If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden, then you’ve probably seen Chicken Gnocchi Soup on the menu. This copycat recipe is just as rich and creamy, and packed with chicken, potato gnocchi, and spinach.
If you love delicious gnocchi dishes, then you should try this tasty mushroom gnocchi or gnocchi with prosciutto and peas.
Table Of Contents
Recipe Details
After trying this Chicken Gnocchi Soup at the restaurant, I was on a mission to recreate it at home. I love how absolutely delicious and spot-on this amazing copycat recipe turned out to be.
- TASTE: Savory and seasoned with herbs and sauteed veggies, this soup has great flavor. The potato gnocchi and chicken make the perfect pairing for a satisfying meal.
- TEXTURE: Butter and Half & Half give this dish a rich and creamy texture that can’t be beat. It’s simultaneously smooth and chunky in all the best ways.
- TIME: This recipe takes about 50 minutes to make.
- EASE: This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is pretty simple. With the easy step-by-step instructions, you’ll be serving this up in no time.
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken- Use cubed chicken breast for this recipe because it will hold its shape better while cooking than other cuts. Buy the chicken boneless and skinless.
- Gnocchi- Stick to plain potato gnocchi for this dish since we have plenty of delicious flavors being added to it. Frozen and thawed, or fresh, is fine.
- Spinach- It’s best to go with fresh leaves over frozen here, so they are not overly wilted or introducing too much water to the soup.
- Chicken broth- Go with low sodium so you can better control the salt level in the soup by adding it to your liking.
Add-ins and Substitutes
- Substitute other white meats- You can also use pork or turkey in place of the chicken breast. Dark meat, like chicken thighs, also work in a pinch but the texture is a little different.
- Add other vegetables- If you like your creamy soups with some mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers, you can also add them.
- Substitute gluten-free ingredients- Whether you make your own or buy it, you can make this recipe with gluten-free gnocchi and sub rice flour for those who can’t have wheat.
- Add bacon- Cook some chopped bacon until crisp, then add it to this Chicken Gnocchi Soup for a salty, crunchy addition. Try this Crispy Air Fryer Bacon recipe.
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Saute the garlic. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add in the minced garlic cloves and stir for about 10 seconds.
- Cook the chicken. Add the chopped chicken breast to the pot and stir until fully cooked, and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Add the vegetables. Then add the diced celery, carrots, and onion to the pot, and stir until the onion becomes translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add the flour and broth. Add the flour to the sautéed chicken and vegetables and stir for a few minutes. Then slowly pour in the chicken stock while stirring.
- Put the herbs and gnocchi in. Add in the dried thyme and potato gnocchi and let it come to a boil. Then simmer for 5-10 minutes
Pro Tip: Stir as you add the chicken stock to the pot to avoid clumps of flour from developing.
- Add the Half & Half and seasoning- Pour in the Half & Half, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a boil again.
- Finish it with spinach- Lastly, chop up the fresh spinach and add it to the soup. Stir until the spinach is wilted (about 5 minutes). Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Fully cook the chicken- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding anything else to the pot. This ensures that it’s safely cooked as it might not be obvious later on.
- Cook the flour- Stir the flour in and cook it for a few minutes to kill the bacteria and get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Adjust salt depending on the broth- If you’re using my homemade broth recipe, 1 1/2 tsp of salt should be enough. If you’re using store-bought, then start with 1/2 tsp and add more according to your preference.
- Add the spinach last- Spinach can wilt a lot and lose its vibrant color, so add it last so it only cooks just enough for a light wilting.
FAQs
Gnocchi, pronounced (nyoh-kee) is a small dough dumpling made of potato, semolina, all-purpose flour, egg, and sometimes cheese. They can be flavored in various ways and are typically served in a sauce or soup.
Unfortunately, most store-bought gnocchi is not gluten-free, but you can make your own gluten-free gnocchi instead. You can also find a gluten-free version if you check specialty sections of stores or online.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delicious dish to enjoy on its own, or serve with other flavorful recipes. Here are some great ways to serve it.
- Salad: Enjoy this soup with a Chopped Italian Salad, Spinach Pomegranate Salad, or Fresh Tomato and Feta Salad.
- Fresh bread: Serve this Chicken Gnocchi Soup with toasted slices of Focaccia Bread, Harvest Bread or Overnight Rustic Bread.
- Sandwiches: A cup of this soup pairs well with a Grilled Caprese Sandwich, Turkey Croissant Sandwich, or Classic BLT Sandwich.
- Small appetizers: Since it’s so filling, serve it with some mini, but still yummy, Smoked Salmon Cucumber Rolls, Mushroom Puff Pastry Appetizers, or Eggplant Napoleon.
Make This Recipe in Advance
Make ahead: You can prep this dish ahead by cooking the chicken so it can just be added to the soup when you are ready to put it together. Or make the soup without the gnocchi and store it, only cooking the gnocchi right before you’re ready to serve.
Storing: Store any leftover Chicken Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Warm it again in the microwave or on the stovetop. Keep in mind that the gnocchi will get softer as it sits though.
Freeze: You can freeze this soup once it has cooled by placing it in an airtight container or freezer ziplock bag. It will last for about 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stovetop.
More Delicious Soups!
Full Recipe Instructions
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1-1 1/2 lb chicken breast chopped
- 1 onion
- 1 1/2 large carrots
- 2 ribs celery
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 cups spinach
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add in 3 minced garlic cloves and stir for about 10 seconds.
- Add 1 or 1 1/2 pounds of chopped chicken breast to the pot and stir until fully cooked, and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- In the meantime dice 2 ribs of celery, 1 1/2 carrots, and 1 onion. Then and add it to the pot. Stir until the onion becomes translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add 1/2 cup flour to the sautéed chicken and vegetables and stir for a few minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Then slowly pour in 6 cups of chicken stock while string to avoid getting clumps of flour.
- Add 1/2 tsp dried thyme along with 1 lb potato gnocchi to the soup and let it come to a boil. Then simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Pour in 2 cups of half & half into the soup and add the salt and pepper. If you're using my homemade broth recipe 1 1/2 tsp salt should be enough. If you're using store-bought broth, you made need to start off with 1/2 tsp and add more according to your liking. Bring it to a boil again.
- Lastly, chop up 2 cups of fresh spinach and add it to the soup. Stir until the spinach is wilted (about 5 minutes). Serve the soup with some bread on the side and enjoy!
Notes
- Cook the flour- Stir the flour in and cook it for a few minutes to kill the bacteria and get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Adjust salt depending on the broth- If you’re using my homemade broth recipe, 1 1/2 tsp of salt should be enough. If you’re using store-bought, then start with 1/2 tsp and add more according to your preference.
- Add the spinach last- Spinach can wilt a lot and lose its vibrant color, so add it last so it only cooks just enough for a light wilting.
Nutrition
Ps: The original recipe for this olive garden chicken gnocchi soup copycat was posted on April 13, 2015. We’ve updated it since.
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Sharon Delores Martinenko says
I always finish my soup off with 1 tbsp butter and a dash vinegar after I take it off the heat.
MDL says
Hearty soup…great for dinner! I made it with frozen spinach. Just defrosted it and squeezed out the excess water. I would leave out the thyme the next time I make it.
Dina says
Hi 🙂 I am very happy to hear you loved this chicken gnocchi soup. Thank you so much for your feedback and support of my blog. I hope you can enjoy more of my recipes! 🙂
Catlin says
Loved this recipe! Tweaked it just a little using 8 cups broth, half a bag of carrots, loads extra garlic, 2 lbs chicken thighs, and a whole bunch of celery for my family of 6. Made enough for us all to get full and a bowl or two leftover
Dina says
I am so glad you all enjoyed this chicken gnocchi soup, Catlin! Thank you for taking the time to write your kind feedback 🙂
Z says
Hello, I would like to try this recipe this weekend..Can I make it in a crockpot instead?
Dina says
Hi, I have not tested this recipe in a crockpot so I am not too sure.
kristal says
i am doing it a crockpot today…seemd GREAT
Coffeekitty37 says
We always use kale instead of spinach, it has a slightly different flavor! This is my favorite soup ever.
monique says
I will try this soup this week, but nowhere does it say how many servings it holds, it will be for 5 as a main dish. Please advice.
Thanks,
Monique
Dina says
Hi Monique this soup should serve about 6 people. It is very filling so a little goes a long way. I hope you all love it 🙂
Cathy Foster says
I need a recipe to make about 18 quarts for a wedding reception. Can you help figure the amounts for me
Dina says
Hi Cathy 🙂 Thank you for giving my recipe a try! I have never tried making such a large batch before so I am not sure how much of each ingredient you would need. I am not entirely sure how much volume this gnocchi recipe makes. I don’t want to steer you wrong by giving you numbers that are a guess. I hope that helps clarify a bit. If you give it a try let me know how it goes! 🙂
Andrea says
Delicious! Very easy to make my wife added a little more garlic and chicken bouillon well make again!
Dina says
Hi Andrea 🙂 Glad to hear you loved this chicken gnocchi soup! Awesome that this recipe will be a repeat in your home! Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback! I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog 🙂
phil milan says
I would omit the half and half cream to cut down on the calories. I agree with sausages plus sprinkle some parmesan cheese to add flavour. We need healthy soups.
Morgan says
I made this today and followed the recipe exactly – it has so little flavor. I even added some more spices and it was so underwhelming. It seems like it had potential though!
Dina says
Hi Morgan, I am sorry to hear that the soup was lacking flavor. Did you try to add more salt? Oftentimes, people mistaken lack of flavor for lack of salt. Everyone has a different definition for the “right” amount of salt. Thankfully that can easily be adjusted by adding more salt 🙂
Elisabeth says
We love the soup. It will a regular on our menu. Thanks for sharing.
I substituted mild fresh Italian sausage (brats) instead of chicken. It was delicious.
Dina says
You are very welcome Elisabeth! Very happy to hear you love this chicken gnocchi soup! Always ok to make substitutes 🙂 Thank you so much for you feedback and I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog 🙂
Kcklwmom says
The ingredients list 1 1/2 tsp of salt but then step 8 of the instructions mention 1 1/2 tbsp of salt. Can you clarify if that measurement is teaspoons or tablespoons? Thanks!
simplyhomecooked says
Hi, thank you for catching that typo! It should be 1 1/2 teaspoon (tsp). I hope you love this gnocchi soup recipe 🙂
Sarah says
I’ve never commented on this recipe before but I should have! I’ve made it at least a dozen times, it’s a favorite! I just made a small pot of it tonight & it’s always a hit. I’ve successfully used boneless skinless chix breast OR chix thighs (used thighs in tonight’s soup). I use about three times the freshly minced garlic, a whole onion, and however much celery & carrots look right. Half & half or cream is a bit heavy for me so I lighten it up by using a can of organic fat free evaporated milk then a couple tbsps cream if I feel like it. It comes out hearty and delicious every time. Thanks so much for the recipe! I started making this before I ever tried the soup at OG & honestly, having had it, this recipe is better
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you so so much Sarah!! 🙂 This is the best possible review I could ask for 🙂 It makes me happy to hear that this chicken gnocchi soup is a family favorite and you make it so often! Awesome to hear that you love this recipe more than Olive Gardens version 🙂 I really appreciate your feedback 🙂
jessica says
Can gnocchi be cooked in the same pot as a soup instead of cooking it separately in a different pot? Thanks
simplyhomecooked says
I have never tried using that method but I believe it should work! I love the idea. I will need to try that net time 🙂
Ashley says
I absolutely love this recipe and want to make it for my husband’s family, but I’d need to double the recipe. I have a pot that should be big enough, would it still work do you think?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Ashley, I’m so glad you enjoyed this chicken gnocchi soup recipe! You can definitely double up the portion. I hope your husband’s family enjoys it as well! 🙂
Lola says
I made this soup for my family. My two toddlers liked it! And my husband and I, really enjoyed this soup. This is my new easy “go to” soup from now on.
Side note: I love celery in my soups, so I added a whole stalk of celery. I chopped it super fine so my kids wouldn’t notice.
Thanks for the recipe!
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you so much for the kind feedback Lola! I’m so happy to hear your family enjoyed the Chicken Gnocchi Soup! 🙂
Mary T says
This turned out so delicious!!! No one in my family likes the gnocchi so i replaced them with diced potatoes and it turned out yummy! Thank you!
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Mary, I am really happy to hear that your family enjoyed this recipe! Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an awesome review 🙂
kathy Carnegie says
hubby called me from work ( he is a Lieutenant for our local fire dept.) he asked me what was for dinner, I said I don’t know. He said how about some chkn gnocchi soup, and how about a big pot for the whole shift. I said ok.Went online, randomly picked your recipe. Needless to say it was a hit.
simplyhomecooked says
First off, props to you Kathy for Kindly making a big pot of soup for your husband and his coworkers. Thats so sweet of you! Thank you so much for your awesome feedback. I love hearing the stories behind the recipes people make from my blog! So glad it was a hit 🙂