Irresistible Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Copycat Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm broth simmering on a chilly evening. This creamy chicken gnocchi soup Olive Garden copycat wraps you in a cozy hug, making it a favorite in so many homes. It’s no wonder people crave this comforting bowl on cool nights!

Imagine tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and rich, creamy goodness all in one pot. This recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients, making it a breeze for busy weeknights. It’s just like your grandma’s version, but quick enough for even the busiest schedules. And the best part? You won’t be left with a mountain of dishes!

Started whipping this up back in 2015 when my family voted for “soup night” every week. The first time I served it, my daughter declared it the ultimate comfort food and asked for secondsalways a win! The key? Letting the gnocchi simmer just right so they soak up all that delicious flavor. Trust me, it’s a keeper for those cozy nights in.

Olivia Farnsworth

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Copycat Recipe for Cozy Days

This creamy chicken gnocchi soup olive garden copycat is a delicious and comforting homemade creamy gnocchi soup that perfectly mimics the beloved Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup copycat. Bursting with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and pillowy gnocchi, this cozy olive garden soup dupe is an easy chicken gnocchi soup recipe that will warm you on chilly days and become a family favorite.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 Bowls of Soup

Calories: 156

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion diced
• 1/2 cup celery diced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 14 ounce can chicken broth for a thinner soup use 2 cans
• 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves chopped
• 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast I used rotisserie
• 1 16 ounce package potato gnocchi on the pasta isle
• salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Melt the butter and olive oil together in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic and cook until they soften and become fragrant.
3. Stir in the flour and continue cooking for about one minute to make a roux.
4. Gradually pour in the half-and-half and chicken broth while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
5. Mix in the fresh thyme, shredded carrots, chopped spinach, cooked chicken, and potato gnocchi.
6. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for around 5 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the soup has thickened.
7. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste, then serve the soup hot.

Notes

• If you prefer a thinner soup, feel free to add an extra can of chicken broth. Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor. This soup is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy Comfort: This creamy chicken gnocchi soup wraps you up like a warm blanket, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Quick & Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can have a hearty meal ready without any fuss.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults, it brings everyone back to the table with smiles and warmth.
• Flexibility: Adjust the thickness easily or add veggies according to what you have; it’s bound to be delicious!

Key Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in your cooking. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter & Olive Oil: These two fats create a beautiful base for your soup.
• Onion, Celery, and Garlic: The holy trinity of flavors, bringing aromatic goodness.
• Flour: This helps thicken our soup, making it creamy and inviting.
• Half-and-Half: Adds rich creaminessyour secret weapon for comfort.
• Chicken Broth: Gives depth; you can adjust it for your preferred thickness.
• Fresh Thyme: A fragrant touch that enhances the savory notes of the dish.
• Carrots, Spinach, and Cooked Chicken: For color, nutrition, and heartiness; you can use rotisserie chicken for simplicity!
• Potato Gnocchi: The star of the show, these pillowy bites soak up all the beautiful flavors!

How It Works: Step-by-Step

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until tender and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Create the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir, cooking for another minute. This will help thicken your soup.
3. Add the Creamy Base: Gradually pour in the half-and-half and chicken broth, stirring until it thickens slightly. You want a velvety texture!
4. Mix in the Goodies: Toss in thyme, the shredded carrots, chopped spinach, diced chicken, and gnocchi. Let it simmer until the gnocchi is cooked, about 5 minutes.
5. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper as desired, and enjoy the cozy aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Troubleshooting & Tweaks

If things don’t quite go as planned, don’t worry! Here are some tips:

• Too Thick? Simply stir in more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Want More Flavor? A splash of lemon juice or a pinch of extra herbs can brighten things up!
• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken with extra veggies and use vegetable broth for a plant-based delight.
• Spinach Substitution: You can use kale or Swiss chard if that’s what you have on hand.

Serving & Storage Tips

This delightful soup deserves a warm welcome and some savvy storage tips:

• Serving: Perfect with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad, this soup is great for family dinners or cozy nights in!
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much!
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to a month. Just remember to leave out the gnocchi and add them fresh when reheating.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy each cozy spoonful of this creamy chicken gnocchi soup, just like you’d get at Olive Garden, but in the comfort of your own home. With simplicity and flavor, it’s truly a love letter to the joy of home cooking. So grab your ingredients tonight and whip up a pot; your family will thank you!

Expert Says

This creamy chicken gnocchi soup, reminiscent of the beloved Olive Garden dish, benefits from a combination of starchy gnocchi and a rich broth. The starch released by the gnocchi thickens the soup, creating a velvety texture without the need for excessive cream, making it satisfying yet comforting.

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The Quest for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)

This creamy chicken gnocchi soup took me a good handful of attempts to perfect. I remember the first time I made it, the gnocchi turned out a bit too mushy, but each misstep helped me tweak the flavors and textures until it became a warm hug in a bowl, just like the one I had at Olive Garden.

FAQs ( Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden copycat) )

Conclusion

You’ll love how this creamy chicken gnocchi soup Olive Garden copycat turns outwarm, inviting, and ready in just 25 minutes! It’s a hug in a bowl that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas.

Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or even use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. And here’s a little trick I learned from my aunt: when reheating, add a splash of broth to keep that creamy goodness intact!

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Did something similar grace your family table growing up? Be sure to share your photos and memories, and don’t forget to save this recipe for those cozy nights ahead. Happy cooking, friends!