Crave Olive Garden’s famous Zuppa Toscana soup? You can now make it at home! This easy homemade version brings that same creamy, savory, and satisfying flavor right to your kitchen. Get ready for a quick-to-prepare meal that the whole family will adore, perfect for any weeknight.
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Why You’ll Love This Zuppa Toscana
This homemade zuppa toscana soup tastes just like the restaurant original. It’s incredibly quick and easy to make, even for beginners. The soup is hearty, comforting, and wonderfully filling, making it a complete meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners, offering a delicious solution. You can also easily customize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Making delicious zuppa toscana soup starts with quality ingredients. Gather these items for a truly authentic taste experience:
- 1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage (use 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
- Chopped bacon or bacon bits and grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
For your perfect zuppa toscana soup, consider these ingredient notes. You can use spicy Italian sausage for a kick or mild for a gentler flavor; turkey or chicken sausage also work for a lighter option. Yellow or Russet potatoes are ideal here; they break down slightly to thicken the soup without becoming mushy. Known for its impressive nutritional profile, kale adds more than just flavor and texture to this soup, offering various health benefits. If you are not a fan of kale, fresh spinach makes a great alternative, just add it at the very end. For a dairy-free soup, use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Always use broth over plain water for richer flavor, but a combination works well to balance intensity.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this recipe. Just gather these essentials and you’re ready to go:
- Large Dutch oven or stockpot for simmering
- Slotted spoon for browning sausage
- Sharp knife and cutting board for prep
- Ladle for serving the hot soup
Instructions
Learning to make zuppa toscana soup at home is incredibly simple. Follow these clear, step-by-step directions for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Brown Italian Sausage: In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, brown the spicy Italian ground sausage over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This typically takes 5–6 minutes until it’s fully cooked through and golden.
- Remove Sausage; Drain Excess Fat: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the browned sausage to a plate. Set the cooked sausage aside for later. Carefully drain off any excess fat from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
- Sauté Onion: In the same pot, add the butter. Once melted, add the diced white onion. Sauté the onions over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Add Minced Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
- Pour in Broth and Water: Carefully pour in the chicken broth and water. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot; these add immense flavor to your zuppa toscana soup.
- Add Potatoes, Salt, and Pepper: Add the 1-inch diced yellow potatoes to the pot. Season with the 3 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Bring Soup to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer Until Tender: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, or until the potato pieces are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Stir in Kale and Heavy Cream: Stir in the fresh chopped kale and heavy cream. The kale will wilt quickly into the hot liquid.
- Return Cooked Sausage: Add the previously cooked and drained sausage back into the pot with the soup.
- Heat Through Gently: Heat the soup through gently for another 2–3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are warmed. Do not boil the soup once the cream is added, as this can cause it to curdle.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the zuppa toscana soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. You might want a little more spice or salt.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the creamy soup into bowls. Serve hot with your desired garnishes, such as grated Parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Crafting the perfect zuppa toscana soup involves a few key techniques. To achieve perfectly browned sausage, do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. This allows the meat to caramelize properly. To prevent the cream from curdling, ensure your soup is simmering, not boiling, when you add the heavy cream. Also, let the cream come to room temperature first if possible. Ensure potatoes are tender, not mushy, by checking them with a fork; stop cooking as soon as they are easily pierced. Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as flavors develop and concentrate. Garnish generously with fresh Parmesan and crispy bacon for an appealing presentation and added texture.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Enjoy your homemade zuppa toscana soup with these pairing ideas, storage tips, and variations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious soup alongside some crusty bread for dipping. A fresh, crisp side salad makes an excellent pairing, offering a nice contrast to the rich soup. Top individual servings with extra grated Parmesan cheese and crispy bacon for added flavor and texture. Garlic breadsticks are also a classic accompaniment, perfect for soaking up every last drop.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate any leftover zuppa toscana soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. While you can freeze this soup, be aware that the potatoes might become a bit mushy, and the cream could separate slightly upon thawing. If freezing, cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore consistency.
Variations
Easily customize your zuppa toscana soup. Make it vegetarian by swapping Italian sausage for plant-based sausage crumbles or adding cannellini beans. Incorporate other vegetables like sliced mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrients. Experiment with other proteins, such as shredded chicken or ground turkey. Adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes to the sausage while it browns, or use a milder sausage if you prefer less heat.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional profile of your zuppa toscana soup helps you enjoy it responsibly. This approximate nutritional information is based on the ingredients listed and is an estimate. It highlights the energy, protein, and fat content of a serving, among other key dietary components.
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 833 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 16 g |
| Protein Content | 25 g |
| Fat Content | 76 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 38 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 246 mg |
| Sodium Content | 3849 mg |
| Potassium Content | 1084 mg |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 2 g |
| Vitamin A Content | 8563 IU |
| Vitamin C Content | 110 mg |
| Calcium Content | 241 mg |
| Iron Content | 3 mg |
FAQ
What is Zuppa Toscana soup?
Zuppa Toscana soup is a hearty Italian-American soup, famously popularized by Olive Garden. It typically features Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth. Many sources confirm that while its name suggests Tuscan origins, the version popularized by Olive Garden is indeed an American adaptation, not a traditional Italian dish.
Is Zuppa Toscana soup healthy?
The healthfulness of Zuppa Toscana soup depends on its preparation and serving size. While it can be rich in fats and sodium due to sausage and cream, you can modify it by using lean sausage, reducing cream, or adding more vegetables to boost its nutritional value.
What kind of potatoes are best for Zuppa Toscana soup?
Yellow potatoes, like Yukon Golds, are ideal for Zuppa Toscana soup because they hold their shape well while cooking and become wonderfully tender. Russet potatoes also work, though they might break down a bit more, which can help slightly thicken the soup.
Can I make this Zuppa Toscana soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can absolutely make this Zuppa Toscana soup in an Instant Pot. Brown the sausage and sauté onions and garlic using the sauté function, then add remaining ingredients (except cream and kale) and pressure cook. Stir in cream and kale after pressure cooking.
How can I thicken my Zuppa Toscana soup?
If your Zuppa Toscana soup is too thin, you can thicken it by mashing a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot. Alternatively, create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
Conclusion
This easy zuppa toscana soup recipe brings the restaurant experience home with minimal fuss. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. You’ll love its creamy texture and savory flavors, reminiscent of your favorite Italian restaurant dish. Don’t wait to try this simple, delicious copycat version! Share your creations and let us know what you think in the comments below.
Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup: A Creamy Olive Garden Copycat
Equipment
- Large Pot
- slotted spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage use mild for kid-friendly
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 0.5 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 for topping, optional
- grated parmesan cheese for topping, optional
Instructions
Steps
- In a large pot, brown the spicy Italian sausage for 5-6 minutes; then, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté diced onions over medium heat until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and water, add potatoes, salt, and pepper, then bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender. Finally, stir in the kale, heavy cream, and cooked sausage; taste and adjust seasoning before serving with optional parmesan cheese and bacon.