Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)

Name: Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 6 slices bacon (chopped); 1 onion (peeled and chopped); 2 carrots (peeled and chopped); 1 celery (chopped); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless); 3 ½ cups (828ml) chicken broth; 1 rosemary sprig; 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh); salt (to taste); pepper (to taste); 1 pound (450g) gnocchi (fresh); 2 cups (60g) spinach (chopped); ⅔ cup (158ml) half and half (or more, to taste); ⅓ cup (30g) parmesan cheese

All the delicious flavors of the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup are recreated in this creamy easy Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It is a cozy and hearty soup, made from simple ingredients that the whole family will love.

top down view of a serving of the completed instant pot chicken gnocchi soup

Not only is this Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup just as good as the original, it’s even better since you know exactly what is in it and you can adjust the flavors to suit your tastebuds.

Made with affordable pantry ingredients, and a super quick prep and a fast cook time courtesy of the Instant Pot, this is an awesome fuss-free dinner you can whip up again and again. So you get restaurant-quality food at a fraction of the cost.

Want even more affordable better-than-takeout recipes?! You will love this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken.

the finished instant pot chicken gnocchi soup served in a ceramic bowl with a wooden spoon

Why Make This Recipe

Fantastic meal prep solution.
Always a crowd pleaser.
Only requires minimal prep and minimal effort
Uses everyday ingredients.
Budget-Friendly.

Tools Needed

Instant Pot.
A sharp knife makes life much easier.
Spatula and ladle.
Measuring cups and spoons
Best ever sea salt – makes you food taste amazing.

Ingredient Notes

Meat – This Instant Pot Gnocchi Soup used skinless boneless chicken breast, but you can use the skin-on version. You can also use already cooked rotisserie chicken, but you would need to reduce the cooking time. Bacon adds such amazing flavor to this soup. I prefer smoked bacon, but add what you like.
Vegetables – This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is made more hearty by the addition of carrots, spinach, and onions. I have made a version with potatoes too.
Seasoning – a combination of Italian Seasoning, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper with a sprig of rosemary combine to make this fragrant and delicious. You can swap in oregano for the Italian seasoning.
Liquids – This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is cooked in chicken broth and cream (all the yuuuummm). Feel free to add a little more liquid if you prefer.
Gnocchi – Fresh store-bought gnocchi is what I used here, hence the quick cook time. If you are using dried gnocchi, you will want to cook it for 2 to 3 minutes.
Cheese – yes creamy cheesy flavor added by the Parmesan.

the finished instant pot chicken gnocchi soup inside the instant pot

How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Set the Instant Pot on the sauté setting and heat olive oil and heat.
Add the chopped bacon and cook until cooked thoroughly around 5 minutes.
Mix in the onion and carrots and sauté until the onion is softened.
Incorporate the garlic, Italian Seasoning, thyme, and rosemary sprig and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Place the chicken breasts in and pour in the stock, scraping to make sure nothing is stuck on.
Close the lid, seal the valve, set to Pressure Cook (or Manual based on the model of your Instant Pot), and set on high pressure for 12 minutes.
When done, perform, a quick pressure release (QPR), open the lid and transfer the chicken onto a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks.
Set the Instant Pot on the sauté setting again. Add the shredded chicken back in, followed by the spinach and gnocchi, stirring to incorporate. Cook for 3 minutes. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese and cook for 1 more minute.
Serve with breadsticks and salad for the complete Olive Garden restaurant experience.

image collage showing the steps for making chicken gnocchi soup instant pot

Recipe Tips

Make sure you cut the carrots a bit larger than you want so that they hold their shape after cooking under pressure.

Delicious Variations

Add some chipotle or red pepper flakes for a little heat.

a bowl of the finished chicken gnocchi soup recipe

Budget Friendly Notes

Use chicken thighs – Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for an even more affordable option.
Use the greens you have – use the green you have to hand, kale for example works just as well.
Bulk it with veggies – You could add in a few more veggies and a little more broth to bulk it out.

Storage

Store – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
Freeze – I don’t recommend freezing this due to the dairy.

a bowl filled with instant pot chicken gnocchi soup

FAQs

Can I Use Already Cooked Chicken?

Yes you can. Just reduce the cook time under pressure to 3-4 minutes. You would cut the carrots a bit smaller also if this was the case.

More Recipes You May Like

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs.
Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan.
Dump and Start Instant Pot Chicken Stew.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 5 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

the completed instant pot chicken gnocchi soup in the instant pot

Get The Olive Garden Chicken Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe: