Discover this irresistible Olive Garden copycat gnocchi soup recipe that brings restaurant-quality comfort straight to your kitchen! This creamy, hearty, and flavorful soup is incredibly quick to make, often ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect bowl of comfort food, ideal for chilly evenings or a cozy family meal at home. Get ready to enjoy a delightful culinary experience without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Gnocchi Soup
- Quick and Easy: Have this delightful soup on your table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Incredible Flavor: This creamy chicken gnocchi soup tastes just like your favorite restaurant version, rich and satisfying.
- Comforting: Warm up with a bowl of this hearty, creamy soup that’s packed with tender gnocchi and savory chicken.
- Budget-Friendly: Enjoy restaurant-quality dining experience from your own kitchen, saving money without sacrificing taste.
- Versatile: Easily customize the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences, from adding extra veggies to different proteins.
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add cooked diced chicken, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, stir in potato gnocchi. Boil for 3–4 minutes, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until gnocchi is tender.
- Stir in half and half and chopped spinach. Cook for 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks.
Notes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this delicious gnocchi soup recipe requires a simple list of fresh ingredients, many of which you likely already have. This comforting meal comes together effortlessly with these staples.
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and diced)
- 1 stalk of celery (chopped)
- ½ white onion (diced)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or frozen)
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: For ultimate convenience, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
- Dairy: You can substitute half and half with heavy cream for an even richer, more indulgent soup. For a lighter version, whole milk works well, too.
- Vegetables: Feel free to boost the nutrition and flavor. Great additions include chopped kale, sliced mushrooms, or diced zucchini.
- Gnocchi: Both shelf-stable potato gnocchi from the pasta aisle and frozen gnocchi work perfectly in this gnocchi soup recipe. No need to thaw frozen gnocchi beforehand.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme will offer a brighter flavor profile. Alternatively, use Italian seasoning for a different aromatic twist.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment before you start makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You will need just a few basic kitchen tools for this delicious creamy chicken gnocchi soup.
- Large pot or Dutch oven (for cooking the soup)
- Sharp knife (for chopping vegetables)
- Cutting board (for safe chopping)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate ingredient amounts)
- Ladle (for serving your homemade gnocchi soup)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your heartwarming creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe. This method ensures a flavorful and perfectly cooked meal every time.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, diced onions, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté these vegetables for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for your gnocchi soup.
- Add Liquid and Chicken: Stir in the cooked diced chicken breasts, low sodium chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Make sure all ingredients are well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Boil and Simmer Gnocchi: Once the soup reaches a boil, gently stir in the 16 ounces of potato gnocchi. Continue to boil for 3-4 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to begin cooking. After this initial boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for another 10 minutes. The gnocchi will become tender and puff up slightly during this time. Keep an eye on the gnocchi to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the 2 cups of half and half and the 1 cup of fresh, roughly chopped spinach. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring gently, until the spinach wilts and becomes tender. The half and half will create the creamy base for this delightful gnocchi soup recipe.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the creamy chicken gnocchi soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your preference. Serve your delicious, warm homemade gnocchi soup immediately. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Pro Tips for the Best Gnocchi Soup
- Do not overcook gnocchi: Cook gnocchi until it floats and is tender, usually just 3-4 minutes. Overcooking makes gnocchi mushy.
- Adjust seasoning generously: Taste your soup before serving and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Proper seasoning elevates the flavor of this gnocchi soup.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked: If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before adding it to the soup base. This ensures food safety and optimal texture.
- Use fresh herbs for brighter flavor: While dried thyme works, fresh thyme sprigs added at the end will give a more vibrant, aromatic taste to your gnocchi soup.
- Shred carrots finely for texture: Finely shredded carrots blend seamlessly into the soup, ensuring a pleasant texture without large chunks.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Elevate your homemade creamy chicken gnocchi soup experience with these delightful serving suggestions and creative variations. This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with various sides.
Serve your delicious gnocchi soup with a side of crusty Italian bread or warm garlic breadsticks for dipping. A fresh Italian side salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly complements the richness of the soup.
- Vegetarian: Easily transform this into a vegetarian gnocchi soup by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth. You can add white beans or chickpeas for protein.
- Spicy: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the thyme. This gives the gnocchi soup recipe a gentle kick.
- Cheesy: Before serving, top individual bowls of your creamy gnocchi soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella for extra indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Proper storage ensures your delicious gnocchi soup remains fresh and enjoyable for future meals.
- Cool completely before transferring the soup to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate the gnocchi soup for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Add extra broth or cream when reheating, as the gnocchi tends to absorb liquid and thicken the soup. This helps restore its creamy consistency.
Nutrition Information
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe provides a hearty and satisfying meal. The nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this comforting dish as part of a balanced diet.
Per serving (approximation):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 523 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Protein | 31g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 99mg |
| Sodium | 622mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use raw chicken?
Yes, you can use raw chicken. Dice it and cook it thoroughly in the pot with the olive oil before adding the vegetables and broth to this gnocchi soup recipe.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly and there is no need to thaw it beforehand. Just add it directly to the boiling broth as instructed.
How to thicken gnocchi soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering soup at the end and cook for another minute until it thickens.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, with minor adjustments. Sauté the aromatics on the stovetop first. Then, combine all ingredients except the gnocchi, half and half, and spinach in the slow cooker. Add the gnocchi, half and half, and spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Is this soup dairy-free?
No, this recipe contains half and half. However, you can substitute it with dairy-free cream alternatives to make a dairy-free gnocchi soup.
Conclusion
The origins of potato gnocchi date back to the 18th century, long after potatoes arrived in Europe from South America, as detailed in this historical account of potato gnocchi.
You now have a fantastic, quick, and comforting creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe that rivals your favorite restaurant version! This Olive Garden copycat is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. We encourage you to try this simple recipe and share your delicious experience with friends and family. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and flavor to any table.
