Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
I know this may be controversial to say but you can make a copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home and even better. My version is just as comforting, creamy and nostalgic. It’s a soul-satisfying choice for any soup enthusiast and is sure to be one of your favorite soup recipes!
Why you'll love my creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe
Who doesn’t love Olive Garden? From the creamy Alfredo sauce to the famous salad dressing and warm dinner rolls, their menu is full of comforting classics. This homemade version of their chicken gnocchi soup captures that same cozy flavor. Here’s what elseyou’ll love about this soup recipe:
Hearty and Cozy
If you enjoy delicious soup recipes like tortellini soup, chicken tortilla soup, or butternut squash soup, you’ll love this creamy Olive Garden–style chicken gnocchi soup at least as much.
Easy and made in one large pot
Now that’s my kind of recipe. Easy prep (no cornstarch slurry required) and easy clean up.
Better Than Olive Garden Soup
The creamy broth and comforting flavors you love from the restaurant version, but even fresher and more flavorful when made at home.
Loved by the Whole Family
This cozy soup is a crowd-pleaser for cold night that both kids and adults will happily come back for. It’s also a great recipe to make when you’re hosting guests during their next stay.
What is gnocchi?
Gnocchi has its origins in Italy, derived from the Italian word “nocca” meaning knuckle. Gnocchi known for its soft, doughy dumpling texture that is typically made with potatoes, flour and sometimes eggs, cheese and other add-ins, which gives soups a comforting texture similar to potato soup. The dough rolled into small, bite size pieces often with ridges to catch sauces, and is boiled or pan-fried.
Where can I buy gnocchi?
While you can of course make your own gnocchi at home, I recommend store-bought for this recipe! Gnocchi can be found in the dried pasta aisle or freezer section at any local grocery store. For this recipe, we recommend using shelf-stable, dried gnocchi. You may also make homemade gnocchi. Recipe coming soon!
How long should I cook gnocchi?
Gnocchi can get mushy when overcooked. Once they float, it’s ready to eat! Typically it can take anywhere between 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the brand. Properly cooked gnocchi should be soft gnocchi with a light, pillowy gnocchi texture.
What can I use instead of gnocchi?
If you don’t have gnocchi or want to switch things up, these other substitutes are just as delicious!
- Tortellini: Like gnocchi, tortellini adds a soft, chewy texture to soups. Tortellini can absorb soup flavors too!
- Orzo: Orzo cooks quickly and adds a tender bite without overpowering the soup.
- Potato cubes: Since gnocchi is potato based, substituting with potato cubes provides a similar, starchy texture. Adjust the cooking time as needed until potatoes are fork tender.
- Cauliflower: For a low carb option, cauliflower florets work great!
- Chickpeas or white beans: Protein packed and hearty.
Other Substitution Notes and FAQs
Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
This recipe was developed and tested using half and half, which gives the soup a creamy texture without making it too heavy. Heavy cream may make the soup thicker and richer than intended.
Can I use chicken broth instead of Better Than Bouillon?
Yes, you can substitute cups of chicken broth (or low-sodium chicken broth) if you don’t have Better Than Bouillon. Keep in mind that Better Than Bouillon has a more concentrated flavor, so the soup may taste slightly milder when using broth. You can always adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt or Parmesan if needed.
Can I add herbs to this soup?
Yes, but it’s really not needed. A little bit of dried thyme or fresh thyme can add extra depth. Start with a small amount and adjust next time you make it if you want a stronger herbal flavor.
Can I make this recipe in a crockpot?
You can potentially adapt this recipe for a crockpot or slow cooker, but I recommend following the stovetop method for the best results. This recipe was developed, tested, and perfected using that method to achieve the right texture and flavor.
What is the nutritional information for this soup?
The nutrition calories, nutrition servings, etc. can be found at the bottom of the recipe card. The provided nutritional value above is an estimate per serving. 100% accuracy is not guaranteed. Please see Nutrition Information Disclaimer in our Privacy Policy.
How to make Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Home
The section below is a quick overview of how to make this creamy soup recipe. For full details, see recipe card below!
Cook the mirepoix
In a large heavy bottom pot (like a large dutch oven), add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Then, add butter and mirepoix. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
Make the roux
Sprinkle flour over the veggies. Mix to combine and cook for about 5 minutes. It will thicken and feel stiff. That’s normal.
Boil
Add the water and half and half. Cover over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil, then add Better Than Bouillon and cooked chicken breast. Turn down to medium heat for a slow simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes. Then, add gnocchi, spinach and parsley. Cook until it floats to the top (or the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork) and the spinach is wilted and cooked down.
Garnish
Turn off the heat, add freshly grated parmesan and minced parsley. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt to taste. Best served hot.
Expert tips from my test kitchen
Prep everything before you start cooking
Soups in general cook pretty quickly. Make sure all your vegetables are washed, cut and ready to go.
Use rotisserie chicken and skip homemade chicken
Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving alternative to cooking boneless skinless chicken breasts, and all the seasonings used in the chicken will yield even more flavor to your soup.
Note: I don’t recommend using chicken thighs for this recipe. While they are flavorful, their higher fat content can make the soup heavier and slightly greasy, which takes away from the light, creamy texture that makes chicken gnocchi soup so comforting.
Don’t be afraid to let it simmer
It’s true that soups cook quickly but the best soups are the ones that simmer slowly. The slow process enhances the depth and richness of the broth.
How to store and reheat leftover soup
Although we love making soup in large quantitates to enjoy throughout the week, not all soups age well. Once the chicken & gnocchi soup has cooled, refrigerate for 2 to 3 days in an airtight container but keep in mind, the gnocchi may start to turn mushy. Try to eat the next day if possible! Re-heat on the stovetop until warm to desired temperature. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.
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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi uncooked
- 2 large chicken breasts cooked and shredded
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups half and half
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 2 cups freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving
- 3 Tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Organic Chicken Base
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour for the roux
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper and sea salt additional, to taste
For the mirepoix:
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 celery sticks finely chopped
- 3 large carrots diced, cubed or shredded
- 6 garlic cloves minced
Instructions
- In a large heavy bottom pot, add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Then, add butter, mirepoix and spices. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 large yellow onion, 3 large carrots, 2 celery sticks, 6 garlic cloves
- Sprinkle flour over the veggies. Mix to combine and cook for about 5 minutes. It will thicken and feel stiff. That's normal.3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Slowly add the water and half and half. Cover over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil, then add Better Than Bouillon and cooked chicken breast.2 large chicken breasts, 6 cups water, 2 cups half and half, 3 Tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Organic Chicken Base
- Turn down to medium heat for a slow simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes. Then, add gnocchi and spinach and cook until it floats to the top (or the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork) and the spinach is wilted and cooked down.16 ounces potato gnocchi, 2 cups fresh spinach
- Turn off the heat, add freshly grated parmesan and minced parsley. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt to taste. Best served hot.2 cups freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper and sea salt
Nutrition
The provided nutritional value above is an estimate per serving. 100% accuracy is not guarenteed. Please see Nutrition Information Disclaimer in our Privacy Policy.
Nutrition Information Disclaimer
17 Responses
Great taste easy to make. Better than Olive Garden. My family loved it. Would recommend for anyone to fix. Awesome!!!
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Deborah! 🙂
It’s still on the stove but it smells heavenly and I can’t wait to try it. I can already tell this recipe is going in my book to remake
Thank you for such a lovely review! It’s our favorite copycat recipe. 🙂
I love this soup recipe. I think it’s so much better than the one at Olive Garden. Better ingredients for sure!
Yay!! Thank you, Alina. We think so too. 🙂
Made this soup multiple times. Perfect all year round but especially during the fall season.
Hi Adina! Thank you for the lovely review. We’re happy to hear you’ve enjoyed this recipe on repeat. 🙂
This was the first of Patricia’s recipes I made! Wow it was easy to follow, absolutely delicious, and made a ton! My middle school daughter is in her soup era, and loves bringing it in her thermos for lunches. It was fun introducing her to this one— and her friends were jealous all week. She even said, “for my next birthday let’s make soup for my friends!” How can you argue with that? Needless to say, I was sharing the recipe with my entire community!
I couldn’t have received a more amazing review! Thank you so much for trusting our recipes with your family! 🙂
Literally THE best soup ever, this is one of our favorite ones from Olive Garden and I can confirm it is even better than theirs plus we love having leftovers and this soup makes a lot!!
Hi Diana, thank you so much! I’m glad to meet another soup lover!
I just want to make sure I am reading this right…. The recipe calls for 8 oz of better than bouillon. As in the entire jar? Thanks!
Yes, that’s correct.
Wow this is absolutely delicious! Only note would be to not include all of the Better than Boullion as I found it made it way too salty for my taste. Otherwise so simple and a perfect satisfying cozy soup!
Hi Shannon, thank you for the kind review! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it. 🙂
A family staple in our dinner rotations! Thank you for the step by step photos and detailed instructions.