This hearty Olive Garden potato soup is creamy and packed with tender potatoes. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or to share with friends!
You can easily whip this soup up in no time. I love having it with some crusty bread on the side—so comforting! Who can resist a warm bowl of goodness?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: I love using crispy bacon for its smoky flavor. For a healthier option, turkey bacon works well. You could even skip it altogether for a vegetarian version!
Italian Sausage: The sausage really gives this soup its heartiness. If you’re aiming for a lighter dish, try ground turkey or chicken sausage. For a meat-free alternative, use plant-based sausage.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are my go-to for their creaminess. Yukon Golds are another great choice if you want a slightly buttery flavor. Just avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling, as they won’t break down as nicely.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter soup, consider using half-and-half or whole milk. To keep it dairy-free, coconut milk is a fantastic substitute, adding a hint of sweetness.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is perfect here, but you can substitute with kale or even Swiss chard. Just chop it finely if you’re using tougher greens.
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the potatoes just right can be tricky. Here are some tips to make sure they’re tender without turning mushy:
- Make sure to peel and dice your potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
- Monitor the boiling; once it starts bubbling, turn the heat down to simmer to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Check them with a fork after about 15 minutes; they should be easily pierced but not falling apart.
- Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit after you turn off the heat, so don’t let them go too long!
How to Make Olive Garden Potato Soup!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary sprig (garnish, optional)
- Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful potato soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 30-40 minutes to cook. So in just under an hour, you can have a delicious, homemade soup that warms the heart!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
First, grab a large soup pot and cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once it’s nice and crunchy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and set them aside. Keep the yummy bacon drippings in the pot for extra flavor!
2. Brown the Sausage:
Next, add the Italian sausage to the pot with the leftover bacon drippings. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Now, stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion turns translucent and you can smell the delicious aromas, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Cook the Potatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth and add your diced potatoes, diced tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, which will take about 15-20 minutes.
5. Add Cream and Spinach:
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach leaves. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
6. Season and Serve:
Finally, season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. When you’re ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with the crispy bacon pieces and a sprig of rosemary if you like. Enjoy with slices of crusty bread on the side!
Now, dig in and savor every warm, creamy bite of this comforting Olive Garden potato soup. It’s just like the restaurant version, and you made it yourself!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Italian Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitution for a lighter option. Just season it well with some Italian herbs to make sure it retains that delicious flavor.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! You can omit the bacon and sausage altogether and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding more veggies like carrots or bell peppers will keep it hearty and flavorful.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up if it thickens too much!
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.