Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a copycat recipe that brings this creamy yet simple dish into your kitchen. Chicken thighs and loads of vegetables are cooked with pillowy gnocchi in a savory broth on your stovetop. This meal is perfect when you’re feeling under the weather, and it’s so easy to make!

A serving of this chicken gnocchi soup is delicious on cold evening.

Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

It’s hard to beat a hearty chicken noodle soup when you’re feeling bad. There is just something about the savory broth, the healthy vegetables, and the flavorful chicken…

Lately, though, my new go-to is this chicken gnocchi soup from Olive Garden.

It’s so simple to pull together! Instead of noodles, though, you get these fluffy pillows of potatoes that really make the dish.

And if you’ve been around here long, you know I LOVE all things Olive Garden—check out this Zuppa Toscana, Minestrone Soup, and this Olive Garden Italian Dressing.

So next time you’re feeling under the weather, or are just craving something hearty, try this chicken gnocchi soup.

This might just become the new favorite soup for the whole family!

Gnocchi, chicken, vegetables, spices, and milk are the basic ingredients for this soup.

Ingredients

To make this copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup recipe you need these simple ingredients:

  • Butter. Opt for salted butter for the most flavor. You can use unsalted if needed, or leave it out and sub extra oil to avoid dairy.
  • Oil. Avocado oil is best because it has a high smoke point, but olive oil works well, too.
  • Onion. This recipe calls for a small, sweet diced onion, but feel free to go with yellow or white. Red onions will affect the flavor, though.
  • Vegetables. As with most classic soup recipes, diced celery and carrots are essential.
  • Garlic. Finely minced garlic adds so much depth! While garlic powder can be used, it will the flavor won’t be quite the same.
  • Broth. Regular sodium chicken broth is best, but low sodium or vegetable broth can be subbed. Beef broth is not recommended because of its strong flavor.
  • Herbs. Both dried thyme and oregano create the flavor profile of the soup, but you can use other herbs you have on hand. If you opt for fresh, you will need to add more.
  • Chicken. Thighs are perfect for soup as their fat content is a little higher which means they have SO much more flavor. Choose boneless, skinless thighs for ease. Chicken breasts can be substituted for an even leaner option.
  • Milk. You can use whatever type of milk you prefer, either regular or plant-based.
  • Cornstarch. This is used to make a slurry to thicken the soup. You can also go for arrowroot or another thickening agent you have on hand.
  • Gnocchi. It’s surprisingly simple to make Homemade Potato Gnocchi, or simply buy pre-made ones from the store. They are usually in the pasta aisle.
  • Spinach. Fresh spinach leaves add a pop of color along with so many health benefits.
5 Secrets to Healthier Family Dinners
Tips & recipes for getting yummy — and healthy — meals on the table.

How to Make Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Please read the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and ingredient amounts.

1. Cut and Sauté the Veggies

You will need to slice or dice the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and spinach.

Warm a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat with the butter and oil.

Add the onions, celery, and carrots to the pot and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. They should be fragrant and tender.

Toss in the garlic and continue sautéing for another 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it, though.

2. Add the Broth and Herbs

Carefully pour in the chicken broth. Give the mix a good stir, being sure to scrape the bottom of the dish.

Measure out the dried thyme and oregano along with salt and black pepper.

Stir until everything is combined.

3. Place the Chicken and Cook

Use tongs to carefully set the chicken thighs into the broth mixture. Gently press them down until they’re completely covered.

Bring the entire soup to a boil that can’t be stirred down. Then, reduce the heat to medium low.

Cover the pot with a lid and allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

4. Remove and Shred Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, use the tongs to remove it from the pot.

With two forks, shred each thigh. You want small pieces that are bite-sized.

If you feel comfortable, you can do this step with the chicken still in the pot. Just be sure not to splash the hot broth.

5. Pour in the Starch Slurry

Warm up the milk in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Add the cornstarch to it and whisk until no lumps remain.

Pour the cornstarch slurry into the soup with the shredded chicken. Turn the heat up to high and bring everything to a boil. Be sure to stir regularly.

6. Add the Spinach and Gnocchi

While the soup is boiling, carefully add the gnocchi and the spinach leaves to the creamy broth.

Cook the mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes. The gnocchi will float to the top when they’re cooked.

Serve this creamy chicken gnocchi soup immediately! Feel free to sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Meal Prep and Storage

  • How to prep ahead of time: You can always prep the veggies a day or two in advance and store in a bag in the fridge. If you’re making homemade gnocchi, you can do everything except cook them the day before, as well.
  • How to store: Allow it to completely cool, then move leftover soup to an airtight container. Place it in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. The gnocchi will start to break down, however.
  • How to freeze: While you can absolutely freeze this soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 to 4 months, the gnocchi’s consistency will be affected upon thawing. It is best to freeze the soup BEFORE adding the gnocchi.
  • How to reheat: For best results, warm this soup back up in a Dutch oven or large pot on the stove top over medium heat.

FAQs

Is chicken gnocchi soup healthy?

Is chicken gnocchi soup healthy?
Chicken gnocchi soup can be a healthy addition to any meal plan. The chicken combined with the vegetables in a broth is so good for you. However, it is not low-carb due to the gnocchi.

How do you make homemade gnocchi?


While it might seem overwhelming to make your own gnocchi, it is easier than you might think. Simply boil potatoes, peel, then mix with flour and egg, roll out the dough, then cut and shape into those famous pillowy puffs. You can check out this potato gnocchi recipe.

What can you make with gnocchi?


Gnocchi is a lot like pasta in that you can enjoy it in so many ways! Try it with your favorite sauce, like a hearty bolognese or a lighter garlic herb butter. It is delicious with basil pesto, cream sauce, or even in soup, like this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

This soup is made with chicken, vegetables, and potato gnocchi.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • DIY gnocchi. It’s surprisingly easy to make your own potato gnocchi! Try it instead of a store-bought kind.
  • All the veggies. You can add extra vegetables to really pack a nutritional punch.
  • Warm it up. Cold milk will curdle when added to hot soup, so be sure the milk isn’t chilled.
  • Super creamy. Sub in a little half and half or even heavy cream for the milk for a silky smooth soup!
  • Make extra. This soup is perfect to make extra and freeze, just save the spinach and gnocchi until after you thaw it.
  • Don’t skip a step. Be sure to sauté the veggies before adding in the broth for the MOST flavor.

What to Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup

There are so many sides you can serve alongside this soup to make a full meal.

Soup and salad is a classic combination. Try this Fall Harvest Salad with Apples or this Chopped Kale Salad with Cranberries.

Of course, Homemade Croutons and Chopped Green Onions are perfect toppings to this soup.

More Soup Recipes

When the weather gets cold, all the soup dishes come out! Try any of these comforting recipes next.

Creamy Zucchini Soup and Healthy Cauliflower Soup are full of nutrients.

Or, opt for quick recipes like this Instant Pot Potato Soup, Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup, and Instant Pot Chicken and Vegetable Soup.

Be sure to try Chicken Pot Pie Soup, Chicken and Dumpling Soup, Chicken and Vegetable Soup, and Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 21 votes

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a copycat recipe that brings this creamy yet simple dish into your kitchen. Chicken thighs and loads of vegetables are cooked with pillowy gnocchi in a savory broth on your stovetop.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is quick and easy to make at home.
Yield 6 servings
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 25 minutes
Total 35 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 2 Tbsp. butter salted
  • 2 Tbsp. oil avocado or olive
  • 1 small sweet onion diced
  • 2 ribs celery diced
  • 1 cup carrots diced
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth regular sodium
  • 1 tsp. thyme dried
  • ½ tsp. oregano dried
  • 1 ½ tsp. salt to taste
  • ½ tsp. black pepper to taste
  • 1 ¼ lbs. chicken thighs
  • 2 cups milk warmed
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 lb. gnocchi prepared
  • 2 cups spinach chopped
  • Parsley optional, finely chopped

Instructions 

  • Saute the Vegetables: Add butter and oil to a large Dutch oven along with the onions, celery, and carrots. Saute over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender. Add garlic and continue sauteing for an additional 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
    2 Tbsp. butter, 2 Tbsp. oil, 1 small sweet onion, 2 ribs celery, 1 cup carrots, 3 cloves garlic
  • Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
    4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp. thyme, ½ tsp. oregano, 1 ½ tsp. salt, ½ tsp. black pepper
  • Cook Soup and Shred Chicken: Add the chicken thighs into the pot and make sure they are completely immersed in the liquid. Bring it all to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked through remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. You can also do this in the pot if you feel comfortable doing it.
    1 ¼ lbs. chicken thighs
  • Whisk and Add Slurry: Whisk the warmed milk and cornstarch together in a bowl or measuring cup until smooth and well combined. Pour the starch slurry into the soup. Increase the heat to high and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the top.
    2 cups milk, ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 lb. gnocchi, 2 cups spinach
  • Serve the soup immediately with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy!
    Parsley
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 21 votes

Video

Notes

Meal Prep and Storage

    • How to prep ahead of time: You can always prep the veggies a day or two in advance and store in a bag in the fridge. If you’re making homemade gnocchi, you can do everything except cook them the day before, as well.
    • How to store: Allow the soup to completely cool, then move to an airtight, resealable container. Place it in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. The gnocchi will start to break down, however.
    • How to freeze: While you can absolutely freeze this soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 to 4 months, the gnocchi’s consistency will be affected upon thawing. It is best to freeze the soup BEFORE adding the gnocchi.
    • How to reheat soup: For best results, warm this soup back up in a Dutch oven or large pot on the stove top over medium heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 376kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 103mg, Sodium: 1510mg, Potassium: 437mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 4705IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 68mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Made this recipe?Leave a comment below!
5 Secrets to Healthier Family Dinners
Tips & recipes for getting yummy — and healthy — meals on the table.

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    1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Jan! Sounds delicious. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!