This creamy Olive Garden potato soup is just what you need for a cozy day! It has tender potatoes, savory bacon, and a sprinkle of cheese to make it extra tasty.
So, grab a spoon and get ready to warm up! I love pairing it with some warm breadsticks for that perfect comfort meal. Who doesn’t enjoy a little extra cheesy goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This adds great flavor! You can use chicken sausage for a lighter option or even skip it entirely for a vegetarian soup. Just remember to season with a little extra herbs!
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are perfect for this soup due to their starchiness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try Yukon Gold potatoes, which are creamier and hold their shape well.
Kale or Spinach: I suggest kale for its texture and nutritional benefits. However, spinach cooks faster, so don’t hesitate to use that if you have it on hand. Both work well!
Heavy Cream: This makes the soup rich and creamy. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk, keeping in mind this may alter the texture slightly.
How Do I Make My Soup Creamier Without Overdoing It?
To achieve that rich, creamy consistency, blending a portion of the soup is key! It’s simple:
- After cooking the potatoes until tender, use a blender to purée 1-2 cups of the soup mixture.
- Carefully return the blended soup to the pot; this thickens the whole batch without adding too much cream.
- For an extra creamy touch, stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream towards the end of cooking. This melts beautifully and enhances the flavor.
By following these steps, you’ll create a luscious texture that’s just right for comfort food vibes! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Olive Garden Potato Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casing removed)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped kale or fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Estimate
This delicious Olive Garden potato soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 40 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, and truly comforting to enjoy!
Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Once done, take the sausage out of the pot and set it aside, but keep the drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Next, add the chopped potatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
4. Blend the Soup:
Once the potatoes are tender, carefully remove 1-2 cups of the soup and blend it until smooth. You can use a standard blender or an immersion blender for this step. Stir the blended mixture back into the pot; this will help thicken the soup beautifully.
5. Add Creaminess:
Now it’s time to add the greens! Stir in the chopped kale (or spinach), cream cheese, and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the cream cheese has melted and the greens have wilted, which should take around 5 minutes.
6. Final Touches:
Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to combine all those wonderful flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Olive Garden style potato soup is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if you’d like. This soup pairs perfectly with warm bread or Olive Garden breadsticks for that complete cozy meal experience.
Enjoy your soup and the comforting warmth it brings!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Italian Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option. Just add some extra Italian seasoning to give it that signature flavor. Cook it the same way, breaking it up as it browns.
What Should I Do If My Soup Is Too Thick?
If your soup turns out thicker than you’d like, simply stir in more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. You can add it gradually while the soup is on low heat for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
You can freeze this soup! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Store it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove, stirring in a bit of cream to restore creaminess if needed.
