Get ready to indulge in a world of creamy, dreamy soups that will transport you straight to Olive Garden! As a fan of their signature dishes, we’ve gathered 20 mouthwatering soup recipes for you to try at home. From classic Minestrone to loaded Baked Potato Soup and Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup, these creations are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting or a lighter, fresher option, we’ve got you covered with our collection of creamy Olive Garden-inspired soups. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of pasta-filled soups, vegetable-packed broths, and rich, cheesy delights that are sure to become new favorites.
So grab a spoon, get cozy, and let’s explore these 20 Creamy Olive Garden Soup Recipes You’ll Love!
Zuppa Toscana with Italian Sausage and Kale
This hearty soup combines the flavors of Italy with the comfort of a warm, creamy broth. Sliced Italian sausage and curly kale add depth and texture to this rich and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh kale
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon as it cooks, until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and chopped kale; season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This hearty and comforting soup combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich creamy broth that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 large celery stalk, chopped
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup gnocchi (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chicken, carrots, celery, and garlic until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and gnocchi. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the gnocchi are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Classic Olive Garden Minestrone
This hearty Italian-inspired soup is a staple of Olive Garden restaurants, packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. With its comforting flavors and satisfying texture, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup cooked kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup small pasta shapes (such as elbow macaroni or ditalini)
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pasta, basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tuscan White Bean and Pancetta Soup
Savor the rich flavors of Italy with this comforting and easy-to-make soup, featuring creamy cannellini beans, crispy pancetta, and aromatic vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 6 slices pancetta, diced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add the onions and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the soaked cannellini beans, chicken broth, white wine (if using), and thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are tender.
4. Stir in the cooked pancetta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Warm up with this creamy, flavorful soup that’s packed with the comforting goodness of baked potatoes, topped with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 large baking potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in butter until softened.
3. Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, milk, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Top with crumbled bacon and shredded cheese. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pasta e Fagioli with Ground Beef
A classic Italian comfort food dish that combines tender pasta, creamy beans, and rich ground beef in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup small pasta shapes (e.g., elbow macaroni)
– 1 cup cooked kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add onion and garlic to the pot; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Combine cooked pasta and sauce; simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
A classic comfort soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening or as a starter for your next dinner party, this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a flavorful and satisfying treat. With the sweetness of tomatoes, the brightness of fresh basil, and the richness of heavy cream, you’ll be hooked from the first spoonful.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 sprigs fresh basil, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a blender; puree until smooth.
4. Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Warm up with this hearty, spicy soup that combines the flavors of sausage, tortellini, and rich broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup water
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 oz cheese-filled tortellini
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, water, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Cook tortellini according to package instructions.
6. Add cooked sausage and tortellini to the soup; warm through.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Soup
A rich and creamy soup that’s perfect for a cozy evening, this roasted garlic and parmesan soup combines the pungency of roasted garlic with the nutty flavor of parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 heads of garlic
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the top off each head of garlic, exposing the cloves.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
4. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion in a little oil until softened.
5. Add the roasted garlic, broth, and cream to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Vegetable Lentil Soup with Italian Herbs
A hearty and comforting soup that combines the nutritional benefits of lentils with the rich flavors of Italy.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful soup that combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a blend of vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, onions)
– 1 cup wild rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the wild rice, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the rice is tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Bacon
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Bacon Recipe
This comforting soup combines the richness of cheddar cheese, the crunch of crispy bacon, and the tender sweetness of broccoli, all in one delicious pot. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for an extra rich soup)
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add broccoli, garlic, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
3. Stir in milk (or heavy cream) and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and additional cheddar cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This refreshing soup is perfect for a light and satisfying meal on a chilly day. With the bright flavors of lemon, garlic, and herbs, you’ll be craving a bowl of this goodness all year round.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the onion, garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes).
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pumpkin Sage Soup with Croutons
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful soup, perfect for the fall season. Roasted pumpkin, sage, and crispy croutons come together to create a deliciously autumnal treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 small pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Crouton ingredients: 1/2 baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss pumpkin with olive oil, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes.
3. In a blender or food processor, puree roasted pumpkin mixture until smooth.
4. In a pot, combine pureed pumpkin, chicken broth, heavy cream, and dried sage. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
5. Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add baguette cubes and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir Parmesan cheese into croutons and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Beef and Barley Soup with Mushrooms
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of tender beef, nutty barley, and earthy mushrooms. A delicious and filling meal for a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup pearled barley
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef in a little oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic; cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the beef broth, barley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the barley is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: About 2 hours
Spinach and Artichoke Soup
Warm up with this rich and creamy soup, perfect for a cozy night in or as an appetizer for your next gathering. This spinach and artichoke combination is a twist on the classic dip, turned into a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add artichoke hearts, spinach, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until spinach is wilted.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Stir in heavy cream; season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Bisque
A vibrant and flavorful soup that combines the sweetness of roasted red peppers with the tanginess of fresh tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
– 3 cups mixed tomatoes (fresh or canned)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss red peppers with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast peppers for 30-40 minutes, or until charred and blistered.
4. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in remaining olive oil over medium heat until softened.
5. Add roasted red peppers, mixed tomatoes, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot.
6. Bring soup to a simmer, then reduce heat and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
7. Blend soup with an immersion blender or transfer it to a blender in batches, blending until smooth.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Clam Chowder with Garlic Bread
A classic comfort food recipe that combines the flavors of fresh clams, potatoes, and creamy broth with a crispy garlic bread to mop it all up.
Ingredients:
For the Clam Chowder:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 cups clam juice
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Bread:
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and clams; cook for 2-3 minutes or until shells open.
4. Whisk in flour; gradually add milk and clam juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
5. For the Garlic Bread: Mix minced garlic with softened butter. Spread on bread slices and bake for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Soup
Savor the rich flavors of caramelized onions and melted Gruyère in this comforting soup, perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.
Ingredients:
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
2. Add the broth and heavy cream to the saucepan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and add the grated Gruyère cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or croutons if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Herbed Mushroom and Farro Soup
A hearty and comforting soup that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the nutty goodness of farro, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup farro
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the farro, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the farro is tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cozy up with these creamy Olive Garden-inspired soup recipes! From classic Minestrone to Spicy Sausage and Tortellini, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy hearty bowls like Zuppa Toscana with Italian sausage and kale, Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, or Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Or try some unique flavors like Roasted Garlic and Parmesan, Vegetable Lentil with Italian Herbs, or Pumpkin Sage with Croutons. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or adventurous and new, these 20 recipes are sure to hit the spot.
