Name: Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup diced onion 2 cloves garlic minced 1 cup diced carrots 1 cup diced celery 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced 4 cups chicken broth 1 cup heavy cream 1 pound potato gnocchi 2 cups fresh spinach

Creamy, hearty, and soul-warming, this Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings comfort to your kitchen in under 40 minutes. Packed with pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, sweet carrots, and fresh spinach all swimming in a rich, garlicky cream broth, it’s a one-pot wonder you’ll crave on repeat.

Whether you’re missing your favorite Italian restaurant or just love an easy homemade soup that feels like a hug in a bowl, this recipe checks all the boxes. It delivers cozy flavor, minimal fuss, and crowd-pleasing satisfaction. Perfect for chilly nights or quick weeknight meals, this soup is about to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

What Kind of Gnocchi Should I Use?

Shelf-stable gnocchi from the pasta aisle is perfect for this recipe and cooks up tender in just a few minutes. If you prefer, refrigerated or homemade gnocchi works beautifully too. Just be sure to add them near the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking. Gnocchi should be soft but not falling apart—you want that dreamy, doughy bite!

Ingredients for the Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken Breasts
You’ll need cooked, shredded or diced chicken for this recipe. Rotisserie chicken also works well and saves time!

Potato Gnocchi
The star of the dish. These little potato dumplings bring hearty texture and absorb all the creamy flavor.

Carrots
Their natural sweetness balances the richness of the cream and adds a pop of color.

Celery
Classic in soups for depth and a tender-crunch bite that complements the gnocchi.

Garlic & Onion
Aromatic base ingredients that flavor the soup right from the start.

Spinach
Adds freshness, color, and a healthy green boost to the creamy base.

Chicken Broth
Infuses savory depth to the creamy soup base and ties all the ingredients together.

Heavy Cream
Essential for that luscious, velvety broth we all know and love.

Butter & Olive Oil
Used for sautéing the vegetables and building flavor.

Italian Seasoning + Salt & Pepper
Brings a cozy, familiar flavor with just the right balance of seasoning.

How To Make the Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Chicken

Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then add the cooked shredded or diced chicken. Stir everything together so the flavors begin to meld.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer with Cream

Reduce the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 10 minutes so the broth thickens slightly and takes on a rich, velvety texture.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the potato gnocchi and simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until they float and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook—gnocchi can turn mushy fast.

Step 6: Stir in Spinach

Finally, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. It’s creamy comfort food at its best.

How to Serve and Store This Cozy Gnocchi Soup

This soup is best served piping hot, straight from the pot into deep bowls. It pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty sourdough, garlic breadsticks, or a simple side salad. For extra indulgence, top with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much. Note that gnocchi will continue to absorb the liquid over time, so it’s best enjoyed within a couple of days.

Freezing is not ideal due to the cream and gnocchi texture, but if needed, freeze before adding the gnocchi and spinach, then add them fresh when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken should I use?

Cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great. Leftover rotisserie chicken is also a convenient, flavorful option.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, just add it straight to the simmering soup. It may take an extra minute or two to cook through.

How do I thicken the soup?

If you prefer an even thicker consistency, you can whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup before adding the gnocchi.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can substitute coconut milk or a plant-based cream, but the flavor will be slightly different from the Olive Garden original.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or peas are all great additions. Just be sure to add them based on how long they take to cook.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free gnocchi and double-check your broth and seasonings.

Want More Soup Ideas to Warm You Up?

If this creamy Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup hit the spot, you might enjoy these other cozy bowls from the Life with Jam kitchen:

Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup for a spicy, aromatic twist.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup with layers of cheese flavor in every spoonful.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot that pairs beautifully with a light side of soup.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup for a cheesy, meaty comfort classic.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup when you crave that homestyle flavor in a bowl.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can whip it up whenever comfort calls.

And don’t forget to drop a comment below—did you use homemade gnocchi or a shortcut version? Did you toss in extra veggies or keep it classic?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Need more dinner inspiration? Check out my daily recipe shares on Pinterest @hallarecipes for more cozy meals and sweet treats!