Zuppa Toscana Soup Olive Garden
Introduction
As an expert chef, there’s nothing quite like the rich, savory experience of a bowl of Zuppa Toscana Soup, a dish that transports you straight to Italy with each spoonful. Olive Garden’s version of this beloved soup is one of the most iconic comfort foods, and for good reason—its balance of spicy sausage, creamy potatoes, and hearty kale creates the perfect harmony of flavors. This isn’t just a soup; it’s an experience that warms the soul and satisfies your appetite, making it the ultimate meal for any occasion. Let’s take this Italian classic to the next level, shall we?
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Servings
6 Persons
Diet Type
Gluten-Free
Difficulty
Moderate
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why This Recipe Works
Ingredients for Recipe
1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild): The sausage is the heart of this dish, so pick a high-quality, flavorful variety. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
6 cups chicken broth: For a deeper flavor, homemade chicken broth is ideal, but store-bought works just fine.
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced: Yukon Gold potatoes work best as they hold their shape while softening, adding a creamy texture to the soup.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creates a velvety smooth base. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk.
3 cups kale, chopped: Use fresh kale for the best texture and flavor. Remove tough stems before adding.
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Bacon adds a smoky, crispy contrast to the creamy soup.
1 medium onion, diced: Sweating the onions builds a savory base and adds a sweet balance to the spices.
3 cloves garlic, minced: A key aromatics that intensifies the overall flavor.
Salt & pepper, to taste: Season generously for a balanced flavor profile.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little extra heat, add this to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large soup pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Simmer and Add Kale: Once the potatoes are tender, add the chopped kale and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. The kale should wilt and soften, adding a lovely green balance to the soup.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon for a crispy finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Chef’s Insight: Sauté onions and garlic carefully, avoiding browning. Add kale at the end to keep it tender and adjust seasoning to taste.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or use half-and-half, but it may slightly alter the texture.
Make sure to slice your potatoes thinly and evenly so they cook uniformly. Avoid cutting them too thick or they may take longer to cook.
Kale can become tough and lose its bright color if overcooked. Add it toward the end of cooking and let it just wilt into the soup.
Bacon adds a crucial smoky flavor that complements the richness of the sausage and cream. Don’t substitute it for another ingredient.
Serving, Nutrition, Storage, Reheating & Freezing Guide
This Zuppa Toscana Soup can be served with a crusty loaf of bread or a simple salad for a full meal. It’s rich in protein from the sausage and bacon, with the kale adding fiber and nutrients. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months—just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Zuppa Toscana Soup Olive Garden
Zuppa Toscana Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish with spicy sausage, creamy potatoes, and tender kale. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, it’s a comforting, nutritious meal in every bite.
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 6 cups Chicken broth
- 4 medium Potatoes
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 3 cup Kale
- 4 slices Bacon
- 1 medium Onion
- 3 cloves Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Cook the Bacon: In a large soup pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 5–7 minutes.
Add the Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
Simmer and Add Kale: Once the potatoes are tender, add the chopped kale and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. The kale should wilt and soften, adding a lovely green balance to the soup.
Add Cream and Seasonings: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon for a crispy finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
-
Sausage Choice: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can use mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference for heat.
-
Potato Texture: Slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking and a creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal, as they hold their shape and create a velvety soup.
-
Kale Tips: Add the kale toward the end of cooking to keep its vibrant color and tender texture. Overcooking can make it tough.
-
Heavy Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but it may alter the soup’s richness.
-
Bacon Flavor: Don’t skip the bacon! Its crispy, smoky flavor adds a crucial element that balances the richness of the sausage and cream.
-
Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables, like carrots or celery, to customize the soup. You can also top it with grated Parmesan for extra richness.
-
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently on the stove when serving.
FAQs
Zuppa Toscana Soup Olive Garden-style is the epitome of comfort and flavor, and now you can make it right at home! With rich sausage, creamy potatoes, and the earthy goodness of kale, every bite is a journey of pure satisfaction. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turned out—tag me on Instagram or drop a comment below. Happy cooking, and enjoy the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen!
