Why You’ll Love this Chicken Gnocchi
If you’ve ever craved that perfect comfort food that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Olive Garden copycat recipe.
I’m telling you, this dish hits all the right notes—savory marinated chicken, fresh vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, and those delightful potato dumplings that melt in your mouth.
Can anything beat that Parmesan-ricotta cream sauce?
The best part? You can use store-bought gnocchi for a quick dinner or go all-in making them from scratch.
Either way, it’s restaurant quality in your own kitchen.
What Ingredients are in Chicken Gnocchi?
When you’re ready to recreate Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi Veronese at home, you’ll need quite a few ingredients – but don’t let that intimidate you! The beauty of this dish lies in how these simple components come together to create something truly magical.
From the tender chicken to the pillowy gnocchi and that irresistible cream sauce, each ingredient plays an important role in building those authentic Olive Garden flavors we all crave.
- 4 chicken breasts, sliced into 1/2-inch strips
- 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small Vidalia onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1/2 zucchini, julienned
- 2 small rosemary sprigs
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for serving)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 14 fluid ounces heavy cream
- Salt to taste
If you’re feeling ambitious and want to make your gnocchi from scratch (which I totally recommend when you have the time), you’ll need additional ingredients: 2 pounds of russet potatoes, 6 ounces of all-purpose flour, 2 eggs, and 2 teaspoons of salt.
The store-bought version works perfectly fine for busy weeknights, but there’s something special about that homemade texture. Just remember that good-quality ingredients make all the difference in this recipe – opt for real Parmesan cheese rather than the pre-grated stuff, and splurge on heavy cream rather than substituting half-and-half for the richest possible sauce.
How to Make this Chicken Gnocchi
The magic of this Olive Garden copycat begins with marinating your 4 chicken breasts, sliced into strips.
Combine them with l minced garlic clove, juice from 1/2 a lemon, and 2 small rosemary sprigs in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for at least two hours—trust me, this patience pays off with tender, flavorful chicken that makes all the difference in the final dish.
While it’s marinating, you can prep your vegetables or make your gnocchi if you’re going the homemade route.
When you’re ready to cook, start by preparing your sauce. Mix 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of ricotta, and 14 fluid ounces of heavy cream in a bowl and set it aside—this creamy concoction is what transforms this dish into something truly special.
Heat 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat, then add your chopped Vidalia onion, julienned red bell pepper, and julienned zucchini. Cook until the onions become translucent but not browned.
Next, add your marinated chicken strips and cook until they’re nicely browned on all sides and reach that food-safe internal temperature of 165°F. For perfect results every time, use a premium meat thermometer to accurately monitor the chicken’s temperature.
Now comes the satisfying part—reducing the heat and adding your sauce mixture to the pan with the chicken and vegetables. If you want to enhance the texture of your dish, a premium meat grinder can help you create custom ground chicken for a more rustic variation of this recipe. If using store-bought gnocchi, cook according to package directions, then add the cooked gnocchi to the pan, stirring gently to coat each dumpling with that luxurious sauce.
For the finishing touch, serve your creation with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Chicken Gnocchi Substitutions and Variations
While having the traditional Olive Garden recipe is wonderful, making a few ingredient swaps can transform this dish to suit your dietary needs or pantry situation.
I find that swapping heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk works surprisingly well for a lighter version. No zucchini? Try asparagus or broccoli instead.
For a gluten-free option, use store-bought gluten-free gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi.
Vegetarians can simply omit the chicken and double up on veggies, perhaps adding mushrooms for that meaty texture.
Want a spicier kick? Add red pepper flakes or substitute the bell pepper with a poblano.
What to Serve with Chicken Gnocchi
Complementary sides can truly elevate your Olive Garden chicken gnocchi from a mere dish to a complete dining experience.
I love pairing this creamy dish with a crisp Caesar salad or some garlic-rubbed bruschetta to balance the richness.
Need something green? Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli work beautifully. A glass of Pinot Grigio cuts through the cream sauce perfectly, don’t you think?
For the full Olive Garden experience, warm breadsticks are non-negotiable.
And if you’re serving guests, why not start with a small antipasto platter? The contrasting flavors and textures make the gnocchi shine even brighter.
Final Thoughts
After exploring all these wonderful pairing options, I’ve come to appreciate how this Olive Garden copycat recipe brings restaurant quality to my home kitchen.
The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and that creamy Veronese sauce creates such a comforting meal that’s worth every minute of preparation.
What I love most is how versatile this dish can be—dressed up for company or made for a cozy weeknight dinner.
You might spend a bit more time if you make the gnocchi from scratch, but trust me, the flavor difference is noticeable. For an unexpected depth of flavor in your dishes, consider how a small amount of baking cocoa can transform even savory recipes.
Ready to impress someone special? This recipe will do the trick.
For a completely different comfort food experience, try making a simple chili recipe with ground beef and tomato-based ingredients for another satisfying homemade meal.
