Olive garden soup

10 Best Olive Garden Soup Recipes You Can Make Easily at Home

Olive Garden soups are loved for one simple reason—they’re comforting, flavorful, and feel like a warm hug in a bowl. From creamy classics to hearty vegetable-packed options, these soups have become favorites for family dinners, cozy nights, and meal prep.

The good news? You don’t need to visit the restaurant to enjoy them. Many Olive Garden–style soups are surprisingly easy to make at home using simple ingredients and one pot.

Below are the 10 best Olive Garden-inspired soup recipes you can recreate easily, whether you love creamy comfort food or lighter, veggie-rich bowls.

1. Zuppa Toscana Soup

Zuppa Toscana is one of the most popular Olive Garden soups of all time. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor from Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and leafy greens in a creamy broth.

Zuppa Toscana Soup

Ingredients

  • Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • Onion (finely chopped)
  • Garlic (chopped)
  • Potatoes (sliced or cut into small pieces)
  • Chicken broth
  • Cream
  • Kale (remove hard stems)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Optional: chili flakes, crispy bacon bits

Easy Cooking Steps

  1. Cook the sausage in a big pot until brown. Take it out and keep aside.
  2. In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Cook until soft.
  3. Add potatoes and chicken broth. Let it cook until potatoes are soft.
  4. Add kale and cook for 1–2 minutes until it becomes soft.
  5. Pour in the cream and add the sausage back to the pot.
  6. Add salt and pepper. Heat gently and turn off the stove.

Why people love it

  • Bold, savory flavor
  • Filling enough for a full meal
  • Perfect for cold evenings

2. Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This creamy soup combines tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a smooth, comforting broth. It’s mild, rich, and loved by both kids and adults.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients

  • Cooked chicken (shredded)
  • Oil or butter
  • Onion (finely chopped)
  • Garlic (chopped)
  • Carrots (small pieces)
  • Celery (sliced)
  • Chicken broth
  • Gnocchi (potato dumplings)
  • Cream
  • Spinach (chopped)
  • Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning

Easy Cooking Steps

  1. Heat oil or butter in a pot. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft.
  2. Add chicken broth and shredded chicken. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
  3. Add gnocchi and cook until they float on top.
  4. Lower the heat and add cream. Stir gently.
  5. Add spinach and cook until it becomes soft.
  6. Add salt, pepper, and seasoning. Turn off the heat.

Why people love it

  • Creamy but not overpowering
  • Soft, pillowy gnocchi texture
  • Feels like comfort food in every bite

3. Minestrone Soup

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is a lighter option loaded with vegetables, beans, pasta, and a tomato-based broth. It’s naturally vegetarian and easy to customize.

Minestrone Soup

Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • Onion (finely chopped)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Carrots (small pieces)
  • Celery (chopped)
  • Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Beans (cannellini or kidney beans)
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Small pasta (elbow or ditalini)
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Easy Cooking Steps

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft.
  2. If using meat, add it now and cook until brown. Remove extra oil if needed.
  3. Add tomatoes, beans, broth, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
  4. Add pasta and cook until the pasta is soft.
  5. Add salt and pepper. Mix well and turn off the heat.
  6. Sprinkle parsley or basil on top if you like. Serve hot.

Why people love it

  • Healthy and filling
  • Great for meal prep
  • Packed with vegetables and fiber

4. Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty soup made with beans, pasta, vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It’s rustic, comforting, and perfect with crusty bread.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Ingredients

  • Oil
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Garlic (chopped)
  • Carrot (small pieces)
  • Celery (optional)
  • Ground meat or sausage (optional)
  • Tomatoes (chopped or canned)
  • Beans (any beans you like)
  • Water or broth
  • Small pasta
  • Salt and pepper

Easy Steps

  1. Heat oil in a pot. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft.
  2. Add carrot and celery. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
  3. If using meat, add it now and cook until done.
  4. Add tomatoes, beans, and water or broth. Let it boil.
  5. Add pasta and cook until pasta is soft.
  6. Add salt and pepper. Mix well and turn off heat.

Serve

Serve hot with bread. Simple, filling, and very tasty

Why people love it

  • Thick and satisfying
  • Rich Italian-style flavor
  • Budget-friendly ingredients

5. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Inspired by classic Italian flavors, this creamy tomato basil soup is smooth, slightly tangy, and incredibly comforting. It pairs perfectly with bread or sandwiches.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients

  • Olive oil or butter
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Garlic (chopped)
  • Tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • Vegetable or chicken broth
  • Heavy cream or milk
  • Dried or fresh basil
  • Salt and black pepper

Easy Cooking Steps

  1. Heat oil or butter in a pot. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft.
  2. Add tomatoes and broth. Let it boil, then simmer for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Blend the soup until smooth (careful, it’s hot).
  4. Put the soup back on low heat and add cream or milk.
  5. Add basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and turn off the heat.

Serve

Serve hot with bread or grilled cheese. Creamy, simple, and comforting

Why people love it

  • Simple and flavorful
  • Perfect comfort soup
  • Quick and easy to make

6. Italian Sausage and Bean Soup

This hearty soup combines Italian sausage with beans, vegetables, and a savory broth. It’s bold, filling, and full of comforting flavors.

Italian Sausage and Bean Soup

Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • Italian sausage (sliced or crumbled)
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Garlic (chopped)
  • Carrots (small pieces)
  • Beans (white or kidney beans)
  • Tomatoes (chopped or canned)
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Spinach or kale (optional)

Easy Cooking Steps

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot. Add sausage and cook until brown.
  2. Add onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook until soft.
  3. Add tomatoes, beans, broth, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
  4. Let the soup boil, then simmer for 10–15 minutes.
  5. Add salt and pepper. Add spinach or kale if using and cook until soft.
  6. Turn off heat and serve hot.

Why people love it

  • High-protein and filling
  • Deep, savory taste
  • Great for dinner leftovers

7. Chicken and Vegetable Soup (Italian-Style)

This Olive Garden-inspired soup features tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a lightly seasoned broth. It’s comforting without being heavy.

Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

  • Oil or butter
  • Chicken (small pieces or shredded)
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Garlic (chopped)
  • Carrots (small pieces)
  • Potatoes (optional)
  • Mixed vegetables (beans, peas, corn, etc.)
  • Chicken broth or water
  • Salt and black pepper

Easy Cooking Steps

  1. Heat oil or butter in a pot. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft.
  2. Add chicken and cook until it turns white.
  3. Add carrots, potatoes, and mixed vegetables. Stir well.
  4. Add broth or water. Let it boil, then simmer until chicken and vegetables are cooked.
  5. Add salt and pepper. Mix and turn off heat.

Why people love it

  • Light but satisfying
  • Family-friendly flavors
  • Easy to customize with vegetables

8. Creamy Chicken and Spinach Soup

This soup blends chicken, spinach, and a creamy broth for a smooth and comforting bowl. It’s similar in style to Olive Garden’s creamy soups but with a simpler approach.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Soup

Ingredients

  • Oil or butter
  • Chicken (small pieces or shredded)
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Garlic (chopped)
  • Chicken broth or water
  • Milk or cream
  • Spinach (chopped)
  • Salt and black pepper

Easy Cooking Steps

  1. Heat oil or butter in a pot. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft.
  2. Add chicken and cook until it turns white.
  3. Add broth or water. Let it boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Add milk or cream and mix gently.
  5. Add spinach and cook until soft.
  6. Add salt and pepper. Turn off heat.

Why people love it

  • Creamy and cozy
  • Great for quick dinners
  • Comfort food without too much heaviness

9. Italian Wedding Soup (Olive Garden Style)

This soup features small meatballs, greens, and tiny pasta in a flavorful broth. It’s filling, balanced, and perfect for soup lovers.

Italian Wedding Soup

Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • Small meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Garlic (chopped)
  • Carrots (small pieces)
  • Chicken broth
  • Small pasta (acini di pepe or orzo)
  • Spinach (chopped)
  • Salt and black pepper

Easy Cooking Steps

  1. Heat oil in a pot. Add onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook until soft.
  2. Add meatballs and cook for a few minutes.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and let it boil.
  4. Add pasta and cook until soft.
  5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  6. Add salt and pepper. Turn off heat.

Why people love it

  • Protein-packed
  • Balanced with greens and pasta
  • Works as a main dish

10. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

A lighter, refreshing option inspired by Italian flavors, lemon chicken orzo soup combines tender chicken, pasta, and a bright citrus broth.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Ingredients

  • Olive oil or butter
  • Chicken (small pieces or shredded)
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Garlic (chopped)
  • Carrots (small pieces)
  • Chicken broth or water
  • Orzo pasta
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Easy Cooking Steps

  1. Heat oil or butter in a pot. Add onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook until soft.
  2. Add chicken and cook until it turns white.
  3. Add broth or water. Let it boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Add orzo pasta and cook until soft.
  5. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  6. Turn off heat and add parsley if using.

Why people love it

  • Fresh and light
  • Comforting without being creamy
  • Perfect year-round

Tips for Making Olive Garden–Style Soups at Home

  • Use good-quality broth for the best flavor
  • Add pasta near the end to avoid overcooking
  • Season gradually and taste as you go
  • Let soups rest for a few minutes before serving
  • Serve with breadsticks or crusty bread for a restaurant-style experience

What to Serve with Olive Garden Soups

These soups pair beautifully with:

  • Garlic bread or breadsticks
  • Classic Italian salad
  • Simple pasta dishes
  • Grated Parmesan or fresh herbs

Final Thoughts

These 10 best Olive Garden soup recipes prove that you can enjoy restaurant-style comfort food right at home. Whether you prefer creamy classics like Zuppa Toscana and Chicken Gnocchi or lighter options like Minestrone, there’s a soup here for every taste and season.

Easy to make, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying—these soups are perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and cozy nights in.

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