Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup
There’s something endlessly comforting about a warm bowl of creamy soup, especially when it’s packed with pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables. This Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings all the flavor and coziness of the restaurant favorite right into your kitchen.
Whether you’re craving a hearty lunch, a nourishing dinner, or just something to warm you up on a chilly day, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s creamy without being heavy, flavorful without being fussy, and comes together easily with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This soup is pure comfort in a bowl. The combination of soft gnocchi, juicy chicken, and rich broth creates a spoonful that’s both filling and flavorful. It’s perfect for meal prep because the flavor deepens even more the next day. Plus, it offers restaurant-quality taste at a fraction of the cost, all from your cozy home kitchen.
What Kind of Gnocchi Should I Use?
Shelf-stable potato gnocchi is the easiest option and works beautifully in this soup. You can also use refrigerated or frozen gnocchi if that’s what you have. Just make sure it’s cooked according to the package before adding it to the soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade gnocchi will take it to the next level.
Ingredients for the Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Creamy, hearty soups like this one come alive with fresh, quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that signature flavor you know and love.
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Carrot
- Celery
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken broth
- Cooked chicken
- Potato gnocchi
- Heavy cream
- Baby spinach
- Salt & pepper
- Dried thyme
- Nutmeg (optional but adds a cozy depth)
Each component adds a layer of texture and taste. The garlic and onion form the base of flavor, while the flour helps create a creamy roux. Gnocchi brings that unmistakable pillowy bite, and the spinach brightens the entire bowl.

How To Make the Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly, letting it cook for about a minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. This step thickens your soup beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer until it starts to thicken and the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Stir in the Chicken and Gnocchi
Add your cooked chicken and gnocchi to the pot. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes, just long enough for the gnocchi to get tender and absorb some of the soup’s flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, and seasonings like salt, pepper, dried thyme, and a dash of nutmeg. Let it all meld together for a few more minutes until the spinach is wilted.
How to Serve and Store This Cozy Soup
This recipe makes enough to feed 4 to 6 people, depending on the portion size. Serve it hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad. It’s a great option for weekday dinners or easy lunch leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
What to Serve With Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Garlic Breadsticks
A side of soft, buttery garlic breadsticks is a classic Olive Garden move and pairs beautifully with this creamy soup.
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine, parmesan, and creamy dressing add a refreshing balance.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These add a delicious charred contrast that’s healthy and tasty.
Parmesan-Crusted Zucchini Rounds
Crispy and salty, they bring extra texture to your meal.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Level up lunch with a melty sandwich dunked right into the bowl.
Apple Salad
Sweet and tart apple salad adds brightness to balance the richness of the soup.
Marinated Cucumber and Tomato Salad
A refreshing veggie side that keeps things light.
White Bean Dip with Crackers
Serve as a starter or side for added protein and crunch.
Want More Soup Ideas That Warm the Soul?
If you loved this Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll probably fall for these too:
- Try the cozy and creamy Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup
- Add Mediterranean flair with the Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup
- Go hearty with Hearty Vegetarian Tortellini Soup
- Or embrace tropical flavors in Hawaiian-Style Chicken Long Rice Soup
- Enjoy even more richness with the Irresistible Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick to the classics or add your own spin? Maybe some mushrooms or pancetta?
I love hearing your kitchen stories. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your cozy soup creations.
Explore more heartwarming bowls and everyday comfort meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next cozy favorite.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings the perfect harmony of creaminess, flavor, and homestyle comfort. It’s a soup that feels like a hug with every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a weekday dinner or to impress family and friends, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.

Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is a creamy and comforting bowl loaded with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, vegetables, and a touch of spinach. It’s the ultimate restaurant-style soup made easily at home and perfect for cozy nights. Ideal for soup lovers, meal prep, or anyone craving a hearty, soul-warming dinner.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium carrot, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 pound potato gnocchi
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables soften.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.
5. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
6. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Add cooked chicken and gnocchi to the pot and stir. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until gnocchi is tender.
8. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, spinach, salt, pepper, thyme, and optional nutmeg.
9. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until the spinach wilts.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with bread or salad.
Notes
This soup thickens as it sits, so feel free to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken for white beans and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg


