This Olive Garden Potato Soup is creamy, hearty, and filled with tender potatoes. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days!
Honestly, this soup is so good that I could eat it every day! I love to top it with crispy bacon and cheese for an extra treat. What’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of the soup! I love using mild sausage for a kid-friendly option, but if you like a kick, spicy sausage adds great flavor. If you’re vegetarian, try a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for a creamy texture. If you’re watching carbs, cauliflower or sweet potatoes can be a good substitute, but they will change the flavor and texture.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal for a bright, nutritious boost. You can replace it with kale or even frozen spinach (just make sure to thaw and drain it). I often load it up with extra greens!
Heavy Cream: To keep it lighter, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For dairy-free options, coconut milk or cashew cream works well too but you’ll get a slightly different taste.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a rich flavor, but if you can’t find them, diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers can work too. Use fresh tomatoes as an alternative, though you’ll want to adjust the cooking time.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor While Cooking the Sausage?
Cooking the sausage properly is key to a delicious soup! Start by breaking it into chunks in the pot—this will help render the fat and enhance the flavor throughout the dish.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Ensure it’s fully cooked without any pink remaining, as this enhances the taste and texture.
- Don’t rush! Let it get brown; those little crispy bits add amazing depth to the soup.
After cooking, adding onions and garlic to the same pot allows them to soak up those flavorful bits, making your soup even tastier!
How to Make Olive Garden Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil packed preferred)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For Garnish:
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Crispy bacon bits
- Fresh parsley
For Serving:
- Bread slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Olive Garden Potato Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. So, in a total of around 40 minutes, you will have a warm, hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a lot of flavor, so don’t rush it!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant. This is where your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
3. Add the Veggies:
Stir in the diced potatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Mix everything together so that the spices and flavors blend well.
4. Cook the Soup:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This is the perfect time to enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your home!
5. Thicken the Soup:
Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, gently mash some of the potatoes in the soup to thicken the broth slightly. Don’t mash everything; leave plenty of hearty chunks for texture!
6. Add Cream and Spinach:
Now it’s time to stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is thoroughly heated. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh parsley if you’d like. These little touches make all the difference!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Olive Garden Potato Soup hot with slices of crusty bread on the side. Enjoy every comforting spoonful! This soup is rich, hearty, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional for this recipe, you can substitute it with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or a plant-based sausage for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to three months; just be aware that the texture might change slightly after thawing. Reheat thoroughly before enjoying!
What Can I Serve with Olive Garden Potato Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh garden salad, or even a side of cheesy garlic bread. It makes a hearty meal on its own or a delicious appetizer alongside your favorite Italian dishes!
