Name: Chicken Gnocchi Soup Copycat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced; 1 stalk celery, chopped; 1/2 white onion, diced; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cups low sodium chicken broth; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon thyme; 16 ounces potato gnocchi; 2 cups half and half; 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Jump to Recipe

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Copycat is the ultimate creamy, cozy bowl of comfort you can make at home in just 30 minutes. Inspired by the famous Olive Garden recipe, this rich and satisfying soup delivers tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a velvety broth that tastes completely restaurant-style. If you love a hearty, creamy soup that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly, this recipe will become a regular in your kitchen rotation.

Story

The first time I recreated this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Copycat at home, I wanted the same thick, creamy texture and comforting flavor as the restaurant version—without waiting for a table. After testing different ratios of broth and cream, I found that half and half creates that signature richness while still keeping the soup balanced.

What makes this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Copycat special is how quickly it comes together. In fact, it works perfectly as a 30-minute meal on busy weeknights. While many soups require long simmering, this one builds flavor fast. The diced chicken, tender vegetables, and soft gnocchi create a true comfort soup that feels both hearty and refined. Best of all, you control the ingredients, which means fresher flavor and better texture every time.

Ingredients

3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1 stalk celery, chopped
½ white onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
½ cup shredded carrots
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
16 ounces of potato gnocchi
2 cups half and half
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by dicing the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces so it blends evenly throughout the soup. Then chop the celery, dice the onion, mince the garlic if needed, and shred the carrots. Measure the broth, thyme, and half and half so everything is ready before cooking. Having the ingredients prepared keeps this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Copycat moving quickly and smoothly.

Cooking Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add celery, onion, garlic, and carrots, then sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.

Next, add diced chicken, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in the potato gnocchi and boil for 3–4 minutes.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes so the flavors develop and the gnocchi softens fully.

Finally, stir in the half and half and chopped spinach. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overcooking the gnocchi. Once they float and soften, reduce the heat promptly so they maintain their pillowy texture. Also, do not boil the soup vigorously after adding the half and half. Gentle heat keeps the broth smooth and prevents curdling. Finally, season gradually. Chicken broth varies in saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

For deeper richness, replace one cup of half and half with heavy cream. You can also sauté the vegetables slightly longer for a more developed base flavor. Fresh thyme adds a brighter herbal note if you have it available. If you want a thicker restaurant-style texture, allow the soup to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the cream.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup Copycat warm with crusty bread or breadsticks for the full Olive Garden recipe experience. A light side salad balances the creamy broth perfectly. For extra presentation, sprinkle freshly cracked pepper or a touch of grated Parmesan on top before serving.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently over medium-low heat and stir occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the consistency.

Conclusion

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup Copycat brings the cozy flavors of your favorite restaurant straight into your kitchen. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, it proves that a creamy, satisfying bowl of comfort does not require complicated steps. Try it once, and it will quickly become a trusted weeknight favorite.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Gnocchi Soup Copycat ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the soup earlier in the day and refrigerate it. The flavors deepen as it rests. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves even more time. Simply dice and add it during the broth step.

Can I freeze this creamy soup?

Because of the dairy, freezing may slightly change the texture. However, you can freeze it for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently while stirring.