Table of Contents
Introduction
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat recipe delivers the same rich, creamy, and comforting flavors you love from the restaurant—made easily at home with simple ingredients and flexible cooking methods.
If you’re craving the famous Olive Garden classic, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat recipe lets you recreate that restaurant-quality taste in your own kitchen, with better ingredients and full control over flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: Recreates the creamy, savory taste of the original using proven flavor-building techniques.
- Quick and Easy: A comforting meal ready in under 45 minutes, with smart shortcuts available.
- Healthier & Budget-Friendly: Save money and control ingredients, especially the high sodium found in the restaurant version.
- Versatile: Can be made on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot.
- Customizable: Easily adapted for gluten-free, dairy-free, or lighter diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Mirepoix
- Onion
- Celery
- Shredded or julienned carrots
Aromatics
- Minced garlic
Fats
- Butter
- Olive oil
Thickener
- All-purpose flour (for a roux)
- OR cornstarch (for a slurry)
- Gluten-free flour can be used as an alternative
Liquids
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Half-and-half
- (Whole milk or heavy cream may also be used)
The Stars of the Show
- Chicken: 1–1.5 pounds cooked, diced or shredded boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option
- Gnocchi: One 16-ounce package of shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- Refrigerated or frozen gnocchi also work
- Greens: Fresh spinach, added at the end
- Herbs & Seasonings:
- Fresh thyme (highly recommended)
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Optional “Secret” Flavor Boosters
- A pinch of ground nutmeg for warmth
- A pinch of mustard powder to enhance flavor
- A splash of dry white wine for deglazing
- A Parmesan rind and/or bay leaf for added umami
- Bacon or pancetta fat for sautéing vegetables
- Fresh lemon juice to brighten the soup
- Freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese for serving
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Recipe)
(Step-by-Step Stovetop Method)
- Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, cook onion, celery, and carrots in butter and olive oil until softened. Let them sit undisturbed briefly to develop color and fond (browned bits). Season lightly as you cook. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. - Deglaze & Make the Roux:
Add white wine and scrape up the fond. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute until lightly toasted. - Create the Broth:
Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Add the Parmesan rind and/or bay leaf and bring to a gentle simmer. - Temper & Add Dairy:
Whisk a ladle of hot broth into the half-and-half, then slowly add it to the pot. Do not allow the soup to boil. - Cook the Gnocchi:
Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (2–5 minutes, until they float). - Finish the Soup:
Stir in cooked chicken and fresh spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts. - Season & Serve:
Remove the Parmesan rind and bay leaf. Add optional grated cheese and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
How to Prepare the Chicken: A Guide to Flavor & Texture
Poaching (Most Tender)
Pros: Very moist and hard to overcook; chicken flavor infuses the soup.
Cons: Cleaner but milder flavor due to lack of browning.
Pan-Searing (Most Flavorful)
Pros: Creates deep flavor from browning (Maillard reaction) and fond.
Cons: Extra step; higher risk of overcooking.
Roasting/Baking (Best Balance)
Pros: Rich, savory flavor with controlled seasoning.
Cons: Takes more time.
Rotisserie Chicken (Most Convenient)
Pros: Fast, flavorful, and widely available.
Cons: Less control over sodium and texture.
Troubleshooting Tips
How to Prevent a Curdled Broth
- Temper dairy before adding
- Keep heat low and never boil
- Use higher-fat dairy for stability
How to Avoid Mushy Gnocchi
- Add gnocchi at the end
- For leftovers, cook gnocchi separately and add when serving
How to Build Better Flavor
- Develop fond from the start
- Use a roux instead of only cornstarch
- Add wine, Parmesan rind, bay leaf, and fresh herbs
- Finish with lemon juice
Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications
Slow Cooker Method
- Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours
- Add dairy and gnocchi at the end
Instant Pot Method
- Pressure cook base ingredients
- Use SAUTÉ mode for gnocchi and dairy
- Turn off heat before adding cream
Gluten-Free Version
- Use gluten-free gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi
- Pan-sear cauliflower gnocchi first
- Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch
Dairy-Free Version
- Use blended cashews, coconut milk, or dairy-free creamers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat recipe authentic?
Yes, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat recipe closely matches the creamy texture, flavor, and ingredients of the original while allowing you to control sodium, fat, and portion size.
What is the history of this soup?
While official details are limited, former employees claim Olive Garden soups are prepared fresh daily.
What’s the best chicken method?
Poaching for tenderness, searing for flavor, roasting for depth, rotisserie for speed.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently. Freezing is not recommended due to the cream base.
What to Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower
- Breads: Bruschetta, cheesy garlic bread
- Lighter Sides: Arugula salad, Caprese salad
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat recipe is rich, comforting, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. It delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home—better, fresher, and healthier than the original.
Whether you make this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat recipe on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Try it today, and don’t forget to leave a comment or rating on the recipe!