Easy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot bowl of creamy soup, especially one packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach. That’s why Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup remains one of the most talked-about dishes from the restaurant. But here’s the truth — you don’t have to dine out or scroll through dozens of copycat recipes to enjoy it at home.

Many bloggers give you a quick version, but they often skip key tips and ingredient insights that can make or break the final flavor. In this guide, we’re not just recreating the dish.

What Is Chicken Gnocchi Soup Exactly?

To appreciate this creamy comfort food, it helps to understand what makes it so satisfying.

Definition List

• Chicken Gnocchi Soup
  A thick, creamy soup featuring diced chicken, potato gnocchi, and fresh vegetables like spinach, carrots, and celery. It’s finished with a splash of cream and seasoned with herbs.

• Gnocchi
  Italian dumplings made primarily from potatoes and flour. They’re soft, chewy, and often used in soups or served with sauces.

• Half and Half
  A dairy mixture of equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. It’s lighter than cream but still gives soup a smooth, rich texture.

This recipe is a copycat version of what you’d find at Olive Garden — but the beauty of making it at home is that you can tweak every detail to match your taste or dietary preferences.

Why Make It at Home Instead of Dining Out?

Your competitor does a good job of making this recipe relatable but doesn’t touch much on the why. Let’s take it further.

• It’s more cost-effective to cook at home. A single bowl at the restaurant costs more than a pot that serves your entire family.

• You get control over ingredients — whether it’s using organic chicken, dairy-free alternatives, or low-sodium broth.

• The portion size is generous. Make one batch and enjoy it for lunch the next day.

• It’s a recipe that scales beautifully for meal prep, holidays, or chilly weekends.

While the original blog post adds a personal anecdote, it leaves out practical benefits and meal-planning value. That’s where this version delivers more.

The Story Behind the Flavor

Though the restaurant-style soup feels authentically Italian, the truth is it’s more of an Italian-American hybrid. Traditional Italian soups use far less cream and rarely include gnocchi in broth-based dishes. Olive Garden popularized this version by combining textures — creamy, chewy, and savory — in a way that appeals to American palates.

The magic of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its balance. You get soft dumplings, rich creaminess, and a light herbal finish in every spoonful. But many home cooks run into bland or overly thick results because most recipes don’t explain the why behind the how.

This guide fills in those missing details so you can make a better-than-restaurant version on your first try.

Ingredients You Need — And Why They Matter

Let’s walk through the ingredients with added context — something the original recipe skipped. Understanding each one helps you make smart substitutions or upgrades.

Definition List

• Cooked chicken
  You can use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or diced breast meat. Shredded chicken adds a more rustic texture, while diced pieces feel closer to the Olive Garden version.

• Celery, onion, carrots
  Known as aromatics, these vegetables build the soup’s flavor base. Sautéing them first helps develop deeper taste.

• Garlic
  A small amount adds warmth and depth. Fresh is always best, but jarred works in a pinch.

• Chicken broth
  Use low-sodium to avoid overly salty soup. Homemade broth adds another layer of depth.

• Thyme
  Dried thyme is classic, but a small amount of Italian seasoning can work too if that’s all you have.

• Gnocchi
  Store-bought potato gnocchi is the most common choice, but gluten-free or cauliflower gnocchi can be used for variations.

• Half and half
  Adds creaminess without the heaviness of full cream. Can be swapped with coconut milk or cashew cream for dairy-free versions.

• Spinach
  Baby spinach wilts quickly and gives a bright green color. Kale or Swiss chard also work if chopped finely.

Ingredient Checklist for Easy Prep

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and diced)

• 1 stalk celery, chopped

• ½ white onion, diced

• ½ cup shredded carrots

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 16 ounces potato gnocchi

• 2 cups half and half

• 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Gnocchi Breakdown – Which Type to Choose?

Unlike the original blog post, which briefly mentions store-bought gnocchi, let’s take a moment to explore the full range of options:

Gnocchi Type Comparison Table

Choose based on your needs — whether you’re watching carbs, avoiding gluten, or just want to use what’s in your pantry.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Home

This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, and everything comes together in one pot — perfect for weeknights or lazy Sundays. While most copycat recipes rush through the method, here we break it down step-by-step with practical tips so you never miss a beat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped celery, diced onion, shredded carrots, and garlic. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. This helps develop a flavorful base that mimics restaurant quality.

2. Add the Chicken and Broth
Stir in the cooked chicken and pour in the chicken broth. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Bring everything to a boil. This not only heats the chicken but also allows the seasoning to infuse the broth.

3. Gently Add the Gnocchi
Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and gently add the gnocchi. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it starts to float. This means it’s fully cooked and ready for the creamy step.

4. Pour in Half and Half
Lower the heat and stir in the half and half. Let the soup simmer gently — avoid boiling after adding dairy, as this could cause curdling. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Add Spinach
Stir in roughly chopped spinach. It will wilt within 1 to 2 minutes. Once the greens are tender but still vibrant, your soup is ready to serve.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi — it will become mushy and lose texture. Cook until just floating.

• Simmer after adding dairy — boiling can break the cream.

• Cut the chicken into even pieces — for consistent bite and better presentation.

• Use fresh thyme if available — it brightens the soup noticeably.

Flavor Variations to Try

Most recipes stick with the traditional route, but there are a few delicious ways to change it up based on your preferences.

Flavor Variation Table

These variations let you personalize the soup while keeping the core flavor intact.

Can You Make It Ahead?

Yes — and it reheats beautifully if done right. Here’s how:

• Prep the soup base (without gnocchi and spinach) a day or two in advance. Store in the fridge.

• Add the gnocchi and spinach fresh when reheating so they don’t turn soggy or overcooked.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Instructions

Your competitor didn’t mention whether the soup freezes well — and that’s a big miss for meal planners.

Yes, you can freeze this soup — with one small adjustment. Gnocchi and spinach don’t freeze well, so follow this method:

How to Freeze

• Cook the soup base (with chicken, broth, and cream)

• Do not add gnocchi or spinach

• Let it cool completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers

• Freeze up to 2 months

To serve later:

• Reheat on the stove

• Add fresh gnocchi and spinach once the soup is hot

• Simmer gently until cooked through

This ensures texture stays spot on, even after freezing.

Slow Cooker Adaptation

Want to set it and forget it? This soup works well in a slow cooker with a few tweaks.

Slow Cooker Version

• Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a pan first

• Transfer to slow cooker with diced chicken, broth, and thyme

• Cook on low for 4 hours

• Add gnocchi for the final 30–40 minutes

• Stir in half and half and spinach just before serving

The long simmer time helps deepen the flavor, making this ideal for cozy weekends or meal prep days.

Nutrition Breakdown and Smart Swaps

One of the most overlooked details in copycat recipes is the nutritional profile. Understanding what you’re eating helps tailor the meal to your lifestyle, especially if you’re watching carbs, calories, or fat intake.

Nutrition Table per Serving (Approximate)

Healthy Swap Suggestions

• For fewer calories: Use 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp cornstarch instead of half and half.

• To lower fat: Use shredded chicken breast and reduce olive oil to 1 teaspoon.

• Gluten-free option: Swap traditional gnocchi with gluten-free or cauliflower gnocchi.

• Dairy-free option: Replace half and half with full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened oat cream.

Serving Tips for a Complete Meal

This soup is filling on its own, but pairing it with something light creates a restaurant-style experience at home.

Serving Suggestions

• Fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Warm artisan bread or homemade breadsticks

• Roasted garlic green beans

• Sliced fresh fruit like apples or grapes for contrast

You can also serve it in a bread bowl for an elevated presentation.

Ideal for All Occasions

What makes Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup so popular — and so worth recreating — is its versatility.

It’s a perfect fit for:

• Cold-weather dinners

• Holiday meal starters

• Casual lunch gatherings

• Make-ahead weekday lunches

• Comfort food cravings any time of year

Whether you’re serving it to picky kids or flavor-loving adults, it delivers a creamy richness without being overwhelming.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works very well and saves time. Just shred or dice the meat before adding it to the soup. It adds great flavor and helps the recipe come together even faster.

2. Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap the half and half for unsweetened oat milk, cashew cream, or full-fat coconut milk. The texture may be slightly different, but the soup will still taste rich and comforting.

3. What kind of gnocchi is best for this recipe?
Traditional potato gnocchi gives the most authentic flavor and texture. However, cauliflower gnocchi or gluten-free versions also work well if you’re adjusting for dietary needs.

4. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the base only — without the gnocchi or spinach. Add them fresh when reheating so the texture stays ideal. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

5. How can I thicken the soup if it feels too watery?
Simmer the soup uncovered for a few extra minutes to let it reduce. You can also stir in 1–2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with cold water or use a bit of cream cheese for extra body.

Final Thoughts  on Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Many copycat recipes aim to recreate the taste of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, but they often lack depth, flexibility, and clarity. This version fills in every gap — offering not just the how, but the why. From thoughtful ingredient choices to tips for freezing and reheating, this guide turns a simple soup into a customizable, crave-worthy meal you’ll want to make again and again.

If you’re looking for comfort food that’s both satisfying and simple, this is your go-to. And once you try it, chances are it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in ours.