Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup is a wonderful dish for many reasons. It provides a creamy, comforting flavor that’s perfect for cold days or when you want something hearty. This recipe combines spicy sausage with potatoes and kale, making it both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, you can easily adjust the flavors to suit your family’s taste!
Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A creamy, comforting soup featuring spicy sausage, potatoes, and kale, perfect for cold days.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage (use 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
- Chopped bacon or bacon bits and grated parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the sausage for 5-6 minutes until browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the butter and sauté the diced onions over medium heat until they become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the onions and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the potato pieces, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Continue boiling until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the kale and heavy cream, then add the cooked sausage back into the pot.
- Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve it hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and/or bacon if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes. For a thicker soup, mash a few potatoes while cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
How to Make Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage (use 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
- Chopped bacon or bacon bits and grated parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Directions:
- In a large pot, sauté the sausage for 5-6 minutes until browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the butter and sauté the diced onions over medium heat until they become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the onions and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the potato pieces, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Continue boiling until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the kale and heavy cream, then add the cooked sausage back into the pot.
- Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve it hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and/or bacon if desired.
How to Serve Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
Serve this delightful soup warm in bowls. You can offer extra parmesan cheese and bacon bits on the side for those who want a little more flavor. This soup pairs well with bread or a salad, making it a complete meal.
How to Store Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
If you have leftover soup, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Just place it in freezer-safe containers, and it can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Tips to Make Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
- For more depth of flavor, consider adding some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use a potato masher to mash a few of the potatoes while they cook.
- Be careful when adding salt, as the sausage and chicken broth can already be salty.
Variation
You can make this soup vegetarian by substituting the sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you can keep the recipe creamy with coconut cream or oat milk.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance. It tastes even better the next day! Just store it properly in the fridge.
Is it okay to freeze Zuppa Toscana Soup?
Yes, you can freeze it for later. Just remember it may change in texture slightly when reheated.
Can I use different greens instead of kale?
Absolutely! Spinach or Swiss chard are great alternatives that will also work well in this soup.