Olive Garden Soup Recipe (with Video)

Olive Garden Soup Recipe: Who doesn’t love a warm, hearty bowl of soup from Olive Garden? Whether it’s their creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup or the rich and spicy Zuppa Toscana, these soups are perfect for cozy nights or family dinners. The best part? You can make them right at home!

Homemade Olive Garden soups not only save you money but also allow you to customize the ingredients to suit your taste. Plus, they’re healthier since you can control the amount of salt, fat, and preservatives.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most popular Olive Garden soup recipes so you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your kitchen.

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup

Zuppa Toscana is one of the most-loved soups at Olive Garden. It’s a creamy, slightly spicy soup made with sausage, potatoes, and kale.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups water
• 4 medium russet potatoes, sliced thin
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon and Sausage:
   • In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
   • In the same pot, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   • Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Broth:
   • Pour in chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil.
4. Add Potatoes:
   • Add thinly sliced potatoes and let them cook until tender (about 10-15 minutes).
5. Stir in Kale and Cream:
   • Add the chopped kale and cooked bacon. Stir well.
   • Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Final Simmer:
   • Simmer for another 5 minutes, then serve hot!

Pro Tips:

• Use fresh kale for the best taste.
• If you like it extra spicy, add more red pepper flakes.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.

Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Soup

This classic Italian soup is packed with pasta, beans, ground beef, and a rich tomato broth.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Beef:
   • Brown the ground beef in a pot over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   • Add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Broth:
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Add Beans and Pasta:
   • Add the drained beans and ditalini pasta. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10-12 minutes.
5. Season and Serve:
   • Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
   • Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese!

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creamy, hearty, and full of flavor, this soup is a favorite for many!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Simmer the Broth:
   • Add chicken broth, shredded chicken, and carrots. Bring to a boil.
3. Cook Gnocchi:
   • Stir in gnocchi and cook until they float (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add Cream and Spinach:
   • Pour in heavy cream and add spinach. Stir well.
5. Season and Serve:
   • Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Serve hot!

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

A classic vegetable soup that’s hearty and full of flavor!

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup small pasta
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
   • Cook until soft, then add zucchini and sauté for 5 minutes.
2. Simmer the Broth:
   • Add tomatoes, beans, and broth. Bring to a boil.
3. Cook Pasta:
   • Stir in pasta and cook until tender.
4. Season and Serve:
   • Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Serve hot!

Additional Tips for Perfecting Olive Garden Soups

Want to take your homemade Olive Garden soups to the next level? Here are some expert tips and tricks to ensure your soups turn out just as delicious as the restaurant versions—or even better!

How to Store Leftovers

Olive Garden soups can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later use. Here’s how to do it properly:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: Most soups freeze well, except those with cream (like Zuppa Toscana and Chicken Gnocchi). If freezing creamy soups, omit the dairy and add it when reheating.

Best Side Dishes to Serve

Pairing your homemade soup with the right side dishes makes for a complete meal. Here are some great options:

• Garlic Bread: The classic Olive Garden side! Make your own with butter, garlic, and fresh parsley.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with Italian dressing balances out hearty soups.
• Breadsticks: Soft, fluffy breadsticks make a great dipper for any of these soups.
• Crackers: Simple saltine or butter crackers add a nice crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps:

• Heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
• Italian sausage: Try turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a healthier option.
• Kale: Spinach works well as an alternative.
• Pasta: Use any small pasta shape if ditalini isn’t available.

FAQs about Olive Garden Soup Recipe

What are the key ingredients in Olive Garden’s soup recipes?

Olive Garden’s soups are renowned for their rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Common staples include Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, garlic, and an array of spices. Each recipe varies slightly to offer a unique taste, such as the creamy chicken gnocchi soup or the robust Zuppa Toscana.

How can I make Olive Garden soup at home?

Making Olive Garden soup at home is straightforward. Start by gathering all necessary ingredients, such as meats, vegetables, broth, and spices. Cook the meats until well-browned, add vegetables and sauté, then pour in the broth and let simmer. Follow specific recipe steps for each soup variety, like adding cream or pasta at the right times.

Are Olive Garden soup recipes healthy?

Olive Garden soups can be adapted to fit a healthier diet. For a lower calorie option, you can substitute ingredients like heavy cream with low-fat alternatives, or increase the proportion of vegetables. Additionally, watch the salt content by using low-sodium broths.

Can I freeze Olive Garden soup?

Yes, most Olive Garden soups freeze well. Cool the soup completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen. Properly stored, the soup can last for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in a microwave until thoroughly warm.

What makes Olive Garden soup unique?

Olive Garden soups stand out due to their authentic Italian flavors, generous use of spices, and the hearty, comforting nature of each bowl. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods ensures a delicious dining experience that brings people back time and again.

Conclusion

Making Olive Garden’s famous soups at home is easier than you think! With the step-by-step recipes for Zuppa Toscana, Pasta e Fagioli, Chicken Gnocchi, and Minestrone Soup, you can recreate restaurant-quality flavors in your own kitchen.

These homemade soups are not only delicious but also budget-friendly, customizable, and healthier than dining out. Try them with garlic bread or salad for a complete meal, and store leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Now that you have all the recipes, which one will you try first? Give them a shot, and enjoy the warm, comforting taste of Olive Garden soups from the comfort of your home!