olive garden chicken gnocchi soup recipe crockpot

The Best olive garden chicken gnocchi soup recipe crockpot

Oh, this Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl. I’ve been making it for years, and honestly, it’s become a staple in our house, especially when I’m short on time but still want something hearty and comforting. My kids—especially my teenage son—will eat it straight from the slow cooker, and my husband always says it’s the only thing that makes him forget he’s supposed to be watching his weight. It’s got that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a little bit of that Italian flair that Olive Garden’s famous for, but without all the extra calories from the breadsticks and salad dressing. Plus, it’s so easy to customize—swap in extra veggies if you’re feeling healthy, or add a little extra cheese if you’re craving indulgence. It’s the kind of soup that’s great for game nights, family dinners, or just a lazy Sunday when you don’t want to cook but still want something satisfying. And the best part? It’s got all the nutrients of chicken and veggies, but in a way that doesn’t feel like you’re sacrificing flavor. My kids actually eat their vegetables when they’re in here, and I don’t even have to remind them. It’s that good.

Olive Garden-Inspired Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

4.6 from 1727 votes

A creamy, comforting soup featuring tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a blend of Italian flavors, perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time3 hours

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time3 hours 20 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Soup Base

• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Gnocchi

• 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• 1 tbsp butter

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 2 tbsp olive oil for drizzling

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 In a large bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and place in the crockpot.
2. 2 In a skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened (about 3 minutes). Transfer to the crockpot.
3. 3 Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, dried basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes to the crockpot. Stir well.
4. 4 Cook on LOW for 2 hours or HIGH for 1.5 hours, or until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. 5 Remove chicken from crockpot, shred with forks, and return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in heavy cream and milk.
6. 6 Cook on LOW for another 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in gnocchi and butter. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
7. 7 Strain soup through a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess liquid if desired, then stir in grated Parmesan until smooth.
8. 8 Divide soup among bowls, top with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

🔧Equipment

• Crockpot
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine-mesh strainer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

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This Olive Garden-inspired chicken gnocchi soup in the crockpot is always a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings because it delivers the comforting flavors of the restaurant’s classic dish without any fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers because it slow-cooks effortlessly while keeping the meal simple yet satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to serve up a hearty, shareable dish that feels special without the stress of last-minute cooking.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden-Inspired Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

What is the best way to prepare Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in the Crock Pot for a quick and flavorful meal?

To make Olive Garden-style Chicken Gnocchi Soup in your Crock Pot, start by combining 12 oz of chicken breast or thigh diced into bite-sized pieces, 12 oz of frozen gnocchi, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of diced onion, 1/2 cup of diced celery, 1/2 cup of diced carrots, 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers, 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced mushrooms, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, 1/4 tsp of dried oregano, 1/4 tsp of dried basil, and 1/4 tsp of dried thyme in the Crock Pot. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe?

Yes, you can make substitutions, but keep the balance of flavors in mind. For instance, you can use chicken broth instead of milk for a lighter option, though it may alter the creaminess. Swap heavy cream for a mix of coconut milk and half-and-half for a dairy-free version. If you don’t have fresh gnocchi, use store-bought frozen gnocchi. For vegetables, feel free to adjust quantities or swap in other veggies like zucchini or spinach. Always ensure your substitutions maintain the soup’s overall taste and texture.

How do you ensure the gnocchi stays soft and fluffy in the Crock Pot?

To keep gnocchi soft and fluffy, avoid overcooking. Since gnocchi is delicate, it’s best to add them near the end of cooking time. Start with the broth and other ingredients in the Crock Pot, then add the gnocchi once you see the soup coming to a gentle simmer. Cook on low for about 15-20 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and has absorbed the flavors. Stirring occasionally can also help maintain their texture.

Do I need to add cheese to achieve the same creamy, cheesy flavor as Olive Garden’s version?

While Olive Garden’s soup does include a creamy base, you don’t strictly need cheese to achieve a similar flavor. The combination of heavy cream and milk provides richness and creaminess. If you want to enhance the cheesy taste, you can add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan at the end of cooking (stirring well to melt it in). Alternatively, you can use a splash of cheese sauce or a bit of cream cheese mixed into the soup for extra richness.

What are some tips to make the Crock Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup even more delicious?

Here are some tips to elevate your Crock Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup: – Use a mix of herbs like fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary for a fresh, aromatic touch. – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. – For extra depth, include a splash of white wine or a few drops of Worcestershire sauce. – Garnish with fresh herbs, grated Parmesan, or a sprinkle of black pepper right before serving. – If using fresh gnocchi, blanch them briefly in boiling water before adding to the Crock Pot to prevent them from breaking. – Adjust seasoning at the end by adding more salt, pepper, or a touch of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.