Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)

Introduction

Few soups are as comforting, creamy, and crave-worthy as Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat). If you’ve ever ordered Olive Garden’s famous chicken gnocchi soup and wished you could recreate that rich, cozy bowl at home—this recipe is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

This slow cooker version delivers everything you love about the restaurant favorite: tender shredded chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, aromatic vegetables, and a luxuriously creamy broth infused with Italian herbs. The best part? Your crockpot does almost all the work. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it, letting the flavors slowly meld together into a soup that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family, prepping meals for the week, or craving a comforting dinner on a chilly evening, Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) is the ultimate one-pot meal. It’s hearty without being heavy, indulgent without being complicated, and incredibly versatile for different dietary needs and preferences.

This post will walk you through everything you need to know—from ingredient choices and step-by-step instructions to storage tips, variations, and expert troubleshooting—so your soup turns out perfectly every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)

There are countless chicken soup recipes out there, but this one stands out for good reason. Here’s why this slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:

1. True Olive Garden Flavor at Home

This recipe is carefully crafted to mimic the creamy, savory flavor of Olive Garden’s classic chicken gnocchi soup. From the Italian seasoning to the Parmesan finish, every bite feels restaurant-worthy.

2. Easy Slow Cooker Method

No constant stirring, no babysitting a pot on the stove. The slow cooker gently cooks the chicken until it’s perfectly tender, while the vegetables release their natural sweetness into the broth.

3. Creamy Without Being Overwhelming

Thanks to a cornstarch-cream slurry, the soup thickens beautifully without becoming overly heavy. You get that signature creamy texture without needing flour or excessive cream.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This soup stores and reheats well, making it ideal for lunches and leftovers throughout the week.

5. Customizable

Use cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter option, regular potato gnocchi for classic texture, or adjust spice levels to suit your family’s taste.

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Recipe Details

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 7 hours (LOW)

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes

• Servings: 6

• Category: Dinner

• Cuisine: American

• Method: Slow Cooker

• Calories: ~460 kcal per serving

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Ingredients Breakdown

Understanding each ingredient helps ensure your soup turns out just right.

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook gently in the slow cooker, becoming incredibly tender and easy to shred. You can also substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

Vegetables

• Carrots, onion, and celery form the classic soup base, adding sweetness, aroma, and texture.

• These vegetables soften beautifully over long, slow cooking.

Seasonings

• Paprika adds subtle warmth

• Italian seasoning brings classic herb flavor

• Red pepper flakes (optional) add gentle heat

• Salt and black pepper balance the soup

Chicken Bouillon Cube

A single cube boosts the savory depth of the broth, mimicking restaurant-style richness.

Chicken Broth

The foundation of the soup—use low-sodium if you prefer more control over salt levels.

Cornstarch + Heavy Cream

This slurry thickens the soup while creating that signature creamy consistency Olive Garden is known for.

Gnocchi

Cauliflower gnocchi keeps the soup lighter, while traditional potato gnocchi delivers the most authentic Olive Garden texture.

Spinach

Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a subtle earthy note.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the soup, adding saltiness and umami flavor.

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Ingredients List

• 2–3 chicken breasts

• 3 large carrots, chopped

• ½ medium yellow onion, diced

• 3 ribs celery, sliced

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 chicken bouillon cube

• 2–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• 2 cups cauliflower gnocchi

• 2 large handfuls fresh spinach

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Place the chicken breasts, carrots, onion, celery, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, bouillon cube, garlic, and chicken broth into the slow cooker. Season with salt and black pepper.

2. Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

3. Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

4. Make It Creamy

Whisk the cornstarch with the heavy cream to form a smooth slurry. Stir it into the soup.

5. Add Gnocchi

Add the gnocchi and cook on HIGH for 60 minutes, until the gnocchi are tender and the soup thickens.

6. Finish the Soup

Stir in spinach and Parmesan cheese until wilted and melted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Serve

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and crusty bread if desired.

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Tips for Best Results

• Use LOW heat for the most tender chicken

• Add gnocchi at the end to prevent mushiness

• Stir gently after adding cream

• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded

• Let the soup rest 5–10 minutes before serving for best thickness

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Variations & Substitutions

Classic Olive Garden Version

Use traditional potato gnocchi and full-fat cream.

Lighter Version

Stick with cauliflower gnocchi and reduce cream slightly.

Dairy-Free Option

Use coconut cream and omit Parmesan or replace with nutritional yeast.

Extra Veggie Boost

Add mushrooms or zucchini during the last hour of cooking.

Spicy Kick

Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.

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What to Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Garlic bread

• Breadsticks (Olive Garden-style!)

• Side salad with Italian dressing

• Roasted vegetables

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Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding extra broth as needed.

Freezing

Cream-based soups don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the soup before adding cream and gnocchi, then finish fresh.

Print

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 460 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 25 g

• Protein: 39 g

• Fat: 17 g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes—add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 2 hours.

Will regular gnocchi work?

Absolutely. Potato gnocchi gives the most authentic Olive Garden texture.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes, but the slow cooker provides the best flavor development.

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Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Works

This recipe succeeds because it respects timing—slow cooking builds flavor, while adding cream and gnocchi later preserves texture. The result is a soup that tastes indulgent, balanced, and comforting without unnecessary steps.

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Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) is the kind of recipe that turns a simple dinner into something truly special. It captures everything people love about the Olive Garden classic while making it even easier to enjoy at home.

With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and unbeatable comfort-food appeal, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prep sessions. Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner menu—because nothing beats a warm bowl of creamy, homemade chicken gnocchi soup made right in your slow cooker.