Zuppa Toscana Soup
It’s so easy to enjoy this copycat Zuppa Toscana Soup from Olive Garden. It’s rich, creamy, and easy to make!
Ingredients
Bacon – You cannot go wrong with bacon as the first ingredient in a recipe! By adding bacon to your pot first, you will be drawing out the fat that everything will be cooked in. It adds a depth of flavor and richness to any soup.
Italian Sausage – The Italian Sausage works as the primary seasoning to your soup. For this reason, whichever kind you pick out will set the stage for your dish. That’s why you will want to pick out a spicier Italian Sausage. If you prefer, you can use a mild Italian Sausage but you may need to add more seasoning to taste at the end.
Garlic – The garlic will add flavor to your broth which is the base of this dish. You will need 1 medium head of garlic, or 6-8 large cloves peeled and minced. You can also measure out the equivalent of minced garlic if you have this on hand.
Onion – Onions will add that umami of flavors to your both. You will want the onion to be diced to help bring out all that flavors and aroma. If you do not like the texture of the onion in your soup, but want that flavor, you can also puree your onion.
Chicken Broth – Chicken broth acts as the base for the soup. I suggest using chicken broth because it is a more mild flavor that blends well for this recipe. If you do not have chicken broth, you can substitute with vegetable broth. This will also be a mild broth that will not overpower your dish. The key is to keep the Italian Sausage as the star of this soup.
Russet Potatoes – Russet potatoes are high in starch and will be able to help create that thick base for the soup. You can also use Yukon Gold Potatoes, however these tend to be smaller than Russet Potatoes so be sure to increase the amount if you choose to use them.
Kale – Kale is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that your body needs. If you have picky eaters in your house, putting it into a creamy soup is a great way to serve this vegetable!
Whipping Cream – Whipping cream is added to the soup last to bring it all together. It’s what gives the soup a rich flavor and silky smooth taste.
Italian Seasoning – Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper, are the only seasonings this dish needs. The soup will pull most of it’s flavors from the bacon, sausage, and other ingredients so be sure to add this seasoning to taste. You can also use an herb based seasoning if you do not have Italian seasoning on hand.
Parmesan Cheese – As a garnish on top you can add parmesan cheese but this is an optional addition to your soup. If you do plan to serve this as a garnish, be sure to get fresh, shredded parmesan cheese or shred it just before serving.
How to Make Zuppa Toscano Soup
Cooking the Bacon and Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, add the chopped bacon and sautƩ until browned for about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon and place on a paper-towel-lined plate. Be sure to spoon out any excess oil while leaving about 1 Tbsp of oil in the pot.
Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spatula, and sautƩ until cooked through or about 5 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
Building up the broth
Finely dice the onion and add to the pot. SautƩ for about 5 minutes or until soft and golden. Then, add the minced garlic and sautƩ for an additional 1 minute. Add 6 cups chicken broth and 2 cups water, and bring to a boil.
Adding the Vegetables and Seasoning
Add the sliced potatoes and cook for about 13-14 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork. When the potatoes are nearly done, add the chopped kale and cooked sausage and bring everything to a light boil.
Seasoning the Zuppa Toscano
Stir in 2 cups of cream and bring to a boil. Season to taste with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning then remove from heat. Garnish with bacon and grated parmesan.
Zuppa Toscana Soup
Ingredients
- 6 OZ Bacon Chopped
- 1 LB Italian Sausage Preferably spicy or hot
- 1 Medium Head of Garlic 6-8 large cloves, peeled and minced
- 1 Medium Onion Diced
- 6 Cups Chicken Broth/Stock 48 OZ
- 2 Cups Water
- 5 Medium Russet Potatoes Peeled and chopped into 1/4" thick pieces
- 1 Bundle Kale Leaves stripped and chopped (6 cups)
- 2 Cups Whipping Cream
- 1 TBSP Italian or garlic and herb seasoning
- Salt and Pepper To Taste
- Parmesan Cheese Optional
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven (5.5 qt), over medium-high heat, add chopped bacon and sautƩ until browned (5-7 mins). Remove bacon and place on a paper-towel-lined plate and spoon out excess oil, leaving about 1 Tbsp of oil in the pot.
- Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spatula, and sautƩ until cooked through (5 min). Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Finely dice the onion and add to the pot. SautƩ for 5 min or until soft and golden then add minced garlic and sautƩ for an additional 1 min.
- Add 6 cups broth and 2 cups water, and bring to a boil. Add sliced potatoes and cook for 13-14 min or until easily pierced with a fork.
- When potatoes are nearly done, add chopped kale and cooked sausage and bring everything to a light boil.
- Stir in 2 cups of cream and bring to a boil. Season to taste with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning then remove from heat. Garnish with bacon and grated parmesan.
Can you substitute The Italian Sausage?
If you would prefer to use a mild Italian Sausage instead of a spicy or hot version then you can absolutely substitute! The type of Italian Sausage that you get will set the stage for your dish as it is the star of the soup!
How can I store the leftovers?
You can put any leftovers in the fridge for 3-5 days in an air-tight container. You can also store in the freezer for 3 months. I recommend placing the soup in a gallon sized freezer safe bag and letting it freeze while laying flat. This will save space in your freezer to stock up.
I Hope You Enjoy This Recipe!
If you try the recipe, donāt forget to rate the recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments. Leave a quick review & star rating ā below! Take pictures, tag #onestopchop, and share them with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen!
Sooo yummy! Id say follow the recipe for time when boiling potatoes-I didnt think it was long enough so I let it boil longerā¦but that boiled away too much broth and I had to go back and add extra stock/water. Also-next time Iām adding red pepper flakes because I like š„
This was hands down the best soup recipe I’ve EVER had š thank you so much!
Came out soooo good! Replaced the heavy cream for plant based heavy cream and tasted exactly the same. The recipe says 4 cups of water and instructions say 2 cups, I went with the 2 cups water and it came out perfect. Also added red pepper flakes to make it spicy!
This soup was so close, maybe better then Olive Garden. Will be making again for surešKeep these awesome recipes comingš
Made this tonight. I did 4 links if the Italian mild sausage. Next time Iāll do 2 links and more potatoes. I like less meat in mine. Other than this Iāll make again
One of my favorite recipes. Instructions are simple and easy to follow!
I love your cooking gourmet and simple rich in flavor. You are awesome chef!
Made your soup and it came out so delicious. Never thought I would like Kale but Iām a fan now. Looking forward to more recipes to make.
The whole family loved this!
This is phenomenal! My new favorite soup recipe. Shared with friends and family.
This was a hit at home ! My husband has been asking for this and I’m not a cook but I will tell you what this made me feel like a pro chef hehe I give this A+ can’t wait to start trying more great guy š
In the words of Adam Driver, “good soup”. This soup is more than good though, it’s excellent. I’m making it for a second time tonight. I also like to add red pepper flakes like others have mentioned.
This soup is the deal! First time trying it and the whole fam loved it. Up next, your Mustard Fried Chicken, tomorrow. Appreciate you.
I felt like comfort food and just made gumbo last week. Ran across this recipe and thought I would give it a try. It was fire!!! Even my picky husband who don’t like nothing different loved it. You know what you doing nephew…thanks for sharing