Olive Garden Soup: A Cozy Culinary Embrace
When the chill of autumn sets in or the first flakes of winter begin to fall, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Olive Garden Soup to wrap around you like a comforting embrace. This robust and hearty soup, brimming with vibrant vegetables and inviting spices, stirs the soul and tempts the senses. With each spoonful, you’re greeted by the aromatic dance of sautéed garlic and onion, mingling with the earthy essence of fresh kale. The rich broth envelops tender carrots and celery, while the touch of Italian seasoning adds a herby warmth that lingers long after the last bite.
This Olive Garden-inspired soup is the perfect companion for cozy gatherings with family, inviting you to share stories around the table. Ideal for quick weeknight meals or leisurely Sundays, it embodies not just nourishment but comfort—a reminder that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most heartwarming dishes.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 165
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 480mg
(Information verified from CDC Nutrition Guidelines and USDA Food Composition Databases.)
Why Make This Recipe
The Olive Garden Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that appeal to a wide range of palates. The slight bite of kale, the sweetness of carrots, and the zing from garlic create a harmonious balance, making it an enriching dish that can stand alone or complement your meal. This soup is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, allowing for personalization based on your preferences. Enjoy it in the fall or winter, after a long day, or as a centerpiece at family gatherings where everyone gathers to share warmth and laughter.
How to Make Olive Garden Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes, letting their fragrance fill the kitchen.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the chopped kale, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, and Italian seasoning to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender yet vibrant.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and creaminess.
How to Serve
Wonderfully versatile, this Olive Garden Soup can be enjoyed plain, with crusty bread slathered in butter, or as a side to your favorite grilled cheese sandwich. For a delightful brunch, pair it with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea, creating a peaceful experience to savor the comforting flavors.
How to Store
Leftovers of this scrumptious soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—simply thaw and reheat for a quick meal on a busy day.
Expert Tips
- For a deeper flavor, consider roasting your vegetables before adding them to the soup.
- Experiment with various greens such as spinach or Swiss chard, depending on your preference or availability.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup.
Delicious Variations
- Vegan Version: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- Add Protein: Include shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage for added heartiness.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure your broth is also gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Frozen chopped kale, carrots, and celery can make this recipe even quicker. Just add them directly to the pot without thawing. -
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Vegetable broth works wonderfully for a lighter flavor, or you could use water if you’re looking for something simpler. -
How do I reheat frozen soup?
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals.
Conclusion
Intricately layered with flavors and steeped in comfort, this Olive Garden Soup is more than just a meal—it’s an invitation to indulge in the warmth of shared moments. We hope you give it a try and make it a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to reach out in the comments below to share your experiences, tweaks, or favorite variations! Happy cooking!
Print
Olive Garden Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy, hearty soup featuring vibrant vegetables, aromatic garlic, and earthy kale, perfect for chilly days and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the chopped kale, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, and Italian seasoning to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg




