half is preferred when possible, but the substitution still produces a delicious, creamy broth.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat 4 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until no longer pink. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender; add a little more butter if the pan becomes too dry.
- Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the half-and-half, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Whisk in the chicken broth and continue stirring until the broth reaches a slightly thicker, creamy consistency.
- Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, shredded carrots, chopped spinach, gnocchi, and the cooked chicken to the pot. Simmer gently until everything is heated through and the gnocchi are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Variations and tips
- For a quicker version, use cooked, diced chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- To make the soup heartier and thicker, increase the amount of gnocchi.
- Fresh spinach adds bright color and texture; baby spinach works well and wilts quickly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste—add a pinch of salt and black pepper as needed before serving.
What to serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Warm dinner rolls or buttered English muffins
- A crisp salad with Italian-style dressing
- Toasted bread with a smear of butter or garlic butter
Other hearty soup ideas
- Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup
- Minestrone Italian Soup
- Taco Soup
- White Chicken Chili
- Hamburger Barley Soup
- Creamy Carrot Soup
- Spicy Pumpkin Soup
- Potato Soup with Dumplings
- Ham and Bean Soup
- Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Storage and reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally; the gnocchi will continue to soften each time the soup is reheated. If the soup becomes too thick after chilling, thin it with a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Recipe summary
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Notes: If you don’t have half-and-half, mix 1/3 cup melted butter with milk to make 4 cups as a substitute.
Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories 548; Total Fat 19g; Saturated Fat 7g; Cholesterol 70mg; Sodium 1299mg; Carbohydrates 62g; Fiber 3g; Sugar 16g; Protein 31g.
If you try this recipe, share your results on social media and tag the account you follow for more kitchen inspiration. Enjoy a warm bowl of this Italian-inspired soup any time you crave cozy comfort food.