“`html
If you’re craving a comforting, hearty soup that bursts with flavors of Italy but comes together effortlessly, you’ve got to try this Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe. It’s a beautiful marriage of spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, vibrant kale, and creamy broth that warms you right to your soul. Whether you’re making dinner on a busy weeknight or planning a cozy meal to share, this soup has all the rich, savoriness and satisfying textures that make it a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each add a special touch — from the spicy kick of Italian sausage to the comforting creaminess of heavy cream and the fresh earthiness of kale. Every element combines to create a perfectly balanced taste and a medley of texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Spicy Italian ground sausage: Adds a bold, savory flavor; swap for mild if you prefer a gentler heat, especially for kids.
- Butter: Provides a silky richness and helps soften the onions beautifully.
- White onion: Diced finely to bring a sweet and slightly pungent base to the broth.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the soup with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
- Chicken broth: The hearty, flavorful liquid foundation for the soup’s depth.
- Water: Used to balance the broth concentration for the perfect consistency.
- Yellow potatoes: Cut into chunks for tender, creamy bites that soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: The essential seasoning duo that brings all ingredients into harmony.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety texture Olive Garden’s version is famous for.
- Chopped kale: Adds a healthy pop of green and a wonderful slightly chewy texture.
- Optional toppings – bacon and parmesan cheese: For an extra dose of smoky crunch and savory umami.
How to Make Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking the spicy Italian sausage until it’s nicely browned and caramelized, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step develops rich, savory flavor right at the base. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the flavorful fat behind for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, melt the butter and sauté the diced white onions over medium heat until they turn translucent and sweet. Then add the minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant to build an aromatic foundation for your soup’s broth.
Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the chunked yellow potatoes along with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then let it cook until the potatoes are tender and easy to pierce with a fork — this will take around 10 to 15 minutes and helps soak up all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Add Kale, Cream, and Sausage
Once the potatoes are perfectly cooked, stir in the chopped kale and heavy cream, returning the soup to a gentle simmer so the kale softens just right without losing its color. Finally, add back the browned sausage and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Your Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is now ready!
How to Serve Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Garnishes
This soup shines brightest with simple toppings: sprinkle crispy chopped bacon or smoky bacon bits on top for a delightful crunch. Grated parmesan cheese adds an irresistible, savory finish that melts beautifully into each spoonful.
Side Dishes
Serve your soup alongside crusty artisan bread or warm garlic breadsticks to mop up every last bit of that creamy broth. A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs perfectly to balance the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, ladle the soup into rustic bowls and top with a swirl of extra cream or a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper. Add a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley for color and a bit of herbaceous brightness that makes it feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen as it sits, making for even tastier leftovers.
Freezing
This soup freezes surprisingly well! Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of kale may soften a bit upon thawing but the overall flavor remains delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of broth or water can help restore the soup’s silky consistency if it thickens too much when chilled.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap the sausage with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely and add extra kale and potatoes for a hearty vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a fully meat-free dish.
What type of potatoes work best for Zuppa Toscana?
Yellow potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape while becoming tender and creamy. Russets can be used but tend to break down more and make the soup thicker.
Is kale the only green I can use?
While kale is traditional and adds a lovely texture, you can substitute with spinach or collard greens if preferred. Just add them later in cooking as they wilt faster.
Can I make this soup less creamy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind cream adds richness and the signature silky texture.
How spicy is the sausage used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for spicy Italian sausage, which brings a gentle heat that complements the creamy broth. If you prefer milder flavors, using mild Italian sausage works perfectly well too.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to make for family and friends because of how effortlessly it delivers big, comforting flavors. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and put your own spin on this delicious classic!
“`
Print
Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup is a hearty, comforting Italian-inspired dish combining flavorful spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, nutritious kale, and creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage (use mild for kid-friendly)
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4–5 yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups chopped kale
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
Toppings (Optional)
- Chopped bacon or bacon bits
- Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the spicy Italian ground sausage for 5-6 minutes until fully browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add butter to the same pot. Once melted, sauté the diced white onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook Potatoes in Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the cut yellow potatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15 minutes.
- Add Kale, Cream, and Sausage: Stir in the chopped kale and heavy cream into the pot. Return the browned sausage to the soup. Let everything heat through gently for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with optional chopped bacon or bacon bits and grated parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Zuppa Toscana soup!
Notes
- Use mild Italian sausage if cooking for children or sensitive palates.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, but the soup will be less rich.
- Leaving the potatoes in larger chunks ensures they maintain texture in the soup.
- Kale can be substituted with spinach, but add it towards the end as it cooks faster.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding sausage back in.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop.
