Olive Garden Soups Made Easy: Restaurant-Quality Recipes to Try Today

Few restaurant chains are as beloved for their soups as Olive Garden. Their signature recipes—like Zuppa Toscana, Pasta e Fagioli, and Chicken & Gnocchi—have become legendary for their rich flavors and comforting textures.

Now you can recreate these iconic soups in your own kitchen with our authentic copycat recipes that capture that unmistakable Olive Garden taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Difficulty: Easy to Medium
• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-45 minutes
• Total Time: 45-65 minutes
• Serves: 6-8 persons

Why Olive Garden Soups Are So Special

What makes Olive Garden’s soups stand out? It’s all about:
✔ Signature flavor profiles – from creamy to tomato-based to hearty vegetable-packed
✔ Quality ingredients – fresh vegetables, premium cheeses, and authentic Italian seasonings
✔ Perfect texture – al dente pasta, tender vegetables, and rich, velvety broths
✔ Generous portions – these soups are designed to satisfy

Featured Soup: Olive Garden’s Pasta e Fagioli

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
3. Build the Soup: Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, beef broth, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
4. Cook Pasta: Add ditalini pasta and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente.
5. Adjust Seasonings: Taste and add salt/pepper as needed. Serve hot with grated Parmesan.

Pro Tips for Authentic Olive Garden Flavor

• For Zuppa Toscana: Use hot Italian sausage and fresh kale for maximum authenticity
• For Chicken & Gnocchi: Add a splash of white wine to the broth for depth of flavor
• Secret Ingredient: A Parmesan rind simmered in the soup adds incredible umami flavor
• Make Ahead: These soups taste even better the next day as flavors meld

Storage and Serving Suggestions

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Freeze: Most varieties freeze well for 2-3 months (except those with cream)
• Serve With: Warm breadsticks and a crisp salad for the full Olive Garden experience