There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of creamy, hearty soup that just hugs you from the inside. That’s why I’m excited to share this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe with you — it nails that perfect balance of rich broth, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi that feels like a warm kitchen hug on a chilly day.

A beige bowl filled with creamy chicken soup containing three main layers: a thick white creamy base with small lumps, orange thin carrot strips, and bright green spinach leaves scattered throughout; chunks of white chicken pieces are partially covered by the creamy broth, with some black pepper sprinkled over the top. A spoon with a blue handle rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a glass of water and a striped purple and beige 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

I’ve made this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe so many times because it’s just so satisfying to whip up something restaurant-quality at home. The flavors come together beautifully, and it’s easier than you might think.

Authentic Taste: This recipe captures the same creamy, comforting flavors of Olive Garden’s soup without needing a ton of fancy ingredients.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade fast.
Customizable: You can easily swap vegetables or adjust seasonings to fit your personal tastes or dietary preferences.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but still wholesome — great for cozy nights or when you need a pick-me-up.

The image shows two bowls filled with creamy white soup that has small pasta pieces, thin orange carrot strips, and green spinach leaves mixed throughout. The soup has a smooth texture with some black pepper sprinkled on top for contrast. One white bowl is fully visible at the top, filled close to the brim, and a second bowl with an orange rim is partially visible in the bottom left corner. Next to the white bowl is a metal spoon with a blue handle resting on a white marbled surface. Above the spoon is a striped cloth with blue, yellow, and brown colors. A small pink bowl with brownish seasoning is near the top left corner and two clear glasses of water are on the left and bottom right sides. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This soup’s magic lies in simple, fresh ingredients that blend into a creamy, flavorful base. Knowing a little about why each component shines can help you get the best results every time.

Flat lay of a small pile of sliced rib celery, a half small yellow onion chopped, a small mound of matchstick carrots, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of golden unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl of chicken broth, a small white bowl of creamy half-and-half, a small pile of finely chopped cooked chicken, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a portion of refrigerated gnocchi, a small pile of roughly chopped baby spinach, a small white bowl of mixed Italian seasoning, a small white bowl of black pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg arranged with perfect symmetry in realistic proportions, all fresh and natural, no packaging, no duplicates, simple white ceramic bowls, placed 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: Adds rich creaminess and helps cook the veggies evenly without extra salt control.
Celery: Offers a subtle crunch and fresh earthy flavor that balances the creamy broth.
Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and depth as it softens, creating a solid flavor foundation.
Matchstick Carrots: Their thin shape means they soften quickly, adding a touch of natural sweetness without losing texture.
Garlic: Just enough to add that unmistakable warm aroma and savory punch.
All-Purpose Flour: Works as the thickener to give that dreamy, rich texture to the broth.
Chicken Broth: The heart of the soup, providing savory notes and body—it’s best to use quality broth or homemade if you can.
Half-and-Half: Adds creamy richness without the heaviness of heavy cream, making the soup luscious but balanced.
Cooked Chicken: The protein here, tender and flavorful, making the meal substantial and satisfying.
Granulated Sugar: A small touch to balance acidity and bring out savory flavors.
Kosher Salt: To season perfectly; always season gradually to taste.
Refrigerated Gnocchi: These little potato pillows are what make this soup stand out—delicate and chewy.
Baby Spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a healthy punch of greens that lightly wilt into the hot broth.
Dried Italian Seasoning: Herbs like oregano and basil deepen the flavor, giving it that classic Italian touch.
Black Pepper & Nutmeg: The finishing spices bring warmth and subtle complexity to every spoonful.

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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 tinkering with this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. Don’t be shy about making it yours — it’s surprisingly flexible!

Variation: Sometimes I'll swap out baby spinach for kale for a heartier texture, which adds a slightly earthy twist I really enjoy.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a coconut milk or cashew cream alternative instead of half-and-half to keep it creamy but dairy-free.
Protein Swap: Leftover rotisserie chicken works great if you’re short on time, or try turkey for a seasonal touch.
Extra Veggies: Adding mushrooms or zucchini can boost nutrition and texture without overpowering the classic flavor.

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

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies Until Tender and Aromatic

Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Then, toss in the celery, onion, and carrots. Cook them while stirring pretty often — you want them soft and the onions translucent, about 5 minutes. Once that’s happening, add the finely chopped garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until it smells heavenly. Watch closely so it doesn’t brown — garlic burns quickly and turns bitter.

Step 2: Build the Roux for Creamy Thickness

Drop in the rest of the butter and keep stirring until it’s melted, about 1 minute. Now sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about a minute until the mixture bubbles and looks golden. This rooky step thickens the soup and gives it a velvety texture, so patience here really pays off!

Step 3: Add Broth, Chicken, and Seasonings

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring well to avoid lumps. Then add your cooked chicken, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld and the soup thickens just right.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi and Wilt the Spinach

Toss in your refrigerated gnocchi and give it a stir every now and then as they cook through, which should take about 3 minutes. Then stir in the baby spinach, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, cooking for another 2 minutes or so until the spinach softens and everything melds beautifully. That nutmeg? It’s little magic that takes the soup from good to unforgettable.

Top Tip

Having made this soup numerous times, I’ve learned that timing and technique can really up your game. These tips helped me get the perfect texture and flavor every time.

Don’t Rush the Roux: Stirring slowly and thoroughly when adding the flour prevents lumps and ensures a creamy base.
Use Quality Broth: A good chicken broth really makes a difference—homemade or low-sodium store-bought works best.
Fresh Gnocchi is Key: Refrigerated gnocchi cooks quickly and tastes best, so don’t substitute with dried or frozen unless you’re prepared for a different texture.
Check Seasoning at the End: Salt and pepper levels can shift as the soup simmers, so always taste before serving.

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Olive Garden chicken gnocchi - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper. Sometimes I add a few torn basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness that brightens every spoonful.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include crusty Italian bread or warm garlic knots for dipping. On a lighter note, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully and keeps the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served this for a small gathering, I love ladling the soup into rustic crocks and setting out toppings like crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or even a dash of chili flakes for friends to customize. It turns a simple meal into a fun little experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let it cool to room temperature first before refrigerating to preserve that creamy texture.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but I recommend leaving the gnocchi out if you plan to freeze it. Freeze just the broth, chicken, and veggies in a sealed container for up to three months. When reheating, cook fresh gnocchi separately and add it in just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to keep the soup smooth and prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half if it thickened up too much overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of refrigerated?

Frozen gnocchi tends to be more delicate and may fall apart in the soup. I suggest using refrigerated gnocchi for best texture, or add frozen gnocchi separately just before serving to avoid mushiness.

What can I substitute for half-and-half?

You can substitute half-and-half with a mixture of milk and cream or use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind that flavor and richness may vary slightly.

Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add hearty veggies like mushrooms or white beans to keep it satisfying. Use a plant-based cream substitute to keep it creamy.

How do I prevent the soup from getting too thick?

If your soup thickens too much, simply add a bit more chicken broth or half-and-half while reheating to thin it to your desired consistency. Just add liquid gradually to avoid making it too thin.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe has found a special place in my meal rotation because it’s both indulgent and doable — a real "restaurant at home" win. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Just imagine cozying up with a bowl and your favorite bread; trust me, it’s that kind of simple joy worth cooking for.