Olive Garden has a fantastic range of soups that pair perfectly with their endless breadsticks. Whether you want a cozy starter or a lighter lunch option, their soups deliver warmth and flavor in every spoonful.
Each bowl offers a unique taste, texture, and ingredients, so we sampled them to help you pick your next favorite. From the hearty Zuppa Toscana to the creamy Chicken and Gnocchi, our definitive ranking of Olive Garden’s soups is based on taste, texture, and how well they work with the iconic breadsticks.
1. Chicken and Gnocchi Soup: Best as a Breadstick Dip
Chicken and Gnocchi soup might be the wealthiest choice on Olive Garden’s menu, but it has some downsides. This soup’s creamy broth is both buttery and indulgent, so if you’re looking for a full meal, be ready to feel full after a few spoonfuls.
However, despite the thick, flavorful broth, the soup feels sparse on the main ingredients—chicken and gnocchi. There was less chicken than expected in our serving and only a few gnocchi, which didn’t offer the hearty bite we anticipated.
While it includes a touch of greenery from spinach and a handful of carrots for texture, more elements were needed to balance the heavy broth. But there’s a silver lining: this soup is excellent for dipping breadsticks, thanks to its thick, creamy consistency.
Though it may not be our top pick to eat as a standalone soup, it transforms into a buttery dip that pairs perfectly with Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks.
2. Minestrone Soup: The Vegan-Friendly, Flavorful Classic
Olive Garden’s Minestrone soup is a solid choice if you’re looking for a lighter, plant-based option. It’s the only vegetarian soup on the menu, so this is your go-to for vegans or those avoiding meat.
Minestrone is loaded with various vegetables, including carrots, zucchini, greens, and a combination of kidney and white beans, giving it an earthy taste and satisfying heartiness.
The tomato-based broth is seasoned just right, allowing the flavors of each vegetable to shine. The soup also includes shell pasta, which holds onto the broth, and small vegetable pieces for flavor-packed bites.
While its thin broth doesn’t stick to breadsticks as well as some other soups, the Minestrone makes a refreshing meal that won’t weigh you down. Its simplicity and balanced flavor make it a comforting, easy choice when you want something less filling but still flavorful.
3. Pasta e Fagioli: Hearty and Packed with Protein
Olive Garden’s Pasta e Fagioli soup is a crowd-pleaser twist on traditional Italian comfort food. It is a meaty, tomato-based soup.
“Pasta e Fagioli” translates to “pasta and beans,” which perfectly describes this meaty, tomato-based soup. It includes hearty white and kidney beans and ground beef portions, making it a protein-packed option. The ground beef adds a depth of flavor, creating a comforting, chili-like taste that fans of rich, meaty soups will love.
Although it could use a bit more pasta, the hollow noodles absorb the broth, giving you satisfying bites loaded with flavor.
Carrots and tomatoes add a touch of sweetness, balancing the heartiness of the beans and beef. Pasta e Fagioli is an excellent pick if you want something filling and protein-rich. Plus, it’s one of the best choices for pairing with breadsticks since its thicker texture suits dipping well.
4. Zuppa Toscana: The Fan Favorite with a Spicy Twist
If there’s one soup that’s become a cult favorite at Olive Garden, it’s the Zuppa Toscana. Inspired by traditional Tuscan flavors, this soup combines a lighter creamy broth with a kick from spicy Italian sausage. The Zuppa Toscana’s balance between creamy and spicy elements makes it a standout choice.
It’s a great option whether you’re having it as a side or a light meal.
The broth is less buttery than the Chicken and Gnocchi, letting the ingredients shine without feeling overly rich.
Generous chunks of potato add a hearty touch, while fresh kale brings a pop of color and nutrients. The Italian sausage is the star ingredient here, giving the soup a unique, slightly spicy flavor perfect for those who enjoy a little heat.
The creaminess tones down the spice, ensuring it’s not overwhelming but just enough to make each spoonful flavorful. Pair it with breadsticks and have the ultimate Olive Garden soup experience.
Conclusion:
Our methodology was simple: we judged each soup’s taste, texture, and how well it paired with Olive Garden’s beloved breadsticks.
While each soup has something to offer, two stood out the most. For those who enjoy creamy and spicy flavors, Zuppa Toscana tops the list with its balanced flavors and unique taste.
Pasta e Fagioli edges out the Minestrone for a tomato-based option, thanks to its hearty ingredients and meaty base. And while Chicken and Gnocchi didn’t shine on its own, using it as a dip with breadsticks makes it a delicious and satisfying choice.
Whether you’re a fan of rich broths or lighter veggie-packed soups, Olive Garden’s soup lineup has something for everyone. So next time you’re at Olive Garden, skip straight to the Zuppa Toscana or try Pasta e Fagioli—you won’t be disappointed.
FAQs
1. What is the most popular Olive Garden soup?
- Zuppa Toscana is widely considered the most popular soup. It is loved for its creamy base, spicy Italian sausage, and hearty chunks of potato.
2. Is Olive Garden’s Minestrone vegan?
- Yes, the Minestrone is a vegan-friendly option, making it ideal for those looking for a plant-based soup on Olive Garden’s menu.
3. Can you order Olive Garden soups to-go?
- Absolutely! Olive Garden offers soups for dine-in and to-go orders so that you can enjoy them from your home.
4. Which Olive Garden soup is the heaviest?
- The Chicken and Gnocchi soup is the richest and heaviest, thanks to its thick, buttery broth and creamy consistency.
5. How much does a bowl of soup cost at Olive Garden?
- A bowl of soup at Olive Garden costs around $8 and includes unlimited breadsticks.
6. Is the Zuppa Toscana soup spicy?
- Zuppa Toscana has a slight kick from the Italian sausage, but the creamy broth helps to balance the spice, making it enjoyable even for those sensitive to heat.
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