Sit down to the comforting flavors of homemade chicken gnocchi soup. Warm, creamy, and oh-so-delicious, it's a must-try for soup lovers!
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This delicious soup is packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich and creamy broth that will leave you craving more. The combination of flavors in this soup is simply unique. The chicken adds a savory taste, while the gnocchi provides a soft and chewy texture.
Originally hailing from Italy, the soup has spread worldwide to people's hearts (and stomachs). It's also a popular menu item at the Olive Garden chain restaurant. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is beloved for its rich flavors and comforting qualities.
If you're looking for a soul-soothing bowl of goodness, chicken gnocchi soup will hit the spot. It's also the perfect way to use up some leftover air fryer whole chicken.
Reasons to Love
- Provides warmth and comfort. There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chicken soup to cozy up with on a chilly day.
- Easy to make. This dish is all about simplicity. You can quickly whip up this delightful dish with just a handful of pantry staples, rotisserie chicken meat, and store-bought or homemade gnocchi.
- Perfect for meal prepping. It can be made in large batches and easily reheated whenever hunger strikes.
- Balanced nutrition in one bowl. The combination of protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the gnocchi, and vitamins from the vegetables makes it a satisfying and nourishing meal option.
Ingredients
This recipe provides the same mouthwatering taste that the Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup is known for. The best part is that you only need everyday pantry staples to achieve the same
Here are the ingredients we use in the soup:
- cooked skinless chicken breast meat
- olive oil
- butter
- all-purpose flour
- onion
- garlic
- chicken broth
- milk
- carrot
- dried chives
- oregano
- salt and pepper
- frozen mini potato gnocchi
- fresh baby spinach
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
To start making our Olive Garden copycat recipe, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat in a medium pan or Dutch oven.
Add the onions, carrots, and garlic to the pot.
Cook until the onions become translucent, stirring occasionally.
Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute, ensuring it is well combined with the butter and oil mixture.
Slowly stir in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps from the flour. Allow the mixture to simmer until it starts to thicken up.
Add the milk to the vegetable and chicken broth mixture in the pot. Increase the heat and bring it to a boil. Stir in the seasonings dried chives and oregano and let it cook on low heat.
Meanwhile, in a separate pan, cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Drain.
Add the gnocchi, spinach, and cooked chicken to the pot.
Continue simmering until everything is heated through and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
If your soup is thinner than desired, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with ½ tablespoon of cold water. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the soup until it thickens to your liking.
Add some of the gnocchi cooking water if the soup is too thick.
Hint: Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve hot to enjoy its delicious flavors.
Variations
Want to add a little pizzazz to this chicken gnocchi soup recipe? Here are some ideas to elevate the classic dish and make it your own:
- Add other vegetables - You can customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables like celery, bell peppers, zucchini, or peas.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices - Try adding basil, thyme, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to give your soup that extra kick.
- Change the protein - Replace the chicken with turkey or sausage. Each brings its own unique flavor profile, allowing you to switch things up and keep your meals exciting.
- Creamier version - Craving something more decadent? Make your soup creamier by incorporating heavy cream or half and half. This indulgent addition will take your soup from ordinary to extraordinary. You can even add some cheese.
- Slow cooker - If you don't have time to stand over a stove, let the crockpot do all the work. Toss in the ingredients and let it simmer away, creating a delicious and comforting meal.
- Instant Pot - The pressurized cooking process will help the ingredients meld together faster, creating a depth of flavor that typically takes much longer.
Try my Greek lemon chicken soup if you like something a little more tangy! It's also made with shredded chicken.
Tips
Top tip: Seasoning is subjective, so customize it based on your taste preferences. Add salt, pepper, herbs, or spices gradually, tasting as you go along until you achieve the desired flavor profile.
- Cook the gnocchi separately. To avoid soggy and mushy gnocchi in your soup, cook them separately according to package instructions. Add them to the soup just before serving, allowing them to maintain their texture and integrity. You can even try using sweet potato gnocchi.
- Use flavorful broth. The key to a delicious chicken gnocchi soup is high-quality broth. Opt for homemade chicken broth if available, as it imparts a rich and authentic taste. Alternatively, choose a reputable store-bought brand known for its robust flavor.
- Don't overcook the vegetables. While ensuring your vegetables are cooked through is essential, be mindful not to overcook them. They should retain some of their crispness and provide a pleasant contrast in texture against the soft gnocchi and tender chicken.
Following these tips'll create a delightful bowl of chicken soup bursting with flavors and textures.
Serving suggestions
When it comes to serving chicken gnocchi soup, there are a few delicious options to consider. One popular suggestion is to pair this hearty soup with some crusty Italian bread or air fryer garlic bread. The warm and chewy texture of the bread complements the rich flavors of the soup perfectly, allowing you to soak up every last drop.
Alternatively, you could serve the soup alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. The crispness of the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup and adds an extra layer of taste and texture.
You can also top it off with some grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving. This simple addition not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an extra depth of flavor that takes this already delicious dish to new heights. For those who enjoy a little heat, consider sprinkling some red pepper flakes on top for a spicy kick.
Storage
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
If you want to store the chicken gnocchi soup for a more extended period, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and remove any excess air before sealing. The soup will keep in the freezer for up to three months.
Related Recipes
Want more soup and stew recipes that won't make a big batch in a large pot? These are some of our favorites:
- Easy beef stew is the perfect comfort food for chilly nights.
- Minestrone soup with sausage is a meat take on another Italian classic.
- Shrimp and corn bisque is a delicious blend of rich and creamy flavors.
- Vegetarian potato soup is cozy and satisfying.
- Navy bean ham soup is full of soul-warming goodness.
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Recipe
Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)
Ingredients
- 6 ounces cooked chicken breast shredded
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ⅛ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ small onion chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small carrot shredded
- ¼ teaspoon dried chives
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz frozen mini potato gnocchi half package
- A handful of fresh spinach
Instructions
- In a medium pan or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat.
- Add the onions, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the onions become translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute, ensuring it is well combined with the butter and oil mixture.
- Slowly stir in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps from the flour. Allow the mixture to simmer until it starts to thicken up.
- Add the milk to the vegetable and chicken broth mixture in the pot. Increase the heat and bring it to a boil.
- Stir in the seasonings dried chives and oregano and let it simmer.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pan, cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Drain.
- Add the cooked gnocchi, spinach, and chicken to the pot. Continue simmering until everything is heated through and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy its delicious flavors.
Jere Cassidy
So glad I found your recipe for the copycat version of my favorite Olive Garden Soup. The recipe is easy to make, it came out perfect and the family loved it. Making again!
Genevieve
This was incredibly delicious! The combination of chives and oregano was really tasty, and the consistency was perfect (not too thin, not too thick). I’ll be making this one for the family again!
Wendy
Tasted very close to the Olive Garden recipe, so good 🙂 Thank you!