olive garden soup recipe

The Best olive garden soup recipe

Olive Garden Tomato Basil Soup

4.9 from 1464 votes

A creamy, flavorful tomato soup inspired by Olive Garden, perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe captures the essence of the classic dish with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of cream for richness.

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Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time35 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb (450g) canned crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf

For the Creamy Finish

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toasted bread slices for serving

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1
   In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft and translucent (~5 mins). Add garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute.
2. 2
   Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, and salt. Stir well, then bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 20 minutes.
3. 3
   Remove the bay leaf. Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any seeds or large bits. For a smoother texture, blend the soup until smooth (optional).
4. 4
   In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Pour the cream mixture into the soup and stir gently until fully combined.
5. 5
   Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let flavors meld. Remove from heat.
6. 6
   Garnish with fresh basil, shredded mozzarella, and serve with toasted bread slices.

🔧Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Blender or immersion blender
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14💛Saturated Fat: 8❤️Cholesterol: 30🧂Sodium: 550🌾Total Carbs: 35🥦Dietary Fiber: 5🍬Sugars: 6🥩Protein: 10

📝Notes

• For a lighter version, reduce the cream to half-and-half or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Strain the soup for a silkier texture if preferred.
• Make ahead: The soup tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Tomato Basil Soup

1. What is the traditional Olive Garden soup that they serve, and what ingredients are typically included in their signature soup?

Olive Garden’s signature soup is the Tomato Basil Soup. It’s a creamy, comforting dish made primarily with canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, heavy cream, and fresh basil. The recipe also includes garlic, onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper, along with a blend of herbs like thyme and bay leaf. Some variations might include a touch of red pepper flakes or a hint of Parmesan cheese for extra depth.

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2. Can you share the exact recipe for Olive Garden’s Tomato Basil Soup, including measurements and preparation steps?

Olive Garden’s Tomato Basil Soup is typically made using a simple, but flavorful blend of ingredients. Here’s an approximate recipe (adjustments may vary slightly based on the restaurant’s proprietary blend):

Ingredients:
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
– 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried basil (or 2 tbsp fresh)
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– ½ tsp dried thyme
– ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
– ¼ tsp black pepper
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
– Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft (about 5 minutes).
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and all dried herbs. Stir well.
4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

Note: Olive Garden’s recipe may include proprietary blends or additional spices, so the exact proportions might differ slightly.

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3. Is there a way to make Olive Garden’s soup at home without using heavy cream, and how would the variations differ?

Yes! You can make a lighter version of Olive Garden’s Tomato Basil Soup without heavy cream. Here’s how:

Ingredients (for a cream-free version):
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
– ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or water for a thinner texture)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried basil
– ½ tsp dried oregano
– ½ tsp dried thyme
– ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
– ¼ tsp black pepper
– ½ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)
– Fresh basil leaves

Instructions:
1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, and herbs. Simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Stir in coconut milk and almond milk (or water) to thin slightly if needed.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then serve with Parmesan and basil.

Key Differences:
– The soup will be lighter and less rich but still flavorful.
– Coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness, which some prefer over heavy cream.
– For extra creaminess, you could blend ½ cup of the soup with a splash of coconut milk before returning it to the pot.

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4. Why does Olive Garden’s soup taste different from homemade versions, and what could be the reasons behind the differences?

Olive Garden’s Tomato Basil Soup has a distinct taste compared to homemade versions due to several factors:

1. Proprietary Blends: The restaurant likely uses a specific mix of herbs, spices, and seasonings that aren’t always disclosed.
2. Cooking Process: Their soup may be simmered longer or with a slightly different technique (e.g., reduced pressure in a commercial kitchen).
3. Ingredients: They might use higher-quality or differently sourced ingredients (e.g., fresh basil, specific tomato varieties, or a blend of broths).
4. Thickening Agents: While heavy cream adds richness, some restaurants use a combination of thickeners (like cornstarch or potato starch) to achieve a smoother texture without dairy.
5. Garnishes & Finishing Touches: Olive Garden’s soup may be finished with a more refined garnish (e.g., microgreens, extra Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil).
6. Cooking Equipment: Commercial kitchens use large pots and consistent heat control, which can affect the soup’s consistency and flavor.

If you want to recreate Olive Garden’s exact taste at home, experiment with small tweaks—like using a mix of fresh and dried herbs, adjusting the simmer time, or adding a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.

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5. Can you suggest some variations of Olive Garden’s Tomato Basil Soup that could be made at home, such as a vegan, gluten-free, or spicier version?

Absolutely! Here are a few creative variations of Olive Garden’s Tomato Basil Soup:

Vegan Version:
– Replace heavy cream with cashew cream (blend soaked cashews with water and a splash of lemon juice).
– Use vegetable broth and coconut milk for richness.
– Garnish with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Gluten-Free Version:
– Ensure all broths and ingredients are certified gluten-free.
– Skip any thickeners like flour or cornstarch (the soup will naturally thin slightly).
– Use gluten-free Parmesan if available.

Spicier Version:
– Add 1–2 tbsp red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.
– Stir in 1 tsp cayenne pepper for extra heat.
– Garnish with chopped cilantro or jalapeños for freshness.

Creamy Garlic & Herb Version:
– Sauté 4 cloves garlic until golden before adding tomatoes.
– Stir in 1 tbsp Dijon mustard for depth.
– Finish with a splash of white wine (optional).

Prosciutto & Tomato Soup (Italian-Inspired):
– Add cooked prosciutto slices on top before serving.
– Use fresh basil and a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano for a briny twist.

Each variation keeps the core flavor while adding unique elements to match different tastes!