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A close-up, top-down view of a steaming, hearty bowl of chicken and gnocchi soup, perfect for a comforting gnocchi soup recipe.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)

This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is a comforting Olive Garden copycat recipe that’s rich, hearty, and easy to make in under 30 minutes. Loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, carrots, spinach, and aromatic herbs — it’s the perfect cozy meal for any night of the week.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 523
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked and diced
  • 1 stalk celery chopped
  • 1/2 white onion diced
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 16 oz potato gnocchi shelf-stable or frozen
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 1 cup fresh spinach roughly chopped

Equipment

  • large pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting board
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Add cooked diced chicken, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
  3. Once boiling, stir in potato gnocchi. Boil for 3–4 minutes, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until gnocchi is tender.
  4. Stir in half and half and chopped spinach. Cook for 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks.

Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute half and half with heavy cream. For a lighter version, use whole milk. Add extra veggies like kale or mushrooms, or top with Parmesan for extra indulgence. Avoid overcooking the gnocchi for best texture.