The Italian vibes of this Chicken gnocchi soup will have you saying, “Mama Mia, delizioso!” It is hearty and full of flavor from the juicy chicken, potato gnocchi, and tender veggies. It can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
Why Chicken Gnocchi Soup? If you are anything like me - a quick and easy meal WINS many a night. And with this one you are guaranteed big-time flavor.
Why?
Because it's a copycat recipe from America's favorite 'Italian' eatery!
When choosing what Olive Garden soup is my favorite, I always struggle because it’s just so hard to choose one! However, this creamy chicken gnocchi soup is a top corrival. I know you’ll go crazy over this gnocchi recipe as much as I did.
Aside from that, EVERYONE loves Olive Garden, and for good reason! It’s because their food is so addictive. And let’s face it, taking your kids out to eat is the most unrivaled gamble. So on days that you’re craving some Olive Garden food, you should try this copycat olive garden chicken gnocchi soup!
And since they do just about every single dish justice at ye old Olive Garden, this soup is no different (though I hear it's no longer on the menu - craziness).
I have tested (and let's be real, loved) a few other Olive Garden Recipes. So if you're in need of pairings, or just other crowd-pleasing favorites check out the Chicken Scampi, Lasagna Fritta (my fav), and the Copycat Spinach and Artichoke Dip too.
Bringing a restaurant-quality dish at home is really satisfying, not just for you but for the whole family. You save lots of time, money, and the hassle of bringing naughty kids to the dining room place.
My version of this Olive Garden copycat recipe tasted great in my opinion and my whole family loved it! All the ingredients can be easily found at your nearest grocery store (or even at home). You need to put this on your soup list now! I know you won’t regret it.
What you need to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe (Copycat)
This Chicken Gnocchi recipe has always been on my list of preferred soups to make for a long time now and even though Olive Garden has a large selection of soups, this specific dish just seemed to stand out. The best part of this recipe is that it only takes less than 30 minutes to make!
- Onion
- Celery
- Garlic
- Butter & Olive oil
- Flour
- Half and a half or substitute heavy cream if it's what you have on hand.
- Cooked chicken breasts, feel free to use cooked dark meat here too. Any cooked and diced chicken, even rotisserie chicken, works great.
- Carrot, shredded or finely chopped
- Chicken broth, look for low sodium chicken broth
- Fresh spinach, substitute frozen spinach. Just make sure to squeeze the water out.
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Gnocchi
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Start by sauteing the onion, celery, and garlic in a pot over medium heat, or on the saute setting on your crockpot, in the butter and oil until the onion is translucent; about 5 minutes.
Next, add the flour and form a roux. Stir the flour in to coat the veggies and absorb the liquid. It will create a thick coating over the veggies as it cooks. This is the key to getting that creamy broth you crave!
Then add the half and half, chicken and carrots, and allow the liquid to thicken.
Meanwhile, if making on the stovetop and not in a slow cooker, pre-cook the gnocchi now as per the package instructions.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for the crock pot:
Stir in the chicken broth, gnocchi, and spinach into the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper. Finally, cover and allow to cook 4 to 5 hours on low until it's heated through, thick and creamy.
Tips, tricks, and notes for this recipe
- This recipe calls for cooked chicken, however, you can use raw. Just brown the chicken in the pan or slow cooker and add time for the chicken to cook through in the broth before adding the gnocchi.
- If you simmer the gnocchi too long the soup can get starchy.
- I love spinach and can't get enough of it. When it's added to the soup it wilts down to barely anything, so feel free to double, or triple the spinach for this recipe.
What is Gnocchi and where can I get it?
Gnocchi can be hard to spot sometimes at the local market, but I often find it in the refrigerated pasta section.
Usually, near the pasta at markets, gnocchi is small and soft dough dumplings that can be made from a variety of ingredients including semolina, ordinary wheat flour, egg, cheese, potato, cornmeal, or other similar ingredients, sometimes including herbs and vegetables. Most gnocchi you are likely to find in the US is of the potato variety.
As such, it is sometimes hiding in the store with the frozen potatoes and not the pasta. I would check around in the fresh and dried pasta sections, and with the frozen spuds.
Otherwise, relocate to a more Italian-friendly neighborhood, and you are sure to find it at a fresh pasta vendor. For me though, I would make them.
This Gnocchi Recipe with savory short ribs is pretty outstanding. And I won't blame you if you make a double batch to have them with the beef and in the soup.
How to Reheat Gnocchi Soup
For best results simmer on the stovetop but if you are short on time you can reheat in the microwave.
How to Store Leftovers
Ladle leftover soup into a resealable airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in batches in the microwave or on the stovetop in a small pot as needed.
More Slow Cooker Recipes to Try
If you’ve tried my Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe or any other recipe on passthesushi.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also follow along for more good eats and travel tips on Instagram @passthesushi & @girlcarnivore, Twitter & Facebook.
Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This is one of those recipes that is SO easy, once you make it, you'll be making it once a week!
I made this in a crock pot and let simmer for a while, adding the gnocchi and spinach towards the end when we were getting ready to serve it.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ½ cup celery, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 4 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 quart half and half, can use evaporated milk
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup chicken breasts, diced and cooked (can use canned chicken or turkey)
- 1 14 ounce can chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
- 16 ounce package gnocchi
Instructions
In a stock pot or Dutch Oven
- In a large stockpot, saute the onion, celery, and garlic in the butter and olive oil.
- When the onion is clear, add the flour and form a roux.
- Stir and cook for a minute.
- Add the half and half.
- Meanwhile, in another pan, cook the gnocchi.
- Add the carrots and chicken to the stockpot with the roux. Stir often.
- When it gets thicker, add the chicken broth, gnocchi, spinach, and seasonings.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Remove from heat and ladle into bowls to serve.
For Slow Cooker:
- Set the slow cooker to sautee, or use a pan over medium heat and saute the onion, celery, and garlic in the butter and olive oil.
- Form the roux as instructed above and add the half and half.
- Add the carrots and chicken to the roux and stir.
- Finally, add the broth and put in the uncooked gnocchi and spinach. Season.
- Cover and heat on low for 4 to 5 hours until the gnocchi is cooked through.
- Allow to cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Garnish with parmesan cheese and freshly grated black pepper for bonus flavors.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 526Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 527mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 2gSugar: 12gProtein: 21g
Nutrition information provided is an estimate from nutritionix.com. For specific health concerns, please put the recipe into your Dr recommended nutrition calculator.
Blog is the New Black says
Hubba hubba! This looks creamy and comforting!
Dionne Baldwin says
You did an excellent job! So creamy, warm and delicious! When you are addicted to food a meat grinder can really get you excited! Oh the possibilities...
Danielle@Runs With Spatulas says
I actually just made this exact recipe on Monday. It's so delicious!
Chef Dennis says
I remember Kristen doing that soup because my wife loves it!! Great job recreating this delicious soup!
and thanks for the tips on my last post, I did ad the warning
cheers
Dennis
Alex says
I have never eaten at Olive Garden. I love gnocchi. Stop making me hungry. <3
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says
Soup with gnocchi!!! Love this idea. It looks sooo good and comforting. 🙂 Soup is one of my favorite foods ever.
Kate @ Diethood.com says
Oh lucky you...that's an awesome gift! Bravo boyfriend!!!
That soup looks great! I love that it is with gnocchi...mmmm!
Katie says
My sister would worship me if I made her this soup. It looks awesome.
Kristen says
I made this for dinner tonight. It is quickly becoming my family's favorite soup. It's good to know it can be made in the crock pot.
I cannot wait to see what you do with the meat grinder. What a great gift for a foodie!!!
Kita says
I was actually quite panicked through the day about how the half and half would hold up in a crock pot but it turned out just fine. This is a great base that I can easily see tweaking. I think next time I'll defiantly use kale instead of spinach because I love sneaking it in when I can and keep the chicken a little more chopped instead of shredded because I'd like the texture better.
Thanks for the great inspiration!
In Katrina's Kitchen says
Love your blog! I was happy to see your post over at Chef Dennis' today. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Mary says
I would have been excited about that also! I got an Ina Garten cookbook and I love it! Your soup looks delicious and It was great to meet you at Chef Dennis' today! Have a fabulous weekend!
Mary
Susie Bee on Maui (Eat Little, Eat Big) says
Beautiful photos! And congrats on the guest post at Chef Dennis today-how I found you.
torviewtoronto says
delicious soup looks wonderful
Monet says
Can I come over for a bowl of this soup? Wow! Talk about delicious! And I loved to hear about your present. My husband knows that anything to do with Kitchen Aid will make me smile!
Patty McKee says
You don't know what you are missing! You can get "All you can Eat Soup and bread sticks" for around $6.00 add $4.00 more you can add all you can eat salad too. You can try all the soups they serve, or stick to one. I LOVE their Gnocchi Soup! I love all of them, but that is favorite.
So glad to get the recipe.
Jenn {Cookies Cupcakes Cardio} says
YUM! That soup looks so good . . . and the Olive Garden? Best restaurant ever! I can't wait to try it myself. Thanks!
rebecca says
great soup and aw sweet gift
Merut says
A meat grinder. How romantic! That is awesome. Sounds like my relationship too. Flowers and chocolates? Gag me. A new pair of socks? Excellent!!!
I love the Olive Garden's chicken gnocchi soup (although I have a feeling it might be terrible for you), but I found some tiny onions in it and now have sworn it off for life. So imagine my excitement to find your recipe, where I can omit the little nasties? Thanks!
the constant hunger says
What an awesome gift. I've been dying for a Kitchen-Aid Stand mixer with meat grinder AND pasta attachments. Can't wait to see what recipes you make with it.
Snicks says
Thank you for this delicious recipe! It was soooo yummy!
Shelly says
This might sound like a dumb question, but where can I find the gnocchi? I've looked at 2 stores, so far, in the refrigerated and frozen pasta sections with no luck! I bought tortellini, but I have a feeling that won't taste the same.
Kita says
Hi Shelly, I am sorry to hear you can't find gnocchi in the frozen/refrigerated pasta section. My only other thought would be to try if you have a fresh pasta section in the deli area? Sometimes I have seen the Buitoni brand in many stores. And as a last ditch effort, I would check near the frozen potatoes, just in case. Personally, I think this soup would be rocking with the tortellini. Texture wise, a bit different, but I'll take stuffed pasta over gnocchi any day 😉 Letme know how it all works out for you.
Connie says
Gnocchi is also sometimes found in the dry pasta aisle. But I'm finding a lot of stores don't carry it. :-\
Kayleigh says
I actually found Gnocchi at the Dollar Tree of all places! And Safeway and commissaries have also carried it. And WalMart. Usually in the dried pasta aisles, and usually on the very top shelf.
Tracy says
Gnocchi is also not hard to make if you can't find it in a nearby store.
Shelly says
Made it with the cheese tortellini tonight and it was amazing! Thanks for the recipe and the advice!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Getting a meat grinder attachment for your Kitchenaid Mixer on Valentine's Day is every girl's dream 🙂
This soup looks amazing. And I love that it's made in a crockpot. It makes life so much easier.
Marti says
All I can say is yummmm!! I made this and it was a hit with the family! We will be making it again.
Amber says
perfect recipe for this chilly fall day! If I make this in the crockpot should I follow regular cooking directions first or just dump everything in the crock pot?
Charlinealison says
I made this last night and it was delicious! Creamy and wonderful! Thanks so much!
Hilary says
I was wondering how long before you wanted to eat did you add the gnocchi and spinach?
Kita says
I generally only add the gnocchi and spinach long enough for them to heat through. The spinach should just wilt into the soup. About 10-15 minutes. Thanks
Anita says
Thank you so much for sharing this soup recipe!! Made it for the first time today and my husband and I had our daughter and our son-in-law over to try it....it was a huge hit with everyone! I put everything in the crockpot to cook on low all day except for the spinach and gnocchi. I used a box of frozen spinach because the fresh spinach in the store looked horrible. It was fabulous!
michelle says
Do you just add all the ingredients into the crockpot including the flour? Or does tge stuff need to be started on a stove top then put in crockpot after the flour is mixed in? Little nervous about adding dry flour straight to crockpot
Kirsten says
It doesn't tell you anywhere how manybowls of soup does it make for how many people?
Manda says
I'm home alone for the weekend and I love expirementing in the kitchen when my parents are gone- mom is a chef so sometimes hard to work when she is home because she always wants it done her way lol. I made this soup tonight an I added red peppers and a shot of hot sauce and some grated cheese!! It was amazingly good!
Sylina says
I can't wait to make this for my family but how much does it make???? Thanks for posting this recipe
Jenn says
I am in school, is there anyway to make it in the morning and let it cook during the day? in a crock pot
ashley says
I made this recipe a month or so ago, and my husband and I loved it. But it was even better the second day! So this time, I am making it, letting it sit in the fridge for a night, and eating it the next day. I think the flavors work so much better after hanging out for a little while! Love it!
Nona Codes says
Made this soup with boneless, skinless chicken thighs and it was even better than Olive Garden! Also make the Zuppa Tuscana and it was delicious too. Thanks so much!!
Dennise says
How long should I leave this in the crockpot? How long is "all day"?
Kita says
5 to 7 hours on low. Hope this helps!
Nicole says
Do you just put it all in at once? Or do you cook it on the stove first?
ashley says
I love this recipe. Creamy and delicious, just perfect for the fall weather we are just now experiencing! I have made this a couple times and discovered it was better the second day. so now I make it late one night before going to bed, and refrigerate it overnight. The next day I heat it up for dinner and its AMAZING!
Camille says
Kinda sad it tasted nothing like it To me 🙁 it's usually my favorite soup! I followed directions exactly too... it was either the thyme or onion that bothered me
Lily Taggart says
How many does it serve?
PeggySue says
If you can't find gnocchi in your supermarket do what I've done out of sheer laziness to shop and pull the inside of potato rolls and roll them in your hands to make little potato dumplings. 🙂 Not the same but pretty tasty.
Danielle says
I have made this on the stove top and in a crock pot and both turned out amazing! Granted when making it in a crock
pot u have to prep it on the stove top! Regardless my whole family loves this soup!! We all think it's better than the Olive Garden soup.
Darlene says
The creamy texture of the soup just made my mouth water.
Audrey Hood says
This was delicious! We added a few more cloves of garlic, and a few more herbs, like oregano and thyme, and it was soooo good! The only mistake we made is we doubled the recipe. Now we have soup for an army, and there's just 2 of us. Can you freeze the leftovers?
Clark says
How long should it cook in a slow cooker?
Kita says
ONly 3 to 4 hours - anything too long and the gnocchi can get a bit squishy.
Cheryl Johnson-Domino says
I just made this soup and it turned out delicious. I did not have half and half or evaporated milk so I just used regular milk and it worked just fine. I also thought the recipe called for peas so I added a few. My granddaughter would be impressed because she really likes her peas. I would make this soup in a heartbeat again. Absolutely delicious.