I am a HUGE lover of soup, and when I went to Olive Garden and tried their Chicken and Gnocchi Soup, I knew I had to come home and try to make it myself.
This copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is perfect for moms who want to treat their families to a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag.
As a busy mom on a budget, finding delicious and affordable meals can feel like a never-ending challenge. Making this restaurant soup at home is a big win!
Let me show you how to make this mouthwatering soup that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Easy Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
I decided to try my hand at making a delicious soup that could rival any restaurant’s offering but without the hefty price tag.
I didn’t make homemade gnocchi for this one; you should try it if you have the time, Mama— though we both know soup dinners are quick meals for busy nights, so there’s no judgment for getting the packaged stuff!
I started by cooking the gnocchi according to the package instructions, setting them aside once they were done.
In the same large pot, I melted the butter over medium heat and added finely diced onion, celery, minced garlic, and shredded carrot.
You could use olive oil instead, but the butter gives the soup a nice taste!
The aroma of the sautéing vegetables filled the kitchen, and I stirred them until the onion turned translucent and soft.
Next, I stirred in the flour, ensuring it was well blended with the vegetables and butter. This step is crucial for thickening the soup later on!
Once the flour was fully incorporated, I gradually added the quart of half and half and three cups of chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps.
I then added the cooked chicken (I used leftover rotisserie chicken), thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper, giving the mixture a good stir. I brought the soup to a boil, keeping a close eye to make sure the milk didn’t scorch.
As the soup starts to bubble, I gently add the cooked gnocchi, reducing the heat to let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
The final touch was adding the chopped fresh spinach for some nice greens and added texture. I let the soup cook for an additional five minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the flavors to meld together.
The result was a rich, creamy soup filled with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant spinach. I served it up in big bowls, topped with grated parmesan cheese, and it was ready to devour.
I was so happy with it and thought it tasted even better and richer than the soup at Olive Garden- and I was a proud mama bear when my family all agreed!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken, cooked and diced or use leftover rotisserie chicken
- 1 package of gnocchi 16 oz.
- 1 quart half and half
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
- 1/2 cup celery finely diced
- 1 cup onion finely diced
- 1 cup carrot finely shredded
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp parsley
- 4 tbsp flour
- grated parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Cook gnocchi as directed and set aside.
- In a large pot over medium heat, saute onion, celery, garlic, and carrot until onion is translucent.
- Stir in flour until well blended.
- Add the half-and-half, broth, chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well and heat to boiling, being careful not to let the milk scorch.
- Once the soup is boiling, add gnocchi and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve with some crusty bread, breadsticks, or in a bread bowl.
Nutrition
Some Recipe Swaps
For a heartier, more nutrient-packed soup, consider adding extra vegetables. Mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or peas can all be great additions that bring new flavors and textures to the dish.
Simply chop and sauté them along with the onions, celery, and carrots to ensure they cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the soup.
If you’re looking to switch up the protein or add more variety, different meats can be a delicious alternative or complement to the chicken.
Cooked and crumbled Italian sausage adds a savory kick, while diced ham or cooked bacon can introduce a smoky flavor. Adjust the seasoning as needed since some meats may be saltier than others.
No matter how you choose to customize this soup, the base recipe provides a delicious, creamy foundation that pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making it easy to adapt to your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
Other Easy Soup Recipes
If you love soups and want to make more after this copycat chicken gnocchi soup, here are a couple more of my favorite soup recipes:
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup (this is top tier soup cuisine, so much flavor!)
Not only that, but Taste of Home had a whole series of Olive Garden copycat recipes, so you’ve got easy meals galore that are restaurant-worthy!
FAQs
How can I make this soup thicker or thinner to suit my preference?
To thicken this creamy chicken gnocchi soup, add a bit more flour or let it simmer longer. To thin it out, simply add more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the soup with additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, or even add some cooked bacon for extra flavor.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken, or should I cook it fresh for this recipe?
You can use either pre-cooked chicken or fresh chicken. Pre-cooked chicken saves time and works perfectly in this soup.
What type of gnocchi should I use, and where can I find it?
Use store-bought potato gnocchi, which can typically be found in the pasta aisle or refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
Can I substitute the half-and-half with a different type of dairy or non-dairy milk?
Yes, you can use heavy cream for a richer soup or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk for a lighter, dairy-free option.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—an easy, budget-friendly way to bring the taste of Olive Garden’s beloved Chicken Gnocchi Soup to your dinner table.
This recipe proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune or go to a restaurant to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a soup that will delight your family and keep them coming back for seconds.
So, next time you’re craving a cozy, homemade meal, remember this recipe and enjoy the satisfaction of making a delicious dish from scratch.
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So happy you love it!
Did you ever get around to trying it?
YAY – so happy!
When do you use the butter?
Its used for the roux, so thats what you sautee ur veggies in
Enjoyed this soup at our daughter’s. Absolutely delicious
Just tried your recipe for Gnocchi Soup, it turned out awesome I had been home all day sick and it was just the comfort food I needed. Thank you for this great recipe. God Bless
I just made this and loved it! Sooo good. I actually haven’t eaten at Olive Garden for a quite some time but this was what I’d always order and it seemed pretty spot on to me!
So glad you loved it!