We all know and love Olive Garden's famous chicken gnocchi soup, with its creamy texture and comforting flavors that keep us coming back for more. Now you authentic olive garden recipes can recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen using a crockpot.
Our copycat version brings together tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi and fresh vegetables in a rich, velvety broth that's just as delicious as the original. The best part? By using a slow cooker, we've simplified the cooking process while maintaining all the incredible flavors that make this soup a classic comfort food favorite.
What Makes Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup Special
Olive Garden's chicken gnocchi soup stands out with its signature blend of five key elements that create its distinctive taste profile:
Texture Composition- Pillowy potato gnocchi dumplingsTender shredded chicken piecesCrisp-tender diced vegetablesSilky cream-based broth
- Fresh Italian herbs (thyme rosemary basil)Heavy cream for richnessReal Parmesan cheeseHouse-made potato gnocchi
- Savory chicken baseSubtle garlic undertonesMild dairy sweetnessAromatic herb notes
- Served at precisely 165°FMaintained heat throughout serviceConsistent warming processRegular temperature checks
- Slow-simmered brothIndividually cooked componentsPrecise ingredient ratiosStandardized cooking times
This iconic soup combines traditional Italian cooking techniques olive garden gnocchi soup no chicken with modern American comfort food preferences, creating a creamy restaurant favorite that's served over 2 million times annually across Olive Garden locations.
Essential Ingredients for Copycat Crockpot Version
The perfect copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup requires 8 key components: chicken, vegetables, broth, gnocchi, cream, thickeners, herbs, and cheese. Here's a detailed breakdown of the essential ingredients needed for a 6-serving crockpot preparation.
Fresh vs Store-Bought Gnocchi Options
Store-bought gnocchi provides consistent results in this crockpot recipe, requiring 16 ounces of vacuum-sealed potato gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi, while more authentic, requires immediate use and creates a softer texture in the finished soup. Shelf-stable gnocchi maintains its shape better during the slow cooking process, making it ideal for crockpot preparation.
Key Herbs and Seasonings
- Fresh thyme: 2 teaspoons, finely choppedBlack pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly groundSea salt: 1½ teaspoonsGarlic: 3 cloves, mincedItalian parsley: ¼ cup, chopped for garnishParmesan cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated
Step-by-Step Crockpot Preparation Method
Creating Olive Garden's chicken gnocchi soup in a crockpot involves layering ingredients at specific times to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Our three-phase cooking process ensures each component maintains its ideal consistency while developing rich flavors.
Building Layers of Flavor
Initial Layer- Place 1.5 pounds diced chicken breasts in the crockpot baseAdd 1 diced onion 2 chopped celery stalks 2 sliced carrotsIncorporate 4 minced garlic clovesPour in 4 cups chicken brothSeason with 1 teaspoon thyme 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Shred cooked chicken using two forksMix in 16 ounces potato gnocchiAdd 2 cups heavy creamStir in 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- Incorporate 1/2 cup freshly grated ParmesanAdjust seasoning with salt pepper to tasteAdd 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with water if thickening needed
Perfect Timing and Temperature
Temperature Guidelines:
SettingTotal Cook TimeInternal TemperatureHigh4-5 hours165°FLow7-8 hours165°FKey Timing Points:
- Initial cooking phase: 3 hours on high/6 hours on lowAdd gnocchi cream phase: 30-45 minutes before completionFinal seasoning phase: Last 15 minutes of cooking
- Chicken must reach 165°F for food safetyMaintain soup at gentle simmer (180-190°F)Avoid boiling to prevent cream separationKeep crockpot lid closed between additions
Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results
Temperature Control- Monitor the crockpot temperature at 165°F for safe chicken cookingKeep the setting on low for 6-8 hours to prevent cream separationAdd gnocchi during the final 30 minutes to maintain proper texture
- Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cookingDice vegetables consistently for balanced cooking timesUse low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levelsSelect heavy whipping cream over half-and-half for richer texture
- Create a cornstarch slurry with heavy cream before addingAdd thickener gradually to reach desired consistencyStir occasionally to prevent lumps from formingLet soup rest 10 minutes before serving to achieve optimal thickness
- Layer seasonings throughout cooking processAdd fresh thyme instead of dried for authentic flavorIncorporate red pepper flakes for subtle heatAdjust salt levels at the end of cooking
- Avoid overcrowding the crockpot (fill maximum 3/4 full)Store gnocchi separately if making aheadShred chicken instead of cubing for varied textureAdd spinach last to maintain crispness
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Refrigeration Storage
Store leftover chicken gnocchi soup in an airtight container for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before transferring it to storage containers. The gnocchi texture softens during refrigeration while maintaining its flavor profile.
Freezing Method
Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags with minimal air exposure for up to 3 months. Press out excess air from storage bags to prevent freezer burn. Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight for optimal results. The dairy components may experience slight texture changes after freezing while preserving the original taste.
Reheating Instructions
Warm refrigerated or thawed soup on the stovetop using medium-low heat. Stir consistently during the reheating process to ensure even temperature distribution. Monitor the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Storage MethodDurationTemperatureContainer TypeRefrigeration4-5 daysBelow 40°FAirtightFreezer3 monthsBelow 0°FFreezer-safeReheatingUntil hot165°FStovetop potConclusion
We've shown you how to bring the magic of Olive Garden's chicken gnocchi soup right to your kitchen using a crockpot. This comforting recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
By following our temperature guidelines storage recommendations and ingredient tips you'll master this creamy delicious soup in no time. The best part? Your crockpot does most of the work while you enjoy the incredible aroma filling your home.
Now it's time to gather your ingredients and start cooking! Whether you're feeding your family or meal prepping for the week this copycat recipe is sure to become a regular in your comfort food rotation.