Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! This Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup is one of those recipes that always brings a smile to my face. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor — perfect for busy weeknights or when you have family gathered around the table. The best part? You can whip it up in just about 30 minutes!

I love how this soup combines tender gnocchi, shredded chicken, and fresh veggies into a delightful medley. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something cozy, this soup will be your new go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner!
• Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and delicious flavors, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make Ahead: The soup stores well in the fridge, so you can easily prepare it in advance for lunch or dinner.
• Comforting Flavors: Each bowl is bursting with rich taste that warms you from the inside out.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less mess means more time enjoying your meal with loved ones!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup is simple and requires just a handful of wholesome ingredients. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Broth and Creaminess

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For Adding Heartiness

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to customize your Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Change Up the Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes if you like a little kick in your soup.
• Use Different Greens: Instead of spinach, try kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in your diced onion, celery, and shredded carrots. Sauté these veggies until they’re softened, which should take about 5–6 minutes. This step is crucial because it builds a flavorful foundation for your soup!

Step 2: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Garlic adds such an aromatic quality that makes your kitchen smell amazing!

Step 3: Thicken It Up

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook this mixture for about one minute; this helps thicken your soup beautifully later on.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add thyme, salt, and pepper at this stage. Bring everything to a gentle boil — this will help meld all those delicious flavors together.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

Now it’s time to add in your cooked shredded chicken and potato gnocchi. Let it simmer until the gnocchi are tender and float to the top — about five minutes should do it!

Step 6: Stir in Creamy Goodness

Stir in the heavy cream along with the fresh spinach. Allow it to simmer until the spinach wilts slightly and your soup thickens up just enough.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste your creation and adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot. Enjoy every warm spoonful of this delightful Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup!

Pro Tips for Making Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this comforting soup can be even easier and more enjoyable with a few handy tips. Here are some suggestions to elevate your cooking experience!

• Use fresh ingredients: Opting for fresh vegetables and herbs ensures vibrant flavors in your soup, making every spoonful taste like a warm hug.

• Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer longer or add a bit more flour at the beginning. This gives you control over the consistency, tailoring it to your personal preference.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other herbs such as rosemary or parsley for an extra flavor kick. Each spice will bring its unique profile, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Make it ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Consider making it in advance for an easy reheat meal later on.

• Store leftovers properly: To keep your soup fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain its creamy texture.

How to Serve Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Serving this delightful soup is all about presentation and pairing. With just a few thoughtful touches, you can turn a simple bowl into a cozy dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative) brings a salty richness that complements the creamy broth.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Perfect for dipping, garlic bread provides a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup.
• Caesar salad: A light Caesar salad adds crispness and balances out the richness of the soup while offering refreshing flavors.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers make for a hearty side that pairs well with the comforting flavors of the soup.
• Caprese salad: With fresh tomatoes, mozzarella (or vegan cheese), and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze, this salad adds brightness and acidity to your meal.

Enjoy creating your own version of this Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup! It’s perfect for bringing warmth to your table any day of the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your soup fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best quality, consider using vacuum-sealed bags.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Adjust consistency by adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it thickens too much.

FAQs

If you have questions about making this comforting dish, you’re in the right place!

What is Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup made of?

Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup is made with ingredients like shredded chicken, potato gnocchi, spinach, carrots, and a creamy broth that creates a deliciously comforting meal.

Can I make Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute other veggies like bell peppers or peas to customize your soup according to your preferences.

How do I thicken Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

You can thicken this soup by letting it simmer longer or by adding more flour at the beginning. Alternatively, blending part of the soup and returning it can also create a thicker texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup as much as I do! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort during any season. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, this dish has a way of brightening your day. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every spoonful!