Easy Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Just Like the Restaurant!)

We all know the comfort of a warm bowl of Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup - it's creamy rich and absolutely irresistible. But what if we told you that you can https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1011269291328299382/ recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen? This copycat recipe brings all the flavors you love without having to leave your home.

Creating this beloved soup isn't as complicated as you might think. With tender chicken chunks soft potato gnocchi and fresh vegetables swimming in a velvety cream-based broth we'll show you how to master this Italian-inspired dish. Our homemade version tastes just like the original and costs a fraction of what you'd pay at the restaurant.

Why This Copycat Olive Garden Soup Is So Popular

This copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe attracts over 500,000 monthly searches across recipe websites for three key reasons:

Restaurant-Quality Results
    Creates identical flavors to Olive Garden's signature soupMatches the creamy texture perfectlyProduces consistent restaurant-style results at home
Cost-Effective Alternative
    Serves 6-8 portions for under $15 totalSaves 75% compared to restaurant pricesUses readily available grocery store ingredients
Customization Options
    Accommodates dairy-free substitutions with coconut milkWorks with fresh or frozen gnocchi varietiesAllows adjusting vegetables based on preferences
Convenience Benefits
    Freezes well for up to 3 monthsMakes excellent meal-prep portionsReheats without separation or texture changes
Cost ComparisonRestaurantHomemadePer Bowl$7.99$1.87Family Size$31.96$7.48Weekly Cost$55.93$13.09

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creating an authentic Olive Garden-style Chicken Gnocchi Soup requires specific ingredients that contribute to its signature creamy texture and rich flavor profile. Here's a detailed breakdown of the key components and ingredient selections.

Choosing the Right Gnocchi

Potato gnocchi forms the foundation of this classic soup, with several options available:

    Traditional Potato Gnocchi: Contains potato flour, wheat flour and eggs Fresh Refrigerated Gnocchi: Cooks in 2-3 minutes and maintains optimal texture Shelf-Stable Gnocchi: Offers 6-month storage life without refrigeration Mini Gnocchi: Provides better soup-spoon portion control Gluten-Free Options: Made from potato starch and rice flour

Fresh vs. Store-Bought Components

The soup's quality depends on strategic choices between fresh and prepared ingredients:

Base Vegetables:

    Fresh mirepoix (carrots, celery, onions) provides superior flavorPre-cut mirepoix saves 15 minutes of prep timeFresh garlic delivers 30% more flavor than jarred alternatives

Protein Options:

    Fresh chicken breast: $3.99/lbRotisserie chicken: $7.99/whole birdPre-cooked chicken strips: $6.99/lb
Ingredient TypeFat ContentPrice per QuartBest ForHeavy Cream36%$4.99Rich textureHalf-and-Half12%$3.49ReheatingLight Cream20%$3.99Balanced option

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating Olive Garden's signature Chicken Gnocchi Soup involves two main phases: establishing a creamy roux base and incorporating the vegetables and protein components. Each step builds layers of flavor that combine into a restaurant-quality soup.

Creating the Creamy Base

Melt 3-4 tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heatAdd 1 tablespoon olive oil to the melted butterSauté 1 cup diced onion, ½ cup celery and 2 minced garlic cloves for 5-6 minutes until translucentWhisk in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form the rouxPour in 4 cups chicken broth gradually while whisking continuouslyAdd 2 cups half-and-half cream or heavy creamStir in 1 teaspoon dried thyme and ½ teaspoon dried sageSimmer for 5 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken

Adding Vegetables and Chicken

Add 2 cups diced cooked chicken to the creamy baseStir in 2 cups fresh spinach leavesAdd 2 medium shredded carrotsDrop in 16 ounces potato gnocchiSeason with:
    1 teaspoon salt½ teaspoon black pepper¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Simmer for 3-4 minutes until gnocchi floatsCook an additional 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tenderTest gnocchi for doneness by cutting one piece in halfIngredientAmountCooking TimeButter & Oil Base4-5 tbsp total1-2 minutesAromatics1.5 cups5-6 minutesRoux¼ cup flour1 minuteLiquid Base6 cups total5 minutesFinal SimmerAll ingredients5-7 minutes

Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results

Create the Perfect Roux Base
    Combine equal parts butter and olive oil for optimal flavor depthWhisk flour continuously for 3-4 minutes until golden brownAdd liquids gradually to prevent lumps from forming
Master the Liquid Ratio
    Use a 2:1 ratio of chicken broth to half-and-halfAdd cream slowly while stirring to maintain smooth consistencyAdjust thickness with additional broth if needed
Optimize Vegetable Preparation
    Dice onions celery into 1/4-inch pieces for uniform cookingShred carrots finely for better texture integrationMince garlic fresh rather than using pre-minced varieties
Perfect the Gnocchi Timing
    Add mini potato gnocchi during the last 5 minutes of cookingTest one piece for doneness before servingAvoid overcooking to prevent mushy texture
Enhance Chicken Integration
    Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for enhanced flavorCut chicken into 1/2-inch cubes for ideal bite sizeAdd chicken after the vegetables are tender
Temperature Management
    Maintain medium-low heat during cream additionSimmer at low temperature after all ingredients combineAvoid boiling to prevent cream separation
Storage Considerations
    Cool completely before refrigeratingStore in airtight containers for up to 5 daysReheat on low heat stirring frequently
Seasoning Balance
    Add salt gradually throughout cookingTaste and adjust seasonings after gnocchi cooksConsider fresh herbs for garnish before serving

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Refrigerator Storage

Store this creamy chicken gnocchi soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers.

Freezer Storage

The soup maintains its quality in the freezer for up to 3 months when stored properly. Here's how to freeze it effectively:

    Remove the gnocchi before freezing to preserve its textureCool the soup completely to room temperaturePour into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1 inch of space for expansionLabel containers with the dateStore at 0°F (-18°C) or below

Reheating Methods

Stovetop Reheating

The stovetop method olive garden gnocchi soup no chicken preserves the creamy texture of the soup:

Transfer soup to a large potHeat on low, stirring every 2-3 minutesAdd fresh gnocchi if frozen separatelyHeat until temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)

Microwave Reheating

Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowlHeat for 2 minutes on high powerStir thoroughlyContinue heating in 30-second intervals if neededStorage MethodMaximum Storage TimeTemperatureRefrigerator4 days40°F (4°C)Freezer3 months0°F (-18°C)

Conclusion

We're confident you'll love making this copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home. This budget-friendly recipe delivers the same comforting flavors and creamy texture you enjoy at the restaurant but at a fraction of the cost.

Whether you're feeding a family or meal prepping for the week our detailed guide makes it easy to achieve restaurant-quality results. The flexibility to customize ingredients and convenient storage options make this soup a practical addition to your recipe collection.

Now it's time to head to the kitchen and create your own delicious bowl of homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup. We'd love to hear how your version turns out!