We've cracked the code on Olive Garden's most comforting soup - their famous Chicken Gnocchi. This creamy, soul-warming dish has become a fan favorite, and now you can recreate it right in your slow cooker.
Our Crock Pot version captures all the rich flavors of the restaurant original while making it incredibly simple to prepare at home. With tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi olive garden gnocchi soup no chicken and fresh vegetables swimming in a velvety broth, this soup delivers restaurant-quality taste without the restaurant prices. We'll show you how to transform basic ingredients into this Italian-inspired masterpiece using your trusty slow cooker.
What Makes Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup Special
Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup features five distinctive elements that create its signature taste profile:
Pillowy Gnocchi Texture- Hand-crafted potato dumplingsSoft centers with tender exteriorPerfect bite-sized pieces that absorb flavors
- Rich blend of heavy cream and chicken stockVelvety smooth consistencyBalanced seasoning with Italian herbs
- Diced carrots for natural sweetnessFresh spinach leaves added at optimal timingSautéed celery and onions for depth
- White meat chicken piecesUniformly diced for consistent cookingTender texture from slow simmering
- Italian herb mixture featuring thyme and rosemaryGarlic and black pepper undertonesPrecise salt balance enhancing all components
The restaurant's version maintains strict temperature control at 165°F throughout service, creating the signature creamy consistency that's made this soup a customer favorite since its introduction in 2008.
Key Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Creating an authentic Olive Garden-style chicken gnocchi soup requires specific ingredients in precise quantities. Here's a detailed breakdown of the essential components needed for this creamy slow-cooker soup.
Chicken and Gnocchi Base
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (3 medium-sized breasts)16 ounces potato gnocchi (1 standard package)Salt & black pepper to season chicken
The chicken and gnocchi form the foundational elements of this soup, providing protein and satisfying texture. The chicken breasts cook until tender in the slow cooker while the potato gnocchi adds a pillowy texture characteristic of Olive Garden's version.
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup diced yellow onion2 cups matchstick carrots2 stalks celery (1/2 cup diced)3 cloves minced garlic1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend1 teaspoon dried thyme2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Fresh vegetables create the aromatic base while herbs infuse the soup with authentic Italian flavors. Each vegetable contributes distinct textures and flavors that complement the creamy broth.
Creamy Broth Components
- 4 cups chicken broth2 cups heavy cream1/2 cup all-purpose flour4 tablespoons butter1 cup fresh spinach leaves1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
The creamy broth combines rich dairy elements with savory chicken stock to create the signature Olive Garden consistency. Flour acts as a thickening agent while butter adds richness to the final product.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Creating Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup in a crock pot involves a systematic approach of ingredient preparation followed by slow cooking. Here's how to replicate this classic soup at home with perfect results every time.
Preparing the Ingredients
Dice 1-1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubesChop vegetables into uniform sizes:- 1 medium onion (finely diced)2 celery stalks (1/4-inch pieces)2 carrots (1/4-inch pieces)3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning1 teaspoon dried thyme1 teaspoon dried basilSalt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth1 cup heavy cream
Slow Cooker Method
Layer ingredients in the crock pot:- Place diced chicken at the bottomAdd chopped vegetablesPour in chicken brothSprinkle seasonings
- Cook on LOW for 6-8 hoursCook on HIGH for 3-4 hours
- Add gnocchiPour in heavy creamStir gently to combineCover and cook until gnocchi floats
- Chicken reaches 165°FSoup maintains steady simmerGnocchi becomes tender
Tips for Perfect Restaurant-Style Results
Creating restaurant-quality Crock Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup requires attention to specific techniques and timing. Here's how to achieve Olive Garden's signature taste and texture in your home kitchen.
Achieving the Right Consistency
The key to perfect consistency lies in the proper timing of ingredients. Add the cream mixture during the final 30 minutes of cooking to prevent curdling. Create a smooth base by whisking flour with heavy cream before adding it to the soup. Stir the soup gently every 10 minutes after adding the gnocchi to prevent clumping.
Consistency CheckpointTimingTemperatureAdd GnocchiLast 45 minutesHigh heatAdd Cream MixtureLast 30 minutesLow heatFinal Thickness CheckLast 15 minutes165°FStoring and Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the gnocchi from the soup if storing longer than 24 hours. Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger portions, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding extra cream or broth to adjust consistency.
Storage MethodDurationTemperatureRefrigerator3 days40°F or belowFreezer (broth only)2 months0°F or belowAfter Reheating2 hours165°F minimumRecipe Variations and Substitutions
Cooking Method Options
- Cook in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hoursPrepare on stovetop by sautéing vegetables first then adding broth chicken gnocchiUse an instant pot for quick preparation under pressure
Protein Alternatives
- Replace chicken breasts with skinless chicken thighsSubstitute with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for enhanced flavorUse turkey breast as a leaner alternativeAdd Italian sausage for extra seasoning
Gnocchi Modifications
- Substitute potato gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi for lower carbsUse mini gnocchi for faster cooking timeChoose whole wheat gnocchi for added fiberReplace with tortellini for a different texture
Dairy Adjustments
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for lighter consistencyUse coconut milk for dairy-free versionSubstitute evaporated milk to reduce fat contentMix Greek yogurt with milk for added protein
Vegetable Add-ins
- Add mushrooms for earthy flavorInclude bell peppers for extra colorMix in zucchini during the last hourIncorporate baby spinach at the end of cooking
Seasoning Options
- Add red pepper flakes for heatInclude fresh basil leaves before servingMix in Italian seasoning blendIncorporate roasted garlic for depth
Each variation maintains the essence of the original Olive Garden-inspired soup while offering customization options for dietary preferences personal taste.
Conclusion
Now we've shared all our secrets for creating this beloved Olive Garden copycat soup chicken soup olive garden style right in your own kitchen. With your slow cooker doing most of the work you'll have a restaurant-quality meal that's both budget-friendly and deeply satisfying.
We love how this recipe lets us customize ingredients while maintaining that signature Olive Garden taste we all crave. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or serving a family dinner this crock pot chicken gnocchi soup is sure to become your new go-to comfort food.
Remember - the key to perfect results lies in timing those final additions of cream and gnocchi. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a bowlful of pure comfort that rivals the original!