Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Skip the restaurant lines and enjoy this cozy, creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup right at home. Inspired by the Olive Garden favorite, this one-pot recipe is loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, vibrant vegetables, and a velvety broth that hits all the comfort food notes. It’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for cold nights or casual family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup captures the essence of the Olive Garden classic while giving you full control over ingredients and flavors. It’s a satisfying meal all on its own and easy to customize.

• One-pot recipe, ready in under an hour

• Creamy and comforting without being too heavy

• Family-friendly and freezer-friendly

• Great for using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken

• Tastes even better the next day

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small white onion, diced

• 1 cup diced carrots

• 1 cup chopped celery

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons oregano

• 2 teaspoons thyme

• ½ teaspoon sea salt (more to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (more to taste)

• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 16 ounces potato gnocchi

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.

2. Add Aromatics and Flour:
   Stir in the flour, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw taste from the flour.

3. Simmer with Chicken:
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the chicken breasts, reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

4. Shred Chicken and Add Gnocchi:
   Remove the chicken from the pot, shred or chop it, then return it to the soup. Stir in the gnocchi and bring the pot back to a boil.

5. Finish with Cream and Spinach:
   Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook the gnocchi for 4–5 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Let cook for 1–2 more minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.

6. Taste and Serve:
   Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or salad on the side.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 35 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add white beans or mushrooms for heartiness.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and swap flour for a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or rice flour.

• Lighter version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter soup.

• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

• Cheesy: Stir in shredded parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the gnocchi may soften slightly upon reheating.

• Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. Stir gently to maintain the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes, add shredded rotisserie chicken after the gnocchi has cooked, just before stirring in the cream and spinach.

What kind of gnocchi should I use?

Potato gnocchi works best. You can find it in the pasta aisle, refrigerated section, or frozen foods.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Just reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.

Will the gnocchi get mushy?

If left in the soup too long, gnocchi can soften. To avoid this, cook the gnocchi separately and add it just before serving if making ahead.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess water in the soup.

How do I make this soup dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or coconut milk, and skip any cheese add-ins.

Do I need to cook the gnocchi before adding?

No, it cooks directly in the soup and absorbs the flavor of the broth.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs add a richer flavor and remain juicy.

What herbs can I substitute for thyme and oregano?

Italian seasoning is a good all-in-one substitute. You can also try rosemary or basil.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, though the gnocchi may soften a bit. For best texture, consider adding fresh gnocchi after thawing and reheating.

Conclusion

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings restaurant comfort food to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Creamy, hearty, and satisfying, it’s the perfect soup to warm you up and feed the whole family—no reservations required.