Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup but want to stick to your keto lifestyle? You’re in for a treat! The famous Olive Garden Tuscan Soup, known for its rich flavor and creamy texture, can easily be adapted to a keto-friendly version. This creamy, hearty soup is typically filled with potatoes, beans, and other carb-heavy ingredients, but with a few simple swaps, you can still enjoy all the comforting flavors without derailing your diet.
Imagine a deliciously creamy broth infused with savory bacon, tender chicken, and fresh greens-without the guilt! Let’s break it down and make sure you can whip up this keto-friendly version of Olive Garden’s beloved Tuscan Soup in your own kitchen.
Olive Garden Tuscan Soup Keto Recipe
The great thing about this recipe is that it keeps all the signature elements that make the soup so irresistible-rich cream, savory bacon, and a burst of flavors from the seasonings-while replacing high-carb ingredients with keto-approved options. This recipe takes inspiration from the Olive Garden version but omits the carbs and keeps the focus on flavor and satisfaction.
Ingredients Needed
To recreate this delightful soup in a keto-friendly way, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: Chicken provides lean protein and a savory base for the soup. You can use either breast or thighs, depending on your preference.
- Bacon: A little bacon goes a long way to bring smokiness and a crispy crunch. It’s a key ingredient that complements the creamy broth.
- Heavy Cream: This rich cream creates that luscious, velvety texture. It’s essential for the creamy consistency that makes this soup so comforting.
- Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, adding a savory depth. Opt for low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Spinach: A great low-carb veggie option to add some color and a hint of earthiness to balance out the richness of the broth.
- Cauliflower: This acts as a substitute for potatoes, providing a similar texture and body without the carbs.
- Onions and Garlic: These aromatics enhance the flavor profile of the soup and give it a fragrant, savory base.
- Herbs and Seasonings: You’ll need dried thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to get that signature Tuscan flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty taste that enhances the creamy broth.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to make your own keto-friendly version of the Tuscan Soup:
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Prepare The Chicken And Bacon
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the pot, crumble, and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chicken (either whole breasts or thighs) and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the diced onions and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add in the cauliflower florets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Make The Soup Base
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to soften.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the cauliflower until it reaches a chunky, mashed potato-like texture (this helps mimic the texture of traditional potato-based soups).
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Add The Cream And Seasonings
- Pour in the heavy cream, and stir in the thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes, making sure the flavors meld together.
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Finish The Soup
- Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back into the pot along with the spinach.
- Stir the soup until the spinach wilts down into the broth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through.
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Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parmesan or bacon if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients in this recipe and how they contribute to the keto-friendly nature of the soup:
- Cauliflower: A superstar in low-carb cooking, cauliflower is incredibly versatile. It’s a great substitute for potatoes or rice in a variety of dishes, including soups. When cooked down and mashed, it mimics the texture of potatoes without all the carbs.
- Heavy Cream: This is your creamy base for the soup. High in fat but low in carbs, heavy cream helps make this soup ultra-satisfying, providing the indulgent richness that you crave on keto.
- Bacon: Not only does bacon provide a smoky flavor, but it’s also packed with healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for keto dishes. It adds a crunchy contrast to the otherwise smooth and creamy soup.
- Spinach: Spinach is a great low-carb vegetable, full of nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It adds a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the soup.
Expert Tips
- Make It Ahead: Soups like this actually taste even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together. Make a big batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you like a thicker soup, blend a portion of the cauliflower to make it creamier. For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream and add extra broth.
- Substitute with Ground Meat: If you prefer ground meat over chicken, ground sausage or turkey also works well in this recipe. Just be sure to brown it first before adding the broth.
- Herb Variations: If you’re craving a more herby taste, you can add fresh rosemary or basil to deepen the flavors. Fresh herbs always bring a pop of freshness to the soup.
- Keto Bread on the Side: While traditional bread would add too many carbs, you can enjoy this soup with a slice of keto-friendly bread or a crispy cheese crisps for dipping.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up or customize the soup to your liking? Here are a few variations:
- Swap the Chicken for Sausage: For a heartier, spicier soup, try replacing the chicken with Italian sausage. This will add a nice burst of flavor and make the soup even more indulgent.
- Add Mushrooms: If you love mushrooms, feel free to throw in some sliced baby bellas or cremini mushrooms for extra umami and texture.
- Make It Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a cheesy, dairy-free alternative.
- Add More Greens: Try substituting the spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or even collard greens. These alternatives will give the soup a slightly different flavor profile and provide even more nutrients.
Final Words
This keto-friendly version of Olive Garden’s famous Tuscan Soup is everything you’ve been craving. It’s comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor, but without all the carbs you’d typically get from potatoes or beans. You can make it in one pot, and it’s perfect for meal prepping, storing, and enjoying throughout the week.
Plus, with its customizable nature, it’s easy to make this soup your own-whether you want to add more veggies, swap proteins, or tweak the seasonings. No matter how you make it, this keto-friendly soup will warm you up and satisfy your hunger without making you feel like you’re missing out on your favorite indulgent dishes.
FAQs
What Is Olive Garden Tuscan Soup Keto Recipe?
Olive Garden Tuscan Soup Keto Recipe is a low-carb, keto-friendly version of the popular Olive Garden soup. It replaces high-carb ingredients like potatoes and cream with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower and heavy cream, making it suitable for those following a keto diet.
Can I Substitute Cauliflower For Potatoes In The Keto Version Of Tuscan Soup?
Yes, cauliflower is a popular substitute for potatoes in keto recipes. It has a similar texture and works well in soups, allowing you to retain the creamy consistency of the soup without the high carbs from potatoes.
What Ingredients Are Needed For A Keto-friendly Tuscan Soup?
Key ingredients for a keto Tuscan Soup include cauliflower (to replace potatoes), heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian sausage, spinach, garlic, onions, and Parmesan cheese. You can also add seasonings like salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Is Olive Garden Tuscan Soup Keto Recipe Dairy-free?
No, the traditional keto version of Olive Garden Tuscan Soup is not dairy-free as it contains heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. However, you can make a dairy-free version by using coconut cream or almond milk as a substitute for heavy cream and omitting the cheese.
Can I Make Olive Garden Tuscan Soup Keto Recipe In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply brown the sausage, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. The cauliflower will soften, and the flavors will meld together for a rich, comforting soup.
How Many Carbs Are In A Bowl Of Keto Olive Garden Tuscan Soup?
A typical serving of keto Olive Garden Tuscan Soup contains around 4-6 grams of net carbs per bowl, depending on the specific ingredients and portion size used. The cauliflower substitute for potatoes significantly lowers the carb content.
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead Of Sausage In The Keto Tuscan Soup?
Yes, ground beef can be used as a substitute for Italian sausage. However, ground beef will have a slightly different flavor profile. If you use ground beef, consider adding Italian seasoning or fennel seeds to mimic the flavor of Italian sausage.
How Do I Make Olive Garden Tuscan Soup Keto-friendly Without Losing Flavor?
To keep the flavor of the original Tuscan Soup while making it keto-friendly, use ingredients like cauliflower instead of potatoes, heavy cream for creaminess, and Italian sausage for flavor. Adding garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh spinach enhances the overall taste.
Can I Freeze The Keto Olive Garden Tuscan Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the keto version of the Tuscan Soup. Make sure to let the soup cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, the soup may slightly change in texture due to the cauliflower, but the flavor will remain delicious.
What Can I Serve With Keto Olive Garden Tuscan Soup?
Keto-friendly sides to pair with Olive Garden Tuscan Soup include a leafy green salad, keto garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. These sides complement the rich and creamy soup while keeping the meal low-carb.