Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Option

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Bring the taste of Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi soup to your kitchen with this easy recipe! This creamy, hearty soup is loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy, rich, and satisfying—this soup is the ultimate comfort food.
• Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a perfect weeknight meal.
• Customizable: Adjust the flavors, add extra veggies, or make it vegetarian by swapping out the chicken.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (you can substitute avocado or olive oil)
• 1 medium white onion, finely chopped (you can substitute yellow)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced (diced or shredded)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (about 3/4 cup)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or rotisserie chicken, shredded)
• 4 cups chicken broth or low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour (or gluten free flour)
• 1 teaspoon thyme seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 16 ounce package potato gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Add the chicken breasts to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
   • Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
3. Add Cream and Spices:
   • Stir in the heavy cream, flour, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
4. Cook the Gnocchi:
   • Add the gnocchi to the soup and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface.
5. Add Spinach:
   • Stir in the spinach and let it wilt, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve and Garnish:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Slow Cooker Option

1. Add the butter, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, chicken breasts, chicken broth, thyme, and basil to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and gnocchi, cooking on high for 30 minutes or until the gnocchi are tender.
5. Add the spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Instant Pot Option

1. Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and melt the butter. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
2. Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, thyme, and basil. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes. Perform a quick release when cooking is complete.
3. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the Instant Pot.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the gnocchi and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float.
5. Stir in the spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Serve warm with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Faq

• Can I freeze this soup? Yes, you can freeze Chicken Gnocchi Soup, but it’s best to do so before adding the spinach and gnocchi, as they may not retain their texture after thawing. Add fresh spinach and gnocchi when reheating.
• Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup during the final simmering step.
• What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can substitute half-and-half or milk mixed with a cornstarch slurry for a lighter option. Coconut milk can also work for a dairy-free alternative.

Why Make It at Home?

Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup is fresher, more budget-friendly, and just as delicious as Olive Garden’s version. Plus, you can customize it to your taste and dietary preferences. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a crisp salad for a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your house.

Give this copycat recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Did you make any fun tweaks? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Enjoy!