The creamy chicken gnocchi soup (Olive Garden copycat) is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. Imagine savoring thick, velvety broth infused with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant greens that dance together with every spoonful. crispy pesto potatoes. For more inspiration, check out this Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken Orzo recipe.
I remember the first time I tasted this magical soup at Olive Garden; it felt like my taste buds were having a party! Now, I whip it up at home to relive that cozy experience whenever I want, especially on those lazy Sundays when comfort food is non-negotiable.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- Its rich flavors and textures create a satisfying meal that pleases everyone
- Gorgeous visuals make it an eye-catching dish for gatherings
- Perfectly versatile, it pairs well with salads or crusty bread for a complete experience
Sharing this recipe with friends brought smiles and compliments all around; they couldn’t believe I made it from scratch.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for a hearty base; adjust according to your crowd size. For more inspiration, check out this Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves; they pack the best flavor punch and aroma. garlic herb mashed potatoes.
- Onion: A medium yellow onion works wonders for sweetness; chop finely for even cooking.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add color and sweetness; slice them thinly for quick cooking.
- Celery: Adds crunch and flavor depth; chop into small pieces for even distribution in the soup.
- Spinach or Kale: Use fresh greens to brighten the dish; they wilt perfectly into the hot broth.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavor.
- Cream: Heavy cream gives the soup its signature creaminess; don’t skimp here!
- Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi makes this super easy; choose quality brands for best results.
- Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme adds essential flavor notes; use fresh if you have them!
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste—these basics elevate all flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Sauté the Veggies: Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
Add Garlic and Chicken: Toss in minced garlic along with cubed chicken breasts. Cook until the chicken turns golden brown and no longer pink inside—a heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen.
Pour in Broth: Carefully add chicken broth to the pot and bring everything to a gentle simmer. The bubbling sound is music to your ears! Scrape any tasty bits off the bottom of the pot.
Add Gnocchi: Stir in your gnocchi and dried herbs. Let them cook until they float on top—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. It’s like watching little clouds appear!
Add Cream and Greens: Pour in heavy cream until it swirls through the soup beautifully. Stir in fresh spinach or kale until wilted—now your soup looks invitingly colorful!
Season and Serve: Taste your creation before seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with cheese if desired, then serve with crusty bread for dipping bliss!
Now you’ve crafted an irresistible creamy chicken gnocchi soup (Olive Garden copycat) that will surely impress everyone at your table! Enjoy every comforting spoonful as you soak up those flavors! creamy potato soup recipe. pumpkin hummus dip.
You Must Know
- This creamy chicken gnocchi soup brings warmth and comfort; it’s like a hug in a bowl
- The blend of flavors and textures creates a delightful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings, this dish never disappoints
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic and onion until fragrant, then brown the chicken before adding broth and gnocchi. This order ensures layers of flavor while keeping everything tender and delicious.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap spinach for kale or add mushrooms for an earthy depth. You can also experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to personalize your soup.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed, to keep it creamy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor; they enhance the soup’s aroma beautifully
- Avoid overcooking the gnocchi, as they can become mushy if left too long in the soup
- If you want a richer broth, consider adding a spoonful of cream right before serving
Sometimes, my kids proclaim this soup “better than pizza,” which is quite a compliment in our household! Their smiles make all the chopping worth it every time.
FAQ
Can I use frozen gnocchi for creamy chicken gnocchi soup?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe; just add them directly to the pot.
How do I thicken my creamy chicken gnocchi soup?
For extra thickness, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the soup while cooking.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 bowls 1x
Description
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful, cozy dish that embodies comfort in every spoonful. This Olive Garden copycat recipe features a rich and velvety broth packed with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh greens, making it the perfect meal for chilly evenings or lazy weekends. Whip up this easy-to-make soup to impress your family and friends with a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 16 oz store-bought gnocchi
- 2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cubed chicken; cook until chicken is golden brown.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in gnocchi and dried herbs; cook until gnocchi float.
- Add heavy cream and greens; stir until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; serve hot with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg







