Olive Garden Nookie Soup
Olive Garden’s Nookie Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting Italian-inspired dish made with Italian sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and a velvety broth. It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and hearty flavors, making it an ideal choice for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or when you're craving something filling. This homemade version is easy to make and customizable to your taste, delivering the same restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven (4-6 quarts)
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Knife for chopping
- 1 cutting board
- 1 Ladle (for serving)
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage sweet or spicy, your preference
- 4 medium russet potatoes diced
- 3 cups kale chopped (or spinach as a substitute)
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
Cook the Sausage
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the sausage for 5-7 minutes, then remove any excess fat and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
Add Potatoes
- Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting them absorb some of the flavors in the pot.
Simmer with Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Add Sausage and Kale
- Stir in the cooked sausage and chopped kale (or spinach). Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until the kale is wilted and the sausage is fully integrated.
Finish with Cream and Seasonings
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Season the soup with red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve and Enjoy
- Once the soup is heated through, serve hot. You can garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, use spicy Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add extra broth or cream if needed.
- This soup is also freezer-friendly, but the cream may slightly separate upon thawing. Stir well before reheating.