Olive Garden Copycat Soup Recipe

If you love Olive Garden’s hearty, comforting soups, this copycat recipe will bring the same delicious flavors to your home. Whether you’re craving Zuppa Toscana, Chicken Gnocchi Soup, or Pasta e Fagioli, this guide will help you recreate the restaurant’s signature soups with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality at Home – Enjoy the same rich flavors without leaving your kitchen.
• Budget-Friendly – Make multiple servings for a fraction of the cost.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and steps for a hassle-free meal.
• Customizable – Adjust seasonings, proteins, or pasta to fit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Great for leftovers and freezing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For Zuppa Toscana (Sausage & Kale Soup)

• Italian sausage
• Potatoes, sliced
• Kale, chopped
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

For Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• Potato gnocchi
• Carrots, shredded
• Celery, chopped
• Spinach, chopped
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Butter
• Flour (for thickening)

For Pasta e Fagioli (Hearty Bean & Pasta Soup)

• Ground beef
• Onion, diced
• Carrots, diced
• Celery, chopped
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Canned kidney beans
• Canned great northern beans
• Tomato sauce
• Chicken or beef broth
• Small pasta (like ditalini)
• Italian seasoning

Directions

Zuppa Toscana

1. Cook the sausage – In a large pot, brown the sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Remove excess grease.
2. Sauté onions and garlic – Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
3. Add broth and potatoes – Pour in chicken broth and add sliced potatoes. Simmer until tender.
4. Stir in kale and cream – Add chopped kale and heavy cream, stirring until heated through.
5. Serve – Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1. Sauté veggies – In a large pot, cook onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in butter until soft.
2. Thicken the base – Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually add chicken broth.
3. Add chicken and gnocchi – Stir in shredded chicken and potato gnocchi, simmering until gnocchi is tender.
4. Finish with cream and spinach – Add heavy cream and spinach, cooking until heated through.
5. Serve – Enjoy warm with parmesan and fresh herbs.

Pasta e Fagioli

1. Brown the beef – In a large pot, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté veggies – Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened.
3. Add tomatoes and broth – Stir in canned tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce, and broth.
4. Simmer and cook pasta – Add Italian seasoning and let simmer. Cook pasta separately and stir in before serving.
5. Serve – Enjoy warm with grated parmesan and fresh basil.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-55 minutes

Variations

• Make it Spicy – Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free gnocchi or pasta.
• Vegetarian Version – Swap sausage or beef for plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
• Freezing: Soups with cream may separate when frozen. Freeze before adding cream, then stir it in when reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients (except cream and pasta) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in cream before serving.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

For a thicker consistency, add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with water) or let the soup simmer longer.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but soak them overnight and cook them separately before adding to the soup.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk can work.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! Thaw and drain frozen spinach before adding it to the soup.

What’s the best pasta for Pasta e Fagioli?

Ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni are great options.

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Yes! Shred the meat and add it in at the end of cooking.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving.

What side dishes go well with these soups?

Garlic bread, breadsticks, or a fresh salad pair perfectly.

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage in Zuppa Toscana?

Yes! It’s a great lighter alternative while keeping the same great flavor.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Copycat Soups are the perfect way to enjoy restaurant-quality comfort food at home. Whether you’re craving a creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a hearty Pasta e Fagioli, or the rich flavors of Zuppa Toscana, these recipes bring the warmth and flavor of your favorite Italian restaurant straight to your kitchen. Try them all and find your favorite!

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