Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup

This copycat chicken and gnocchi soup is a rich, creamy Olive Garden style dinner ready in just 30 minutes. It’s an easy family favorite packed with savory chicken, tender potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is not a difficult recipe to make and is great for that cool, fall night. Once prepped it comes together quickly. And, as the holidays approach, you may have already stocked up on many of the needed ingredients to do your holiday cooking.

I home tested this recipe a number of times to get it right and I have it as close to the real deal as you can get.

Since my brother is a big eater and enjoys eating out more than I do, I had him try it recently and he said “It tastes just like it”. With him, when I start getting a head nod as he is eating I already know it’s good.

When I get the small head tilt sideways I know I’m in trouble and it’s back to the drawing board. So take your time, prepare everything, then, sit and enjoy it with your family.

About the Recipe 

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi soup is a comforting soup full of rich flavor that brings that restaurant flavor right to your kitchen.

This recipe uses a base of onions, celery, carrots and garlic and combined with tender chicken and pillowy potato gnocchi and a smooth, silky sauce infused with thyme and baby spinach leaves makes it hearty and satisfying and you can make it in roughly 30 minutes.

This makes it great for a quick family weeknight meal or as part of a multiple course dinner for friends. By using a few shortcuts, if you like, this soup is easy to make and tastes great.

To slide right through making this soup, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to add to the pot.

About the Ingredients

Butter and Olive Oil

Combining these two gives the soup a rich, flavorful starting point. It also provides a higher smoke point to sauté the aromatics perfectly without burning them.

Mirepoix (Celery, Carrots, and Onions)

This traditional vegetable base adds sweet, savory depth to the broth. To save time, purchase pre-diced celery and onions, along with shredded carrots.

Garlic

Garlic adds a sharp, pungent flavor that balances the creamy dairy. Adjust the amount to suit your personal taste.

All-Purpose Flour

Sprinkling flour over your cooked aromatics absorbs the butter and oil. This helps form the rich, creamy texture expected in a classic cream soup.

Unsalted Chicken Broth

Broth forms the savory liquid base for the soup. Always opt for unsalted broth so you can manually control the salt level.

Half-and-Half

Half-and-half works alongside the flour to develop a velvety texture. Avoid heavy cream here, as it makes the soup far too thick.

Thyme

Earthy thyme brings a warm, pleasant flavor to the first sip. It pairs effortlessly with the chicken and vegetables.

Salt and Black Pepper

Add these essential seasonings to taste in stages. Always taste as the soup thickens so you do not accidentally oversalt the broth.

Cooked Chicken

Skip oven-roasting a fresh chicken to save time. Instead, shred a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.

Potato Gnocchi

These pillowy dumplings cook right in the broth and absorb every bit of flavor. Look for boxed gnocchi in the pasta aisle, or use fresh refrigerated gnocchi. Mini gnocchi work best for easy eating!

Baby Spinach

Stirring in spinach at the end provides a vibrant pop of color and extra nutrition. The mild flavor blends seamlessly into the creamy broth.

Making the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced celery, onions, and carrots. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant without letting the garlic brown.

Step 2: Build the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to coat the aromatics, absorb the butter and oil, and cook out the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add Liquids & Simmer

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Next, stir in the half-and-half along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the sauce thickens, taking care not to boil it so the dairy stays smooth.

Step 4: Cook Chicken and Gnocchi

Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in your shredded chicken and potato gnocchi. Simmer for 4 to 6 minutes until the gnocchi float to the top and become tender. Taste the broth and adjust your salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Stir in Spinach & Serve

Stir in the fresh baby spinach leaves and allow them to wilt directly into the soup. Give the broth one final taste test, adjust the seasoning if needed, and remove the pot from the heat. Serve warm with crusty bread!

Tips for Success

• Salt in Stages: Liquids evaporate as soup simmers, which concentrates the flavors. Season gradually throughout cooking so you do not accidentally oversalt the broth.
• Whisk Cream Slowly: Keep the heat on low to medium-low when adding the half-and-half. Maintaining a gentle simmer prevents curdling and keeps the texture smooth.
• Measure the Thyme: Dried thyme is potent, so a little bit goes a long way. Stick to one teaspoon so it complements the soup without overpowering the chicken and vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my soup become too thick?

Your soup may have simmered too long, or you used too much flour or cream. Place the pot on low heat, stir in a splash of warm chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency, and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Why did my gnocchi get mushy or sink?

Gnocchi only take 3 to 4 minutes to cook. Overcooking causes them to absorb too much broth, turning them gummy. Once the gnocchi float to the top of the pot, they are perfectly done.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat individual portions in a small saucepan over low heat on the stovetop. Because gnocchi absorb liquid overnight, splash in a little extra chicken stock while warming to restore the creamy texture.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if the soup thickened in the fridge.

Freezing

Cream-based soups can separate upon thawing. If you plan to freeze this meal, prepare the soup base without the half-and-half, gnocchi, and spinach. Freeze the base, then add those final ingredients fresh after thawing and reheating.

What to Serve with This Soup

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread, garlic crostini, or freshly baked breadsticks. Add a simple Caesar salad to transform this starter into a complete family meal!