There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, creamy soup on a chilly day, and the Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe nails that cozy vibe perfectly. It’s rich, flavorful, and filled with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi that just melt in your mouth—trust me, you’ll want to keep this one on repeat.

A white bowl filled with a creamy soup that has pieces of soft white dumplings or pasta, thin orange carrot strips, green spinach leaves, and small slices of light green celery all mixed in. The soup has black pepper sprinkled on top, adding specks of black over the smooth creamy white broth. A spoon with a blue handle is partially placed in the soup. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth napkin nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This soup instantly became one of my favorites because it’s both straightforward and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a lazy weekend lunch or a weeknight dinner, it comes together quickly and delivers all those cozy restaurant vibes right at home.

Authentic flavor: It captures that classic Olive Garden taste without using complicated or hard-to-find ingredients.
Quick and easy: Even with fresh vegetables and homemade touches, it only takes about 25 minutes to make.
Comfort food perfection: The creamy broth combined with gnocchi and spinach creates a hearty, delicious bowl each time.
Customizable: You can easily adapt it to use what you have on hand or tweak seasonings just how you like.

Two white bowls filled with creamy soup are placed on a white marbled surface. The soup has a thick light beige base with visible small chunks of white potato, thin orange carrot strips, and bright green spinach leaves mixed throughout. Each bowl is topped with black pepper specks. One bowl is accompanied by two metal spoons with dark blue handles resting next to it, and a striped cloth with soft purple, green, yellow, and blue colors is nearby. A small pink bowl with coarse brown seasoning sits in the upper left corner, and parts of a clear glass of water are visible at the edges. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is in simply combining everyday ingredients that sing together. The balance of butter and flour builds a silky roux, the fresh veggies add texture and sweetness, and the chicken and gnocchi give it hearty substance.

Flat lay of a few sprigs of fresh rib celery sliced into thin rounds, a small pile of chopped yellow onion, a small heap of thin matchstick carrots, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with golden unsalted butter, a small white bowl with pale yellow half-and-half, a small white bowl containing clear chicken broth, a portion of finely chopped cooked chicken breast, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a neat pile of fresh refrigerated gnocchi, a small handful of roughly chopped baby spinach leaves, a small white bowl of dried Italian seasoning, a small white bowl of black peppercorns, a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg in a white ceramic dish, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Starting with butter adds richness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Celery: Adds a subtle aromatic crunch and balances the creaminess.
Yellow onion: Sweetens the soup as it softens, bringing depth of flavor.
Matchstick carrots: Their thin shape lets them cook evenly and quickly.
Garlic: Just a touch wakes up the whole dish with that classic savory note.
All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the broth into that luscious, creamy base.
Chicken broth: The backbone of the soup’s flavor—homemade or good-quality store-bought works great.
Half-and-half: Keeps the soup creamy but light enough so it doesn’t feel too heavy.
Cooked chicken: Provides protein and tender bites throughout.
Granulated sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and balances the savory.
Kosher salt: Brings all those flavors together with the right seasoning.
Refrigerated gnocchi: The star ingredient—light, pillowy dumplings that soak up that creamy broth perfectly.
Baby spinach: Adds a fresh pop of color and nutrients with a tender bite.
Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and a subtle Mediterranean flair.
Black pepper: Provides just enough heat to balance the flavors.
Ground nutmeg: A pinch adds that secret cozy touch that elevates creamy soups.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this soup depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s a forgiving recipe that lets you swap things out without losing that classic flavour we’re after.

Variation: Some days I stir in a handful of shredded Parmesan cheese at the end for extra umami—totally optional but delicious.
Dietary tweak: Use half-and-half coconut milk or cashew cream as a dairy-free option; just keep in mind the flavor shifts slightly.
Veggie boost: Try adding mushrooms or kale for more texture and nutrition—it still tastes great!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the veggies until tender and fragrant

Start by melting 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the celery, onion, and carrots, cooking and stirring often so nothing sticks or browns too fast. After about 5 minutes, the onions should be translucent and the veggies tender—that’s your cue to add the garlic. Stir constantly for another 30 seconds or until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. This gentle sauté builds the foundation of flavor your soup needs, so be patient here.

Step 2: Make the roux and build your creamy base

Add the rest of the butter (3 tablespoons) and keep stirring until it melts completely—this ensures a smooth mixture. Now sprinkle the flour in and cook it with constant stirring for about 1 minute, until the roux turns a pale golden brown and bubbles. The roux thickens your soup and gives it that velvet texture you crave, so don’t rush it or skip the stirring here. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half next, then add the chopped chicken, sugar, and salt. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Step 3: Cook the gnocchi and finish with spinach and seasoning

Once your soup base is simmering nicely, add the gnocchi directly to the pot. Stir occasionally as the gnocchi cook—this usually takes around 3 minutes. Watch them closely; once they float and feel tender, you’re almost done. Toss in the chopped baby spinach, dried Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook for about another 2 minutes stirring frequently, until the spinach is just wilted and everything is beautifully combined and hot. That nutmeg is subtle but makes a big difference—don’t skip it!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe shine every time. Here are some tips I swear by to make sure your soup turns out creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.

Don’t skip the roux: Cooking the flour and butter first properly thickens the soup and avoids any raw flour taste.
Use fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic tastes so much better here than pre-minced or powdered.
Don’t overcook gnocchi: Keep a close eye and remove from heat as soon as they’re tender to avoid them getting mushy.
Season gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages to perfectly balance the soup—taste as you go!

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish my bowls with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few twists of cracked black pepper. Sometimes I add a little drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for brightness. These garnishes lift the soup visually and add layers of flavor without complicating things.

Side Dishes

To keep the meal balanced and wholesome, I love pairing this soup with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. A light, crisp side really contrasts nicely with the creamy soup and makes it feel like a complete feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in small espresso cups as a starter or even in mini bread bowls—both are fun ways to impress guests and make the meal feel special. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or microgreens on top also adds a restaurant-quality touch right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I usually cool it to room temperature before storing to avoid condensation and keep the texture just right.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my favorite for this soup because the potatoes in the gnocchi can change texture. If you do freeze it, I suggest removing the spinach and adding it fresh when you reheat to keep flavors bright and textures better.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or half-and-half if it’s thickened too much. This keeps the soup creamy and smooth, just like when it was first made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and swap the cooked chicken for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas. The gnocchi and spinach still provide great texture and richness.

What’s the best type of gnocchi to use?

I recommend using refrigerated gnocchi like Rana brand since they cook quickly and have a delicate texture. Avoid pre-cooked or frozen gnocchi as they might become mushy during cooking.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes! You can make the soup base (without adding gnocchi or spinach) up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Add gnocchi and spinach when reheating to keep them fresh and perfectly cooked.

What can I substitute for half-and-half?

You can use a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream (equal parts) as a substitute for half-and-half. For dairy-free options, try canned coconut milk (full fat) or cashew cream, though flavor and texture will slightly differ.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe feels like a hug in a bowl every time I make it. It’s straightforward but special enough to impress anyone you serve it to. Whether you’re feeding the family or just craving some comfort food, I hope you give it a try—you won’t regret it, and I’d bet it’ll become a go-to in your soup rotation too.