Olive Garden’s Italian Sausage Soup has a special place in the hearts of many. It’s one of those dishes that instantly transports you to a cozy Italian kitchen, brimming with rich flavors and heartwarming aromas. For years, this beloved soup has been a staple on the Olive Garden menu, and it’s no surprise why-it’s a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and a bit of spice. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting on a chilly day or you simply want a meal that’s both filling and flavorful, this soup ticks all the boxes. Plus, making it at home means you can enjoy that restaurant-quality taste without ever leaving your kitchen.
In this detailed guide, we’re going to break down the Olive Garden Italian Sausage Soup Recipe from start to finish. We’ll explore every ingredient, every step, and even some expert tips to help you recreate this classic dish with your own personal touch. You’ll be whipping up a pot of hearty Italian goodness in no time, impressing friends and family or just treating yourself to a bowl of deliciousness. Let’s dive in!
Olive Garden Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
This recipe mimics the beloved soup served at Olive Garden with a homemade touch. It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients Needed
- Italian sausage (bulk or casing removed): The heart of the soup, giving it that rich, savory flavor. You can choose mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the base of the soup without overpowering the other flavors.
- Half-and-half: The creamy element that gives this soup its luscious texture, creating that comforting, smooth consistency.
- Potatoes: Diced, these provide a hearty and filling component, making the soup even more satisfying.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to balance the richness of the sausage and cream.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to building the soup’s aromatic base, adding a punch of flavor.
- Kale: A hearty leafy green that holds up well in the soup, adding a bit of earthiness and texture.
- Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that brings everything together with a salty, nutty kick.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For a little extra heat, depending on how spicy you like your soup.
Cooking Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown it until it’s fully cooked and slightly crispy, about 7-10 minutes.
- Sauté the aromatics: Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the potatoes and broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the cream: Once the potatoes are soft, add in the half-and-half, stirring to combine. Let the soup simmer on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the kale: Stir in the kale and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until it wilts down and becomes tender.
- Season: Taste your soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. Serve hot with some crusty bread for dipping!
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this soup plays an important role in creating a balanced, flavorful dish:
- Italian Sausage: This is the soul of the soup, and the flavor will vary depending on whether you use mild or spicy sausage. The fat content in the sausage also helps give the soup a rich mouthfeel.
- Chicken Broth: A simple broth like chicken works perfectly to keep the soup light but flavorful. It provides a savory foundation without being overwhelming, allowing the other ingredients to shine.
- Half-and-half: This ingredient strikes the perfect balance between heavy cream and milk, giving the soup that dreamy, velvety texture without being too rich. If you want a lighter version, you can use whole milk instead.
- Potatoes: Potatoes absorb the flavors of the soup, making every bite hearty and satisfying. They add substance and make the soup more filling, especially if you’re serving it as a main dish.
- Kale: Not only is kale nutritious, but it’s also tough enough to stand up to the heat of the soup without wilting into mush. It adds a nice green element to the dish, both in flavor and in color.
Expert Tips
- Cook the sausage well: Don’t be afraid to let the sausage get a little crispy on the edges when you brown it. This caramelization adds great depth of flavor to the soup.
- Customize the heat: If you prefer a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add more crushed red pepper flakes. If you’re looking for a milder dish, stick with the mild sausage and go easy on the pepper flakes.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Consider making it in advance and letting it sit in the fridge overnight.
- Adjust the creaminess: If you like your soup extra creamy, you can increase the amount of half-and-half. For a lighter version, use milk or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk.
- Garnish with extras: A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can elevate the presentation of this soup. You can even add more Parmesan for extra indulgence!
Recipe Variations
This soup is wonderfully adaptable, so don’t hesitate to get creative with substitutions or additions:
- Vegetarian version: Use a plant-based sausage or omit the sausage entirely for a vegetarian version. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms to fill the gap.
- Swap the greens: If you’re not a fan of kale, you can substitute it with spinach or even Swiss chard. Both greens will work beautifully in the soup.
- Use different potatoes: While russet potatoes are commonly used, you can experiment with red potatoes or Yukon Golds for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Add some beans: For added protein and fiber, consider tossing in a can of cannellini beans or garbanzo beans.
- Make it spicy: If you love a kick of spice, try adding fresh jalapeños or a touch of hot sauce to really dial up the heat.
Final Words
Making Olive Garden’s Italian Sausage Soup at home is not only rewarding but also incredibly satisfying. The rich, savory flavors meld perfectly together, and it’s a dish that is sure to please almost any palate. Whether you’re cooking for a family, hosting a dinner party, or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe is bound to be a hit.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Olive Garden’s Italian Sausage Soup?
The main ingredients for Olive Garden’s Italian Sausage Soup include Italian sausage, chicken broth, heavy cream, kale, potatoes, onion, garlic, and a combination of seasoning such as salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Some recipes also include parmesan cheese and parsley for garnish.
Can I Make Olive Garden’s Italian Sausage Soup With Turkey Sausage?
Yes, you can substitute regular Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner version of the soup. Keep in mind that turkey sausage may have a slightly different flavor, but it will still create a delicious and lighter version of the soup.
How Do I Make Olive Garden Italian Sausage Soup In A Slow Cooker?
To make this soup in a slow cooker, brown the Italian sausage in a skillet first. Then, add all the ingredients (chicken broth, potatoes, onions, garlic, seasonings, etc.) into the slow cooker, including the cooked sausage. Set the slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the kale and heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I Use Frozen Kale In Olive Garden Italian Sausage Soup?
Yes, frozen kale can be used in place of fresh kale. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup. This can be a convenient option if fresh kale is not available.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream For Olive Garden Italian Sausage Soup?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half, milk, or even a non-dairy cream substitute like coconut cream. The texture and richness may differ slightly, but the soup will still be creamy and flavorful.
Can I Make Olive Garden Italian Sausage Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, Olive Garden Italian Sausage Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen and improve after sitting overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers Of Olive Garden Italian Sausage Soup?
Leftover Olive Garden Italian Sausage Soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
What Kind Of Potatoes Should I Use For Olive Garden Italian Sausage Soup?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for Olive Garden Italian Sausage Soup. These potatoes hold up well during cooking and provide a creamy texture when simmered in the soup. You can either peel them or leave the skins on, depending on your preference.
Can I Make Olive Garden Italian Sausage Soup Spicy?
Yes, you can make the soup spicier by adding more crushed red pepper flakes, or even by including diced jalapeños or chili peppers. Adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.
Is Olive Garden Italian Sausage Soup Gluten-free?
The standard version of Olive Garden Italian Sausage Soup contains potatoes, which are naturally gluten-free, and does not include any flour-based ingredients. However, it’s always important to check the sausage packaging for any hidden gluten-containing ingredients if you need to ensure it’s 100% gluten-free.