Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort in a bowl, look no further than Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat). Inspired by Olive Garden’s beloved classic, this hearty soup is brimming with juicy shredded chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, vibrant spinach, and a luxuriously creamy broth. The beauty of this recipe is how effortlessly it brings restaurant flavor home with the ease of the slow cooker — perfect for busy days or cozy evenings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) are everyday staples that come together to create magic. Each one lends its own unique flavor, from rich chicken stock to fresh baby spinach, ensuring every spoonful is equal parts creamy, savory, and comforting.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh chicken breasts for the juiciest, most flavorful shredded chicken pieces.
• Matchstick Carrots: These bring a subtle sweetness and gorgeous color to the soup, plus they cook up perfectly soft in the slow cooker.
• Diced Onion: Onions add depth and a gentle sweetness once simmered in the broth.
• Diced Celery: Celery gives the soup a nice aromatic flavor and a bit of texture.
• Minced Garlic: Don’t skip this! Garlic infuses every bite with warm, aromatic flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: The blend of herbs here is what gives that signature Italian touch, making the soup taste just like Olive Garden’s.
• Chicken Stock: Use a quality chicken stock for the richest, most flavorful broth base.
• Potato Gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings soak up the broth and make the soup irresistible.
• Heavy Cream: Adds all the creaminess you’d expect from a classic soup without being too heavy.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: Spinach provides color, nutrition, and a fresh, earthy taste to balance the rich broth.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: For that signature salty, savory finish that melts beautifully into the soup.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; a touch more at the end often brings all the flavors together.

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

Step 1: Layer the Base Ingredients

Start by adding the boneless skinless chicken breasts, matchstick carrots, diced onion, celery, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken stock right to the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir so the flavors begin mingling even before the cooking starts. This foundational step infuses the broth with savory goodness all day long.

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender

Set your slow cooker to HIGH for 4 hours (or LOW for 6 hours) and let time do its thing. As the soup simmers, the chicken gets perfectly tender, carrots and vegetables soften, and the herbs work their magic. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the meat — it should come apart effortlessly thanks to that long, gentle cook. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and give the soup a good stir so every bite gets that wonderful texture and flavor.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Cream

Now for the signature fixings! Pour in the potato gnocchi and heavy cream, then cover and let the soup cook for another 30 minutes. The gnocchi will soften and soak up all those dreamy flavors, while the cream transforms the broth into creamy, velvety perfection.

Step 5: Wilt in the Spinach and Cheese

Just before you’re ready to serve, stir fresh baby spinach and shredded Parmesan cheese into the hot soup. The spinach will wilt quickly, and the cheese will melt right in, giving the soup a luxurious finish. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed—then get ready to dig in!

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

Garnishes

Finish each bowl with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and maybe a few fresh cracked black peppercorns. A pinch of fresh parsley or basil adds bright color and a burst of fresh flavor. Don’t forget a swirl of olive oil for even more richness if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This cozy soup is delicious with a crusty loaf of Italian bread for dunking or with warm, pillowy breadsticks like they serve at Olive Garden. You could also serve it alongside a bright Caesar salad or a platter of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) into rustic mugs for a hands-on, casual gathering, or serve in small bowls as a starter at an Italian-themed dinner party. Swirl in pesto or add a drizzle of infused oil just before serving for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Spoon into airtight containers and let cool before sealing. The flavors meld together over time, making tomorrow’s bowl even more delicious!

Freezing

While you can technically freeze this soup, the texture of gnocchi and the cream can change a bit after thawing. If you’d like to prepare ahead, freeze the base soup without the gnocchi, cream, spinach, or cheese, and add those fresh when you reheat.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers over medium-low heat on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, stirring often to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen it up if needed. Stir well before serving, and add fresh Parmesan on top to restore that just-made magic!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer even more tenderness and flavor, and they shred beautifully after slow cooking. Just make sure to adjust the amount to match the recipe.

What if I don’t have potato gnocchi?

Feel free to try other types of gnocchi—ricotta or even mini cauliflower gnocchi work as fun twists. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the type.

Is there a lighter version of this soup?

Yes! Swap out some or all of the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter, yet still creamy, soup. You can also use less cheese if you’re looking to cut back on richness.

Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) vegetarian?

Definitely. Replace the chicken with canned white beans or extra veggies, use vegetable stock, and keep everything else the same for a satisfying vegetarian meal!

Does this recipe work in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use the sauté and slow cook functions in your Instant Pot. Or, for a quicker meal, cook the chicken, veggies, and broth under high pressure for about 12 minutes, then use sauté to add the cream, gnocchi, spinach, and cheese.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll fall in love with Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) just like I have. Letting your slow cooker do the work means you’re rewarded with a dreamy, restaurant-style dinner with hardly any fuss. Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade bowl of comfort that’s bound to become a cozy favorite!

Print