Olive Garden Soup Recipe Made Easy for Beginners
Love Olive Garden’s famous soups? This easy homemade version brings restaurant-style comfort right to your kitchen—without the fuss. With tender potatoes, hearty sausage, and a creamy, flavorful broth, this beginner-friendly recipe tastes just like the real deal and comes together in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients List
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 small potatoes, sliced thin
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup chopped kale or spinach
½ cup heavy cream
Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Stir in sliced potatoes, chicken broth, water, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Add chopped kale or spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes until wilted.
Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and let it warm through.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings
Makes 4 servings
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 380
Carbs: 22g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 25g
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days
Reheat on the stove over low heat
Not ideal for freezing due to dairy, but can be frozen before cream is added
Pairings/Suggestions
Serve with breadsticks or a simple side salad
Top with crushed red pepper or extra cheese for added flavor
Swap sausage with ground turkey for a lighter version
Seasonal Relevance
Comforting year-round, but especially cozy in fall and winter
Perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or beginner cooks learning soup basics
Conclusion
This beginner-friendly Olive Garden soup recipe is warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. With just a few simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal right at home—no reservations needed.
Olive Garden Soup Recipe Made Easy for Beginners
4
servings10
minutes25
minutes380
kcalThis beginner-friendly Olive Garden soup is rich, hearty, and full of flavor—an easy homemade version of a restaurant favorite.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 small potatoes, sliced thin
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup chopped kale or spinach
½ cup heavy cream
Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in sliced potatoes, chicken broth, water, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add chopped kale or spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and let it warm through.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use Yukon gold or red potatoes for best texture
Add more broth if you prefer a thinner consistency
Double the recipe for meal prep or leftovers
FAQs
Q1: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, though the soup will be slightly less rich.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes—use veggie sausage and broth, and skip the cream or use plant-based alternatives.
Q3: Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes—just adjust the cooking time and check for doneness.
