Welcome to your new favorite comfort food obsession! This Crock Pot Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine a bowl filled with tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth, all perfectly seasoned and simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s the ultimate copycat recipe, designed to bring the beloved flavors of Olive Garden’s classic soup right into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Unlock the Secret to Restaurant-Quality Soup at Home with Your Slow Cooker
There’s something uniquely comforting about a hearty bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup from Olive Garden. Its delicate flavors and creamy texture have made it a go-to order for countless diners. Inspired by this restaurant staple, we embarked on a mission to create a homemade version that not only captures its authentic taste but also simplifies the cooking process using the magic of a slow cooker. After several delightful attempts, we believe we’ve perfected a recipe that allows the flavors to meld beautifully over hours, resulting in a soup that’s incredibly rich, deeply satisfying, and astonishingly easy to prepare.
This recipe isn’t just a simple adaptation; it’s a celebration of convenience and flavor. The slow cooker transforms basic ingredients into a culinary masterpiece, allowing you to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth chicken and a deeply infused broth with very little hands-on time. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or simply when you’re craving a soulful soup without the fuss. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this decadent, full-bodied soup that might just become your new signature dish.
“This is delicious! My two teenagers agree that it is BETTER than Olive Garden’s! – Cristen”
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Gnocchi are delightful small Italian dumplings, traditionally crafted from potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs. They are known for their soft, pillowy texture and are incredibly versatile, often served with various sauces or, in this case, nestled in a creamy soup. When cooked correctly, they provide a wonderful chewiness that complements the tender chicken and vegetables perfectly.
For this slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup, we recommend using fresh potato gnocchi. You have the flexibility to use either vacuum-sealed shelf-stable gnocchi (often found in the pasta aisle of your grocery store) or frozen gnocchi. Both varieties will yield excellent results. Vacuum-sealed gnocchi cook up quickly and maintain their shape, while frozen gnocchi may require a few extra minutes to become tender. Avoid instant gnocchi mixes, as they tend to have a different texture. Feel free to use your favorite brand or even explore making your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
Cornstarch acts as a crucial thickening agent in this recipe, helping to create that signature creamy consistency that makes Olive Garden’s soup so beloved. It provides a subtle richness without making the soup overly heavy. We strongly advise against omitting it, as the soup would be much thinner than intended. If you need a substitute, arrowroot powder can be used in a similar ratio, or you could try a roux made from butter and flour for a deeper flavor, though this adds an extra step not typically required for slow cooker recipes.
Absolutely! This recipe is designed for flexibility, allowing you to cook on either a low or high setting, depending on your schedule. For best flavor development and tender chicken, cooking on low for 6 hours is ideal. If you’re pressed for time, you can set your slow cooker to high for 3-4 hours. Always keep an eye on your slow cooker, as cooking times can vary between different models, with some running hotter than others. The goal is perfectly cooked chicken that shreds easily.
A 6-quart slow cooker is the perfect size for this recipe, comfortably accommodating all the ingredients and allowing for proper heat distribution. If you happen to have a larger 8-quart slow cooker, that will work just fine as well. However, we do not recommend using anything smaller than a 6-quart, as the ingredients may overflow or cook unevenly due to overcrowding.
For the best texture and flavor, we recommend freshly shredding carrots using a box grater. This yields finer, more tender pieces that meld beautifully into the soup. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a shortcut, you can purchase pre-shredded matchstick carrots from the grocery store. Simply give them a quick chop to make them a bit smaller and ensure they cook down nicely in the soup.
Leftover chicken gnocchi soup stores wonderfully! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream if it has thickened too much.
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for future meals! Once the soup has cooled completely, ladle it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. Seal the bags tightly, removing as much air as possible, then lay them flat in the freezer. It will maintain its quality for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator to defrost overnight. Then, pour it into a pot and gently reheat on the stovetop, stirring until warmed through. You might want to add a little extra broth or cream to restore its original consistency.
Ingredients for Your Irresistible Crock Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Crafting this delightful copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup requires a blend of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that creamy, comforting, and incredibly flavorful experience. Below is a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips for selection and substitutions.
Core Ingredients & Expert Tips:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are preferred for their lean texture and ease of shredding or dicing. For an even richer flavor and moisture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a fantastic alternative. They tend to stay incredibly tender during slow cooking.
- Yellow Onion, Celery, and Carrots: This classic trio, often referred to as a mirepoix, forms the aromatic base of the soup. Finely dicing or slicing these vegetables ensures they soften beautifully and release their sweet, earthy flavors into the broth. Fresh is always best for optimal taste.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the most pungent and authentic flavor. However, if convenience is key, pre-minced jarred garlic can be used, though you might need a slightly larger quantity to achieve the same intensity.
- Chicken Broth: The foundation of our soup. Opt for a good quality chicken broth. If you’re mindful of sodium intake, low or no-sodium chicken broth works perfectly, allowing you to control the seasoning. For the ultimate flavor, consider making a Homemade Chicken Broth.
- Ground Thyme: This aromatic herb adds a subtle, earthy, and slightly floral note that is characteristic of many Italian-inspired dishes. It complements the chicken and vegetables wonderfully.
- Nutmeg: This might seem like an unusual addition, but ground nutmeg is the secret ingredient that truly elevates this soup to Olive Garden standards. It adds a warm, subtly sweet, and complex dimension that often goes unnoticed but is essential for that signature flavor. If you’re hesitant, you can reduce the amount or omit it, but we highly recommend trying it as it makes a significant difference.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Always adjust to taste throughout the cooking process. Kosher salt is preferred for its pure flavor and larger crystals.
- Potato Gnocchi: The star of the show! Look for vacuum-sealed packages of potato gnocchi in the pasta aisle of your grocery store. Various brands, including store brands, produce excellent gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly and maintains a delightful texture. Avoid dried gnocchi, which requires different cooking methods.
- Heavy Cream: Non-negotiable for achieving the luxurious, creamy texture of this soup. It adds richness and body that cannot be replicated with lighter alternatives. While half-and-half might work in a pinch, for the authentic, decadent creaminess, heavy cream is paramount. Do not substitute with milk, as it will likely curdle or result in a much thinner soup.
- Cornstarch: This acts as a reliable thickening agent, ensuring your soup has that perfect, comforting consistency without being overly thick. Whisking it with heavy cream before adding it to the hot soup prevents lumps.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a touch of color, essential nutrients, and a slight earthiness that balances the richness of the soup. It wilts quickly into the hot broth, adding a vibrant finish. If spinach isn’t your preference, feel free to leave it out or substitute with another leafy green like finely chopped kale, which adds a similar nutritional boost.
How to Make Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful, hearty meal with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result.
Step 1: Layer the Foundation of Flavor
Begin by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Evenly distribute the finely diced yellow onion, finely sliced celery, and shredded carrots over the chicken. Next, add the minced garlic, ground thyme, and that special touch of ground nutmeg (if using). Season generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper. This layering ensures all the ingredients cook together, infusing the chicken with rich flavors.
Step 2: Simmer to Perfection
Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Ensure everything is submerged or well-covered by the broth. Place the lid securely on your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 6 hours for maximum flavor development and tender chicken, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours if you need to speed up the process. The long, slow cook time allows the vegetables to soften and the chicken to become incredibly succulent and easy to shred.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken and Add Gnocchi
Once the cooking time for the chicken and vegetables is complete, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, or remove them to a cutting board to dice or shred the meat, then return it to the pot. The chicken should be very tender and fall apart easily. Now, add the entire package of potato gnocchi to the soup, stirring gently to combine with the broth and vegetables.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until no lumps remain. This cornstarch slurry is crucial for thickening the soup to that desired creamy consistency. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker with the chicken, gnocchi, and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to ensure the cream and cornstarch are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Cover the slow cooker again and switch the setting to HIGH. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 20-30 minutes. During this time, the gnocchi will cook through and become delightfully tender, and the soup will thicken to a rich, creamy consistency. Finally, stir in the fresh chopped spinach while the soup is still hot. The residual heat will wilt the spinach in just a couple of minutes, adding a beautiful vibrant green color and fresh flavor. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese and a dash of fresh chopped parsley for an authentic finish. Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden masterpiece!
Craving More Copycat & Comfort Food Recipes?
If you loved this Crock Pot Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’re in for a treat! We have a treasure trove of other popular copycat and comforting recipes that bring your favorite restaurant dishes and heartwarming classics straight to your kitchen. Explore these delicious options for your next meal:
- Crock Pot Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup
- Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
- Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo
- Homemade Olive Garden Salad Dressing
- Creamy Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Hearty Italian Gnocchi Soup (Stovetop Version)
- Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi
- Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
Originally published: March 2022
Updated with enhanced photos and republished: September 2024
Crock Pot Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
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16 minutes
6 hours 30 minutes
6 hours 46 minutes
6
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup celery, finely sliced (about two stalks)
- ¾ cup shredded carrots
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (you can use low or no sodium)
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 16 ounce package potato gnocchi
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese, for serving
- 1 Tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add the chicken to the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the diced onion, celery, carrots, garlic, thyme, nutmeg (if using), salt and pepper.
- Pour the broth into the slow cooker and cover. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the chicken breasts and dice or shred the meat.
- Place the chicken back into the crock pot and add in the gnocchi.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch. Pour the mixture into the soup, stir well.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to high to cook for another 20-30 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh spinach while hot to wilt for a couple of minutes. Serve the soup hot with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish, enjoy!
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Notes
- Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) and detailed ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 35g |
Protein: 43g |
Fat: 10g |
Sodium: 1678mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 2g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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