Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup (Copycat)

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Craving a warm, comforting bowl of Olive Garden’s famous Chicken and Gnocchi Soup? You can make it at home with this easy copycat recipe! This creamy soup is packed with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh veggies, ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish.

You’ll love how quick and simple it is to whip up this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. With basic ingredients like chicken, gnocchi, spinach, and half-and-half, you can create a rich and satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need some comfort food. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping and enjoy a taste of Olive Garden without leaving home!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy Olive Garden copycat soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1 pound cooked chicken breast, cubed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (16-ounce) package mini potato gnocchi
• 1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach leaves
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional thickening agents:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

This recipe makes 6 servings. Each serving has about 398 calories.

You can find most of these items at your local grocery store. The gnocchi is usually in the pasta aisle. If you can’t find mini gnocchi, regular-sized works too!

Remember, you can adjust the amounts to suit your taste. Want more veggies? Go for it! Like it creamier? Add a bit more half-and-half. It’s your soup, make it how you like it!

Instructions

Heat oil in a big pot on medium. Add carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until onions look clear. Toss in chicken and broth, then let it simmer.

Pop in the gnocchi and stir for 3-4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the top.

Add spinach and cook for 3 more minutes, stirring often. The leaves should wilt down.

For a thicker soup, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Pour this and the half-and-half into your pot. If you skip the cornstarch, just add the half-and-half.

Let it cook 5 more minutes to thicken up. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Ladle your soup into bowls and dig in! This cozy meal is perfect for chilly nights or when you need some comfort food.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily change up this Olive Garden copycat soup to fit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

Protein swaps:

• Use turkey instead of chicken
• Try diced ham for a different flavor
• Go vegetarian with white beans or chickpeas

Veggie options:

• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard
• Add diced zucchini or yellow squash
• Mix in frozen peas for extra color

Gnocchi alternatives:

• Use small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini
• Try cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb option
• Substitute diced potatoes for a heartier soup

You can make the soup creamier by using heavy cream instead of half-and-half. For a lighter version, try using milk or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk.

Want more herbs? Add some fresh basil or thyme. You can also sprinkle in some Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Remember, you can always adjust the seasoning to your liking!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients. Chop your veggies evenly so they cook at the same rate. You can save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.

Try these tasty add-ins:

• Crispy bacon bits
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes for a kick

To thicken the soup, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Add this slurry slowly while stirring.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb some liquid, so add a splash of milk when reheating.

You can freeze this soup, but the texture may change slightly. Freeze in portions for easy reheating. Thaw in the fridge overnight before warming on the stove.

For a lighter version, swap half-and-half with whole milk. You can also use turkey instead of chicken.

Make a big batch on Sunday for easy meals all week. This soup is perfect for meal prep!