Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that velvety bowl of comfort from your favorite Italian restaurant, you’re going to fall in love with this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat). Creamy, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor, this is one of those magical recipes that comes together effortlessly but tastes like you simmered it on the stove all day. It’s loaded with tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a touch of cheesy richness—every spoonful delivers warmth and nostalgia. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry crowd or just want to treat yourself, this soup has quickly become a staple in my kitchen and is sure to become one in yours, too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this soup is its simplicity—yet, each ingredient brings something special to the table. From the mellow sweetness of carrots to the fresh bite of baby spinach, every element plays its part for that perfect balance of taste, color, and texture.

• Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding and lean protein.
• Matchstick Carrots: These add sweetness and a vibrant pop of color—plus, they cook quickly.
• Diced Onion: A classic base, onions give the soup depth and a subtle savory undertone.
• Celery: Celery’s fresh crunch melts into the base, rounding out the classic soup flavors.
• Minced Garlic: Essential for a robust, aromatic flavor that fills your kitchen as it cooks.
• Italian Seasoning: The herb blend brings a gentle, familiar warmth and authenticity.
• Chicken Stock: Rich, flavorful stock is key for the soup’s comforting, savory broth.
• Potato Gnocchi: These soft, chewy dumplings act as little flavor sponges—truly the star here!
• Heavy Cream: For that signature creamy texture and a touch of indulgent richness.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: Spinach wilts beautifully, adding color and a boost of nutrients.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the broth for deep umami and a hint of tanginess.
• Salt and Pepper: Finish with a bit of seasoning—taste and adjust for your perfect balance.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)

Step 1: Load Up Your Slow Cooker

Start by layering the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker, then pile on the carrots, diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning and a pour of rich chicken stock. This will create the flavor foundation for your Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)—the magic begins before you even turn it on!

Step 2: Let It Simmer to Perfection

Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours. As it cooks, your kitchen will fill with the most mouthwatering aromas, and the chicken will grow perfectly tender, soaking up all those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. The meat should practically fall apart! Slide the shredded chicken right back into the soup base so every bite is satisfyingly full of protein.

Step 4: Add the Gnocchi and Cream

Now comes the good stuff! Stir in your potato gnocchi and heavy cream. Place the lid back on and let the soup cook for another 30 minutes. The gnocchi will become pillowy and luscious, while the cream transforms your broth into a silky delight.

Step 5: Stir in the Spinach and Parmesan

Just before you serve, add the fresh baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the Parmesan gracefully melts into the broth. At this point, taste for salt and pepper—season to your heart’s content! Your Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) is now ready to be ladled into bowls.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)

Garnishes

For a restaurant-inspired touch, finish each bowl with a little extra sprinkle of shredded Parmesan and a pinch of cracked black pepper. A few fresh basil ribbons or even a drizzle of good olive oil can really make the bowl look and taste extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) with soft, warm breadsticks—just like at the restaurant! A simple green salad with Italian dressing or even a plate of roasted vegetables also make for a complete, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to really impress? Serve the soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls or add a swirl of pesto on top. Small ramekins of grated Parmesan at the table let everyone add their own final cheesy flourish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps beautifully! Cool any remaining Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making the next bowl even better than the first.

Freezing

Though the creamy base means this soup isn’t a candidate for long-term freezing, you can safely freeze individual portions if you leave out the gnocchi and spinach. Add those fresh when reheating for best results; this prevents the gnocchi from getting too soft and the spinach from losing its vibrancy.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so the cream stays smooth and the gnocchi remain tender. If the soup thickens up in the fridge, just add an extra splash of chicken stock or cream to return it to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Absolutely! You can skip the raw chicken and add pre-shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 30 minutes, just before you stir in the gnocchi and cream. This is a great shortcut for busy days.

What type of gnocchi works best?

Potato gnocchi are traditional and work beautifully, but feel free to experiment with sweet potato or even cauliflower gnocchi for a twist. Just keep in mind that different types might alter the soup’s flavor and texture slightly.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

While milk can be used for a lighter broth, heavy cream delivers that signature richness found in the original Olive Garden version. If you swap, the soup will be thinner and less decadent, but still delicious.

Are there veggie options for this soup?

You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken, adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. The gnocchi and spinach keep the soup hearty and satisfying.

How do I prevent gnocchi from getting mushy?

For the perfect gnocchi texture, add them only for the last 30 minutes of cooking and serve the soup shortly after. Overcooked gnocchi can get overly soft, so timing is key for that pillowy bite!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been hunting for the coziest, most satisfying soup to share with family or friends, look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)! I promise, it’s every bit as dreamy as the real deal. Add it to your dinner rotation, and watch it disappear—everyone will be asking for seconds!

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