Just picture a warm bowl of creamy, comforting goodness that tastes just like the Olive Garden classic—this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly that. It’s so creamy, cozy, and packed with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi, making it perfect for any night you want to feel a little spoiled at home.

A bowl filled with thick creamy soup showing several chunks of white meat and small translucent potato pieces, mixed with thin orange carrot strips, green spinach leaves, and sliced pale green celery; the surface is lightly sprinkled with coarse ground black pepper. The soup appears rich and smooth, with the ingredients floating in a pale off-white broth. The bowl is white and round, placed on a white marbled surface next to a napkin with purple and yellow stripes. A spoon with a blue handle is partially dipped into the soup 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 Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug after a long day. I’ve made it countless times, and each batch hits that sweet spot of creamy richness and savory depth that reminds me why this soup has such a loyal fanbase.

Authentic flavor: It captures that cozy, familiar richness you get at Olive Garden without any shortcuts or weird ingredients.
Quick and easy: From chopping veggies to simmering, you’ll have this on the table in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Comfort food upgrade: Tender gnocchi and chicken in every bite make it hearty but still surprisingly light and fresh.
Customizable: You can tweak the seasonings or swap ingredients easily to suit your taste or dietary needs.

The image shows two white bowls filled with creamy soup that has a thick texture. The soup has three main layers of colors and textures: the creamy pale yellow base, visible orange carrot strips scattered throughout, and bright green spinach leaves adding color contrast. There are small light round pieces that look soft and tender in the soup. Both bowls have black pepper sprinkled on top, which adds dark specks across the light soup surface. Around the bowls are two metal spoons, one with a blue handle, a glass of water, a small white bowl with brown seasoning, and a striped fabric with yellow, white, blue, and brown stripes on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe plays a key role in balancing flavor and texture. From fresh veggies to creamy half-and-half, this is one time where simple, quality ingredients really shine together.

Flat lay of unsalted butter cubes, a small pile of sliced celery ribs, finely chopped yellow onion, matchstick-cut fresh carrots, three whole garlic cloves, a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with golden chicken broth, a small white bowl with creamy half-and-half, finely chopped cooked chicken pieces, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of kosher salt, fresh refrigerated gnocchi dumplings, roughly chopped baby spinach leaves, a small white bowl containing dried Italian seasoning, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, and a small white bowl with a pinch of ground nutmeg 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: Melted slowly, it creates a rich base for sautéing veggies without overpowering flavors.
Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh green flavor that lifts the soup.
Yellow onion: Sweetness from the onion softens the broth and deepens the savory notes.
Matchstick carrots: They cook quickly and add mild sweetness and color.
Garlic: Just enough to amp up the aroma and savoriness without being overwhelming.
All-purpose flour: Combined with butter, it thickens the soup into that luscious, creamy texture you expect.
Chicken broth: The backbone of flavor — use a good quality broth for best results.
Half-and-half: Brings creaminess while keeping the soup lighter than heavy cream would.
Cooked chicken: Tender, finely chopped chicken provides protein and that comforting meatiness.
Granulated sugar: Balances acidity and rounds out flavors subtly.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
Refrigerated gnocchi: The star of the soup — soft, pillowy bites soak up all that creamy broth.
Baby spinach: Just before finishing, it wilts to add vibrant color and a fresh touch.
Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that echoes classic Italian flavors.
Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
Pinch of ground nutmeg: A secret ingredient that enhances the creamy broth’s warmth and complexity.

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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 playing around with this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe to suit what we’re in the mood for or what I have on hand. You can easily customize it without losing that classic flavor everyone adores.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out half-and-half for coconut milk to give it a dairy-free twist that’s still creamy and delicious.
Mild spice: If you enjoy a little kick, adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes really wakes it up.
Veggie boost: I’ve tossed in chopped mushrooms or kale to add more texture and nutrients.
Make it heartier: Some diced potatoes or extra gnocchi bulk it up for bigger appetites.

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

Step 1: Sauté those veggies till tender and fragrant

Start by melting 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced celery, chopped onion, and matchstick carrots. Stir often as they cook until the onions turn translucent and the veggies soften—about 5 minutes. Then toss in the garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until you catch that amazing aroma. This step builds the foundation of savory flavor, so take your time here and don’t rush it.

Step 2: Make that golden roux for richness

Next, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Stir continuously as it melts—this only takes about a minute. Sprinkle in the flour and keep stirring until the mixture bubbles and takes on a pale golden color—about another minute. This roux is the magic that thickens your soup and gives it that silky texture you crave.

Step 3: Bring all soup ingredients together

Slowly stir in the chicken broth and half-and-half, then add the chopped cooked chicken, sugar, and salt. Give it a few stirs and bring the soup up to a gentle simmer. Taking it slow here ensures everything blends smoothly without lumps. Once simmering, it’s almost time for the gnocchi.

Step 4: Cooking the gnocchi perfectly

Add your refrigerated gnocchi to the pot, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. They’ll cook super fast—usually about 3 minutes until tender and floating to the top. Keep an eye on them because overcooked gnocchi can get a bit mushy, and we want pillowy perfection here.

Step 5: Brighten it up with spinach and spices

Finally, stir in the baby spinach, dried Italian seasoning, freshly ground black pepper, and just a pinch of nutmeg. Cook for 2 more minutes while stirring often until the spinach wilts and everything is melded together. That nutmeg adds an unexpected warmth that takes this soup up a notch. Now you’re ready to serve!

Top Tip

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned making this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is how crucial each step is, especially when building flavor with your veggies and roux. Taking your time here means the difference between a simple creamy soup and one that tastes restaurant-quality.

Golden Roux Timing: Don’t rush the flour and butter mixture—it needs to cook long enough to taste “bready” but not brown, or your soup could get a toasted flavor.
Gentle Simmer: Once you add the broth and half-and-half, keep heat low—boiling can cause the dairy to curdle.
Fresh Gnocchi Watch: Gnocchi cooks quickly; test early to avoid soggy texture.
Nutmeg Magic: Even a pinch adds a subtle layer of warmth that makes this soup feel special and surprisingly authentic.

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top my bowls with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few extra cracks of black pepper. Sometimes, I add a tiny drizzle of good-quality olive oil for richness. Fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves brighten it up and add a pop of color that makes this soup feel even more homemade and inviting.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats pairing this soup with warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks. I also love a simple side salad with vinaigrette to lighten things up. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a baked potato up the comfort factor.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in individual mini bread bowls—that wow factor is so worth it! You can also layer it in clear glass soup mugs to showcase the colors and textures, making dinner feel extra cozy and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes well if you plan ahead. I recommend freezing before adding spinach to keep it from getting mushy. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add fresh spinach when reheating to keep it bright and fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of broth or half-and-half if it thickens too much helps restore that creamy consistency. Avoid boiling to keep the dairy smooth and silky.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this soup?

Yes! Frozen gnocchi works just fine here. Just make sure to thaw it slightly or add a few extra minutes to the cooking time until they’re tender. Keep stirring gently to prevent sticking.

What can I substitute for half-and-half?

You can substitute heavy cream diluted with a bit of milk or use whole milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind that half-and-half gives the best balance of creaminess without being too heavy.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding hearty mushrooms or extra gnocchi can help keep the soup filling and flavorful.

Is it better to use homemade or store-bought gnocchi?

Both work well! Store-bought refrigerated gnocchi saves a lot of time and still tastes great. If you have the time, homemade gnocchi adds a fresh, tender texture that’s unbeatable, but it’s optional for this recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe isn’t just a copycat—it’s a little bit of comfort, warmth, and easy homemade magic all in one bowl. Whenever I make it, friends always ask for seconds (and the recipe!) and I bet you’ll feel the same way. So grab your ingredients, warm up your kitchen, and get ready for a soup experience that feels like a cozy Italian dinner right at home.