Why Make This Slow Cooker Copycat Recipe?

There are plenty of reasons to try this recipe:

• Time-Saving: No need to babysit a pot on the stove. Just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Restaurant-Quality Taste: This recipe mimics Olive Garden’s signature soup perfectly, with its creamy texture and hearty ingredients.
• Budget-Friendly: Using simple, affordable ingredients means you can enjoy a gourmet meal without breaking the bank.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat:

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 16 oz (450g) potato gnocchi (found in the pasta aisle or frozen section)
• 4 cups (950ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (150g) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 2 ribs celery, finely diced

Seasonings and Herbs

• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a touch of depth)
• 2 bay leaves

For Garnish (Optional)

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Crusty bread or garlic bread

Pro Tip: If you want to save even more time, look for pre-diced onions, carrots, and celery in the produce section of your grocery store. This will cut down on prep work significantly!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Dice the onion, carrot, and celery finely so they cook evenly in the slow cooker. If you’re using frozen spinach, thaw it in the microwave and squeeze out as much water as possible to prevent the soup from becoming watery.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

For the best flavor, we recommend searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Here’s how:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil.
2. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper.
3. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get from just simmering the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Once seared, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the raw chicken directly to the slow cooker. It will still turn out delicious, but the flavor won’t be as rich.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Broth

Next, add the diced onion, carrot, celery, garlic, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. This gives the chicken and vegetables plenty of time to cook and infuse the broth with flavor.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat or skin. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the broth.

Step 5: Add Gnocchi, Cream Cheese, and Spinach

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the potato gnocchi, softened cream cheese, and thawed spinach. The gnocchi will absorb some of the broth and become tender, while the cream cheese and spinach will melt into the soup, creating a creamy, hearty texture.

Pro Tip: If you’re using frozen gnocchi, there’s no need to thaw it first. Just add it directly to the slow cooker.

Step 6: Stir in the Heavy Cream

Once the gnocchi is cooked through (about 30 minutes after adding it), stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. This will give the soup its signature creamy texture. Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a little more salt or pepper depending on your preferences.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a side of crusty bread or garlic bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth!

Serving Suggestion: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. However, keep in mind that the soup won’t be as rich or creamy.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi

Potato gnocchi can become mushy if overcooked. To prevent this, add the gnocchi to the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving. This gives them just enough time to cook through without falling apart.

2. Use Full-Fat Dairy for the Creamiest Texture

For the closest match to Olive Garden’s soup, use full-fat heavy cream and cream cheese. If you’re watching your fat intake, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture won’t be as luxurious.

3. Make It Ahead of Time

This soup tastes even better the next day! Make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

4. Freeze for Later

This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent separation.

5. Customize Your Soup

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
• Go Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.

Ready to Make This Copycat Olive Garden Soup?

Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to get cooking! This slow cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. Whether you’re meal prepping or just want a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Get Started Now: