If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’re not alone. This Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe brings all that creamy, cozy restaurant magic straight to your kitchen—no endless breadsticks required (though I won’t judge if you add them anyway!).
This comforting bowl of goodness combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a silky broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day—or any day that just needs a little extra comfort. The best part? It’s an easy one-pot meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or when you just want something that feels homemade without spending hours stirring a pot.
So grab your favorite soup pot, a wooden spoon, and let’s bring that Olive Garden magic home.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup
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It’s an Olive Garden copycat recipe that tastes just like the real thing (maybe even better).
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Uses rotisserie chicken for a quick, no-fuss prep.
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Ready in 30 minutes, all in one pot—less cleanup, more time to relax.
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Creamy, hearty, and endlessly comforting.
Cozy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a cozy Olive Garden-inspired comfort dish made creamy, hearty, and ready in just 30 minutes. It combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich, silky broth for the ultimate one-pot meal that tastes like your favorite restaurant classic—only better.
Ingredients
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 cup diced onion
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½ cup diced celery
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½ cup diced carrots
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp rubbed sage
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 lb shredded rotisserie chicken
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1 lb potato gnocchi (dried, fresh, or frozen)
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2 cups baby spinach
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1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Sauté the Veggies: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
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Add Flavor: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and sage. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Make the Base: Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1 minute to create a roux for a creamy texture.
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Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits, then pour in heavy cream.
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Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer, then add shredded chicken and gnocchi. Cook 3–5 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top.
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Finish: Stir in spinach and balsamic vinegar. Cook until spinach wilts. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy warm with breadsticks or salad.
Notes
The roux (flour and butter) is key to achieving the soup’s rich creaminess.
Use fresh or packaged gnocchi—just adjust cooking time slightly.
For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered a few extra minutes.
Add Parmesan cheese before serving for extra richness.
If reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to restore creamy consistency.
For freezing, omit gnocchi and spinach until reheating to keep texture perfect.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-Pot (Stovetop)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
-
1 cup diced onion
-
½ cup diced celery
-
½ cup diced carrots
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
½ tsp rubbed sage
-
¼ cup all-purpose flour
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 lb shredded rotisserie chicken
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1 lb potato gnocchi (dried, fresh, or frozen)
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2 cups baby spinach
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1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
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Sauté the veggies: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add onion, celery, and carrots with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
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Add flavor: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and sage. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Make the base: Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to create a roux (this is what gives that creamy texture).
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Add liquids: Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Pour in heavy cream.
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Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer, then add gnocchi and shredded chicken. Cook 3–5 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top.
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Finish strong: Stir in spinach and balsamic vinegar. Cook just until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Soup
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Don’t skip the roux! That quick flour stir gives your soup that luscious, creamy consistency.
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Fresh vs. packaged gnocchi: Both work beautifully, but fresh cooks a little faster. Watch closely so it doesn’t get too soft.
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Want it thicker? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce slightly—or add a splash more cream if you love it extra velvety.
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Leftover chicken hack: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here. But if you’ve got leftover grilled or baked chicken, toss it in—it’s delicious.
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Add a little cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan at the end makes this soup extra rich and satisfying.
And if your soup looks a bit too thick the next day, don’t panic—just stir in a splash of broth or milk when reheating. Voilà!
A Little Story from My Kitchen
When my kids were younger, Olive Garden was our go-to “fancy” dinner spot. I’ll never forget the first time I ordered their Chicken Gnocchi Soup—creamy, cozy, and bursting with flavor. The kids loved dunking breadsticks into it while I savored every spoonful.
Fast forward a few years, and on one busy weeknight, I decided to recreate it at home. I had leftover rotisserie chicken and a pack of gnocchi that had been sitting in the pantry for weeks. Thirty minutes later, the kitchen smelled heavenly, and the kids were at the table before I even called them.
Now, this soup has become a family staple—especially when we need something comforting after a long day. Every spoonful brings back that nostalgic warmth (and yes, we still serve it with breadsticks).
What to Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This creamy gnocchi soup is a full meal on its own, but if you’re in the mood to round things out, try pairing it with:
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Warm breadsticks or garlic knots – perfect for dipping.
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A crisp green salad – Caesar or Italian works beautifully to balance the richness.
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Roasted vegetables – think asparagus, zucchini, or even a medley of roasted root veggies.
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A cozy glass of white wine – Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs like a dream.
And if you’re serving guests, add a side of tiramisu or panna cotta for that full “Olive Garden night at home” vibe.
How to Store Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Let your soup cool completely before storing. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb some broth, so when reheating, just add a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back the creamy consistency.
To freeze: If you plan to make a big batch, freeze the soup before adding the gnocchi and spinach. Add them fresh when reheating to keep the texture perfect. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, and your soup will taste just as amazing as the first day.
FAQs About Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Can I make this Olive Garden copycat recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for olive oil and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Yes! Homemade gnocchi makes this dish even more special—just shorten the cooking time since it cooks faster than store-bought.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Add a little broth or milk to loosen it up, and it’ll taste freshly made.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. This creamy chicken soup reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
A Final Note from My Kitchen to Yours
If comfort had a flavor, it would taste exactly like this Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Creamy, hearty, and full of love—it’s one of those recipes that turns an ordinary evening into something special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this easy one-pot meal promises cozy satisfaction in every bite.
So tie on that apron, pour yourself something warm, and enjoy a little taste of Olive Garden right at home.
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