Homemade Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup — One Pot Comfort at Its Best

Now that the temps are finally dropping and the leaves are starting to turn, it’s officially soup season in our house. There’s just something about crisp fall air, a flickering candle on the counter, and the smell of something warm simmering on the stove that feels like home.

And while I love a soup that feels restaurant-worthy, I love it even more when it only takes one pot and minimal cleanup. This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is everything I crave when the weather cools — creamy, cozy, and full of tender vegetables, soft potato gnocchi, and flavorful chicken.

The secret twist that makes this version better than the one you remember from Olive Garden? Bone broth and browned butter. The brown butter adds rich, nutty depth, while bone broth gives the soup a subtle heartiness and extra protein. My favorite brand to use is Kettle & Fire Chicken Bone Broth — it’s high-quality, flavorful, and takes this simple comfort food to the next level.

Paired with homemade garlic butter breadsticks, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone linger around the table just a little longer.

Ingredients:

For the Soup

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 carrots, thinly sliced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 4 cups chicken bone broth (I love using Kettle & Fire)

• 1½ cups half & half (or heavy cream for a richer texture)

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

• 1 lb potato gnocchi

• 1½ cups baby spinach

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional but encouraged: grated Parmesan for serving

Directions:

1. Brown the Butter

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and smells nutty — about 3–4 minutes.

2. Sauté the Veggies

Add olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute

3. Add Bone Broth & Chicken

Pour in the bone broth and add the raw chicken breasts directly into the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and let the chicken cook for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked through. This step infuses the broth with a deeper, richer chicken flavor. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup before continuing.

4. Add Cream & Roux

Slowly whisk in the half & half. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors blend. Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a light roux — this helps thicken the soup.

5. Add Gnocchi

Stir gnocchi and simmer 7–9 minutes, until the gnocchi are soft and pillowy.

6. Finish with Spinach

Add spinach and stir until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg if desired. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Homemade Olive Garden-Style Breadsticks

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1¾ tsp salt

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for brushing)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp sea salt or garlic salt

Directions:

1. Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Form the Dough: Add melted butter, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes by hand or 4 minutes in a mixer.

3. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour, until doubled.

4. Shape: Divide into 10–12 pieces. Roll into 6–7-inch ropes. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise 20 minutes.

5. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F and bake 11–13 minutes, until golden.

6. Garlic Butter Glaze: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and sea salt.

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip browning the butter — it makes the flavor incredible.

• Bone broth = bonus protein and a naturally richer broth.

• Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken, pre shredded carrots

• For a luxe twist, top each bowl with a drizzle of cream and shaved Parmesan.

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