Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

🍜 Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup 🍜

Just like the restaurant favorite—creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant spinach in a velvety herb-infused broth.

🥣 Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup diced carrots (or matchstick carrots)

• 1 cup diced celery

• ½ cup finely diced onion

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or 2 tbsp cornstarch for gluten-free)

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups half-and-half (or whole milk + 1 tbsp cornstarch for lighter option)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp nutmeg (secret flavor boost!)

Protein & Fillings:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)

• 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)

• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Optional Garnishes:

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley

• Red pepper flakes for heat

🍲 Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté Veggies:

• In a large pot, melt butter + olive oil over medium heat.

• Add carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté 5-6 mins until softened.

• Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

2️⃣ Make the Roux:

• Sprinkle flour over veggies and stir 1-2 mins to cook off raw taste.

3️⃣ Simmer the Broth:

• Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.

• Add half-and-half, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil).

4️⃣ Add Gnocchi & Chicken:

• Stir in gnocchi and cook 3-4 mins until they float.

• Add shredded chicken and spinach. Cook 2 more mins until spinach wilts.

5️⃣ Adjust & Serve:

• Taste and add more salt/pepper if needed.

• Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan and parsley.

💡 Pro Tips

✅ Avoid Curdling: Keep heat at a low simmer—never boil after adding dairy.
✅ Time-Saver: Use pre-cooked chicken and shelf-stable gnocchi.
✅ Thicker Soup: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, then stir in at the end.

🍞 Pairings

• Side: Warm breadsticks or a crisp Caesar salad.

• Wine: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

🌟 Why This Tastes Just Like Olive Garden’s

✨ Nutmeg + thyme replicate the signature warmth.
✨ Half-and-half gives that luxe, creamy texture.
✨ Gnocchi stays pillowy (unlike overcooked pasta).

Leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 3 days (add a splash of broth when reheating).

Want a slow cooker or Instant Pot version? Let me know! 😊