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Our Favourite Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe (A True Copycat!)

Have you ever craved a truly comforting bowl of soup, one that warms you right to your soul? We’re talking about that wonderfully creamy broth, brimming with tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and vibrant spinach. Many of us have a soft spot for this particular classic from Olive Garden. But what if we told you that you could capture that very same magic right in your own kitchen, and in less time than it takes to book a table?

The good news is, you can! We have meticulously developed this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe to deliver all the cosiness and flavour you adore, without you ever needing to step outside. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s set to become your new favourite for a speedy weeknight meal, a comforting dish on a dreary day, or even a simple supper to wow your guests. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• On the Table in 30 Minutes: This is the definition of a 30 Minute Meal. Honestly, from the moment you start chopping to ladling it into bowls, you’re looking at around half an hour. It’s a lifesaver for those busy evenings.
• Luxuriously Creamy & Comforting: The trio of a rich, velvety broth, soft gnocchi, and succulent chicken is the very essence of comfort food. It’s the perfect soup to make you feel warm and cosy.
• Better Than The Restaurant: Making this dish at home puts you in complete control. Fancy more chicken or spinach? Go for it. Want to tweak the seasoning? You can. It’s a genuine Olive Garden Copycat that can be personalised just for you.
• Simple, Everyday Ingredients: You won’t need to visit any speciality shops for this one. This recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that are readily available at any local supermarket.
• A Guaranteed Family Favourite: We can confidently say this soup is a winner with everyone. Its gentle, creamy taste appeals to both children and adults, making dinnertime delightfully simple.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, shredded or finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 60g all-purpose flour
• 950ml low-sodium chicken broth
• 475ml whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• 450g potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg
• 150g fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

How to Make The Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Crafting this fantastic soup is much easier than you might think. We’ve laid out the process in a few straightforward stages. Just follow along, and you’ll be enjoying a steaming, delicious bowl before you know it.

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies and Chicken

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over a medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced chicken. Season it lightly with salt and pepper and cook until it’s golden on all sides and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
2. Into the same pot, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onion looks translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for one more minute until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to let it brown.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Soup Base

1. To create the thickening agent, or roux, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables. Stir it constantly for a minute or so to cook off the raw flour flavour.
2. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, making sure to whisk as you go to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
3. Next, pour in the milk (or half-and-half) and add the dried thyme, salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg. Give everything a good stir and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, which will help the flavours to marry and the base to thicken nicely.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi and Finish the Soup

1. Carefully add the potato gnocchi to the simmering broth. These little dumplings cook very quickly – you’ll know they’re done when they float to the top, which typically takes just 3–4 minutes.
2. As soon as the gnocchi are cooked, turn the heat down to low. Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the pot.
3. Add the fresh spinach. It may seem like a lot initially, but it will wilt down into the soup within a minute or two.
4. Have a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary with a little more salt or pepper. Serve the soup piping hot, with a scattering of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Top Tips for the Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup

To ensure your homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup is absolutely sensational, here are a few of our favourite tips. These are the small details that elevate this dish from simply good to truly memorable.

• Use a Rotisserie Chicken: For a fantastic time-saving shortcut, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is ideal. Just shred the meat and stir it in at the end along with the spinach. It makes the recipe even more convenient!
• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi can turn gummy if they’re cooked for too long. The moment they pop up to the surface, they are perfectly done. It’s important to watch them closely! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even learn how to make your own gnocchi from scratch.
• Adjusting the Thickness: If you’d like a thicker consistency, just let the soup base simmer for a few more minutes before adding the gnocchi. If it happens to become too thick, simply thin it out with an extra splash of milk or broth.
• Swap Your Greens: If you’re not a fan of spinach, finely chopped kale makes a brilliant substitute. Add it to the soup a couple of minutes earlier than you would the spinach, as it needs a little more time to soften.
• Make it Extra Rich: For a truly indulgent soup, replace the whole milk with half-and-half or single cream. This will give it an incredibly luxurious, silky texture. If you enjoy rich, creamy chicken dishes, you must also try our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Variations and Serving Suggestions for this Copycat Recipe

One of the finest qualities of this Copycat Recipe is its wonderful versatility. You can easily modify it to match your personal preferences or use up ingredients you have on hand.

Possible Variations

• Add More Veggies: Don’t hesitate to throw in some diced mushrooms or peas for added flavour and nutrients. Sauté the mushrooms at the same time as the other vegetables.
• Make it Spicy: For a gentle, warming kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic.
• Herbaceous Twist: Fresh herbs can really elevate the soup’s profile. Consider stirring in some freshly chopped parsley or basil right at the end of cooking.

This soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal, but to create a full restaurant-style experience, we suggest serving it with warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping. A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette also makes a perfect accompaniment. For other comforting meal ideas, our Low Carb Chicken Casserole is another family favourite.

FAQ

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Comfort Meal

So there we are—a simple, delicious, and deeply comforting Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup that you can proudly make in your own kitchen. This recipe is proof that you don’t need professional training to produce restaurant-quality food at home. With its rich, creamy broth and tender, pillowy gnocchi, it’s a dish that is sure to have everyone asking for another bowl.

The next time you’re in need of some true comfort food, we hope you’ll reach for this recipe and treat yourself and your family to a meal that feels like a warm embrace. We’re confident it will become a staple in your dinner repertoire.

Did you give this recipe a go? We would be delighted to hear from you! Please leave a comment below to share how it went, and don’t forget to pass this recipe on to your fellow soup enthusiasts!

Recipe Card

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 medium onion, 2 celery stalks, 2 medium carrots, all finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 60g all-purpose flour
• 950ml low-sodium chicken broth
• 475ml whole milk (or half-and-half)
• 450g potato gnocchi
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 150g fresh spinach
• Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook diced chicken until golden, then remove and set aside. In the same pot, melt butter and sauté the onion, celery, and carrots for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for one minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then the milk, until smooth. Add the thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the base to thicken.
3. Add the potato gnocchi to the simmering soup and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cooked chicken and the fresh spinach until it wilts completely. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.

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