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Chicken gnocchi soup is a copycat of the Olive Garden’s. It’s so quick and simple to make, you can have a restaurant quality soup any day of the week. 

A bowl of chicken gnocchi soup in a pot

Chicken gnocchi soup originally won my husband over when he tried it at the Olive Garden. He kept taking me out to eat so often that I finally challenged myself to learn to make it at home and save a trip. 

After spending so much time perfecting the recipe, I can say that I like my version better! I love being able to fine tune the flavors on the fly. I add a little more pepper when I want it spicy or switch up the veggies depending on what is in season. 

How to Make Gnocchi

If you want to be an all-star, make the gnocchi from scratch. Find everything you need to know about how to make these Italian potato dumplings here. Making gnocchi is a bit time consuming, but it is worth it. When you do set aside the time to take the plunge, make sure you make several batches so you can freeze gnocchi and have them on hand for later – like when you want to make this soup! 

If you are a bit strapped for time or not in the mood to get your hands dirty, go to the grocery store and purchase the pre-made gnocchi. Trader Joe’s has an excellent gnocchi to use when you are in a pinch. 

Can You Freeze Gnocchi Soup?

Sadly, freezing this soup isn’t a great idea. The dairy breaks down when you freeze it and when reheated, the texture turns funky. If you have leftovers, it is best to plan to eat them within 5 days. Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh longer. 

How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  1. Season your chicken and grill it. Cube it up and set aside. 
  2. In a pan warmed to medium-high heat, sauté your diced onion, celery and carrots until softened. Whisk in your flour. 
  3. Add in half-and-half and cooked chicken. Bring to a simmer. Add your chicken broth. Bring to a simmer again. 
  4. Add gnocchi. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Add spinach and remove from heat. 
  6. Serve PIPING hot with a nice piece of no-knead bread. 
a pot with carrots, celery, onion, butter and garlic
A pot of veggies and flour added to it
A pot of creamy soup with gnocchi next to the pot
Chicken in a pot of a gnocchi soup
A pot of chicken gnocchi soup in a pot with spinach just added
A bowl of chicken gnocchi soup in a pot

Tips For The Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Dice your veggies into equal sized pieces to promote even cooking. 
  • Use store bought gnocchi if you must! But, I don’t have to tell you that homemade is always better. 
  • Use fresh spinach! The frozen stuff waters down your soup. 
  • Shred or chop your carrots – whatever suits your preference! 

What to Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup With

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is rich and filling on its own. But, if you want to round it out for a full meal, pair it with one of the following Momsdish favorites: 

A bowl of chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl

More Olive Garden Copycat Recipes You Will Love

  • One-Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup: One-Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup is a copycat recipe of my favorite soup from the OG. It has a creamy broth that is loaded with sausage, potatoes and kale. 
  • Minestrone Soup: Coming in at a close second on the O.G.’s favorites list is the minestrone soup. Nothing quite warms the souls like a classic bowl of minestrone.

Recipe

A bowl of chicken gnocchi soup in a pot

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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Servings
10 Servings
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
Chicken gnocchi soup is a copycat of the Olive Garden’s. It’s so quick and simple to make, you can have a restaurant quality soup any day of the week.

Ingredients

  • 2 Chicken Breasts
  • 2 tbsp Garlic Salt
  • Oil for cooking chicken
  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 3 garlic cloves pressed
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 qt half and half
  • 24 oz chicken broth
  • 16 oz gnocchi
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • 1/2 tbsp parsley chopped
US Units – Metric

Instructions

  • Season chicken on both sides with garlic salt. Preheat skillet to a medium/high and cook chicken until golden brown. Poke with a knife to see if the chicken is cooked through. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes and dice it into one inch cubes.
    sliced chicken for chicken gnocchi soup
  • Dice, chop and prepare ingredients for cooking the soup.
    Ingredients for the chicken gnocchi soup
  • Melt the butter with oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrots and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies softens. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
    a pot with carrots, celery, onion, butter and garlic
  • Add in the half-and-half, cooked chicken, bring to a simmer. Add in chicken broth and bring it to a simmer again.
    Chicken in a pot of a gnocchi soup
  • Add gnocchi and simmer until gnocchi are fully cooked. Add spinach and remove from the heat.
    A pot of chicken gnocchi soup in a pot with spinach just added
  • Serve while the soup is warm, it also reheats well.
    A bowl of chicken gnocchi soup in a pot
Stir soup occasionally to prevent it form sticking to the bottom of the cooking pan.
Nutrition Facts
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Amount Per Serving
Calories 327 Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 10g50%
Cholesterol 76mg25%
Sodium 1712mg71%
Potassium 388mg11%
Carbohydrates 25g8%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 15g30%
Vitamin A 2950IU59%
Vitamin C 4.9mg6%
Calcium 129mg13%
Iron 2.2mg12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Posted March 25, 2020

About Author

Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.