Name: Zuppa Toscana Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage (or mild for a kid-friendly option); 4 tablespoons butter; ½ white onion, diced; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups water; 4-5 yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces; 3 teaspoons salt (or to taste); 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups heavy cream; 4 cups chopped kale; Optional: chopped bacon or bacon bits and grated parmesan cheese for topping

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and creamy broth creates the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this soup will impress everyone with its flavors and heartiness. Plus, it’s a quick and simple copycat version of the beloved Olive Garden soup

Ingredients

1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage (mild for kid-friendly)
4 tablespoons butter
½ white onion (diced)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
4-5 yellow potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces)
3 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
4 cups chopped kale
Optional: chopped bacon or bacon bits and grated parmesan cheese for topping

Directions

Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, sauté the ground sausage over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until browned. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Potatoes: Add the chicken broth, water, cut potatoes, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Add Kale and Cream: Stir in the chopped kale and heavy cream, mixing everything together. Return the sausage to the pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with optional garnishes like chopped bacon or grated parmesan cheese.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Sausage: If you can’t find spicy Italian sausage, use mild sausage or even ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Add some red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to make up for the spice.
Potatoes: You can swap yellow potatoes for Russet potatoes or red potatoes, depending on your preference.
Kale: If you’re not a fan of kale, spinach can be used as a substitute for a different texture and flavor.
Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little bit of extra broth or cream to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use different greens instead of kale?
Yes! While kale is traditional, you can easily swap it for spinach or Swiss chard, depending on what you prefer or have on hand.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store it properly in the fridge.

What can I serve with Zuppa Toscana?
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, a simple salad, or even a side of garlic bread for dipping.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients (except cream and kale) and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the kale and cream at the end of the cooking time, just before serving.

Conclusion

This Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. Whether you’re a fan of the original Olive Garden version or just looking for a new soup to add to your repertoire, this recipe is sure to be a hit! Enjoy it with a garnish of bacon and cheese for the ultimate experience