5 Delicious Olive Garden Soup Recipes You Must Try

Olive Garden has carved a niche for itself in the world of casual dining with its iconic, Italian-American dishes. One of the standout features of their menu is the assortment of hearty, flavorsome soups that warm and satisfy with each spoonful. If you're a soup enthusiast or simply someone looking to replicate Olive Garden's cozy atmosphere at home, here are five delectable soup recipes that are worth a try.

Zuppa Toscana - The Creamy Sausage and Kale Delight

Zuppa Toscana is perhaps one of the most beloved soups from Olive Garden's menu, with its perfect blend of spicy Italian sausage, creamy broth, tender potatoes, and hearty kale.

• Ingredients: Italian sausage, bacon, onion, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, potatoes, kale, red pepper flakes.
• Steps:
  1. Brown the sausage and bacon, then set aside.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic in the sausage/bacon fat until translucent.
  3. Add broth and potatoes, cook until potatoes are tender.
  4. Reduce heat, add cream, sausage, bacon, and kale. Season with pepper flakes.

🥣 Note: For an extra creamy texture, mash some of the potatoes before adding kale.

Chicken Gnocchi - A Comforting Classic

Chicken Gnocchi soup combines the softness of gnocchi with a rich, velvety chicken broth, making it a comforting classic.

• Ingredients: Chicken, gnocchi, spinach, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, chicken broth, half-and-half, thyme, flour.
• Steps:
  1. Cook chicken and set aside to cool, then shred or cut into pieces.
  2. Sauté onions, celery, and carrots until soft, add garlic.
  3. Create a roux with flour, then slowly add chicken broth while stirring.
  4. Simmer, then add chicken, gnocchi, spinach, half-and-half, and seasonings.

Minestrone - The Hearty Vegetable Choice

Minestrone is known for its robust vegetable content and a deep, flavorful broth that's accentuated with beans, pasta, and a medley of greens.

• Ingredients: Olive oil, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, tomatoes, broth, spinach, zucchini, cannellini beans, ditalini pasta, Italian seasoning.
• Steps:
  1. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  3. Add beans, zucchini, spinach, and pasta. Season and cook until pasta is tender.
  4. Serve with grated Parmesan on top.

Pasta e Fagioli - A Comforting Pasta and Bean Soup

This Tuscan classic, also known as "pasta with beans," is known for its comforting nature and the combination of ditalini pasta with cannellini beans.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, beef stock, ditalini pasta, spices.
• Steps:
  1. Brown the beef and drain fat. Sauté vegetables.
  2. Add beef back, tomatoes, beans, and beef stock. Season well.
  3. Let it simmer, then add pasta. Cook until pasta is al dente.

Italian Wedding Soup - Elegant Yet Rustic

Italian Wedding Soup brings together mini meatballs, spinach, and small pasta in a delightful, clear chicken broth.

• Ingredients: Ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, spinach, orzo or acini di pepe pasta, chicken broth, carrots, onions, garlic, parsley.
• Steps:
  1. Prepare and bake mini meatballs.
  2. Sauté onions, carrots, and garlic.
  3. Add broth, bring to a simmer, then add meatballs and pasta.
  4. Once pasta is cooked, add spinach, let wilt, and serve.

The beauty of these recipes lies not only in their delicious taste but also in the versatility they offer. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, looking for a comforting meal on a cold day, or simply wanting to impress with your culinary skills, Olive Garden's soups provide a canvas for home cooks to explore and personalize. Each soup can be adapted with your favorite ingredients or dietary preferences, making them a staple in the kitchen. Enjoy the process of creating these heartwarming dishes and savor the delicious results with your loved ones.

Can I make these soups vegetarian?

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Yes, most of these soups can be adapted to vegetarian diets by substituting meat with plant-based alternatives or by omitting meat entirely.

How long will these soups last in the fridge?

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If stored properly in an airtight container, these soups can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze these soups for later use?

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Absolutely, with the exception of soups with dairy or cream. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool them completely before freezing.