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COPYCAT OLIVE GARDEN CHICKEN GNOCCHI SOUP centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Joe Rooney

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Easy Weeknight Dinner

This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup delivers a rich and creamy homemade soup experience perfect for an easy dinner or a comforting weeknight meal. Featuring soft gnocchi, tender chicken, and fresh spinach, it’s an ideal family dinner that brings warm comfort food to your table.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 288
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup celery
  • 1 cup carrots shredded or chopped
  • 1 medium sweet onion finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 pound chicken breast cooked and chopped
  • 1 package potato gnocchi (16 ounces)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 cups spinach
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (see notes for dried or ground thyme)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Begin by melting butter in a large pot set over medium heat.
  2. Add the celery, carrots, onion, and garlic; cook and stir occasionally until the vegetables have softened, about 8 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring for about 2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
  4. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to keep the mixture smooth and prevent lumps.
  5. Stir in the cooked chicken and bring the soup to a full boil.
  6. Add the gnocchi and simmer until they float and are tender, roughly 5 minutes or according to package directions.
  7. Turn the heat down to medium-low and mix in the heavy cream. Warm gently until the soup is hot and steaming but does not boil.
  8. Fold in the spinach, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper; cook just long enough for the spinach to wilt and all ingredients to meld together.

Notes

  • A serving is about 2 cups.
  • Using fresh spinach results in better texture; frozen spinach tends to get mushy.
  • Letting the soup simmer longer thickens it as the gnocchi release starch.
  • This soup is delicious as leftovers.
  • For thyme, fresh is preferred but 1 teaspoon dried or ½ teaspoon ground can be substituted.
  • Using real cream enriches the soup, but half-and-half or whole milk can work in a pinch.
  • Store in the refrigerator covered for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container; for best results, add fresh spinach after thawing when reheating.