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If you’ve ever found yourself craving a comforting bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful, then you’re in for a real treat with this Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of hearty Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and earthy kale all simmered in a rich, creamy broth that somehow tastes restaurant-quality but comes together so easily at home. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for guests, this soup hits every note and will likely become your go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each bringing something vital to the table—from savory depth to fresh texture. Together, they create that signature balance of flavors and a beautiful mix of colors that makes the soup as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: Brings bold, spicy flavor and a hearty protein base.
- 4 slices bacon, chopped: Adds smoky crispiness that contrasts beautifully with tender ingredients.
- 1 onion, diced: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with warm, savory notes.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Forms the rich, flavorful liquid body of the soup.
- 1 cup water: Lightens the broth slightly, balancing intensity.
- 2 large potatoes, thinly sliced: Offer a creamy, starchy texture that makes every bite filling.
- 2 cups kale, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a healthy, earthy contrast.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Delivers that luscious, velvety finish that makes this soup unforgettable.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Bring a welcome hint of heat if you like a little kick.
How to Make Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Bacon
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage and chopped bacon until the sausage is browned and the bacon turns crispy. This step is crucial because it releases savory fat and those deep browned bits that form the flavor base of the soup. Once done, drain excess fat to keep the broth from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic into the same pot. Cooking them until softened lets their natural sweetness and aroma bloom, which layers beautifully onto the rich sausage and bacon flavors you’ve just developed.
Step 3: Add Broth, Water, and Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add your thinly sliced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the potatoes become tender but still hold their shape. This step lets the potatoes absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Wilt the Kale
Stir in the chopped kale and cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes. The kale should soften just enough to lose its tough texture while retaining its vivid green color, adding a fresh and slightly earthy note to the soup.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Seasoning
Finally, stir in the heavy cream along with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld everything together into that unmistakably creamy and comforting soup you’re aiming for.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup hot into bowls, ready for your favorite garnishes or sides.
How to Serve Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a dash of extra red pepper flakes for those who like heat, or a little swirl of olive oil can elevate this soup to a next-level indulgence. Fresh chopped parsley also brightens the bowl with a pop of color and herbaceousness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks that are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth. A simple crisp green salad can help balance the richness, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the soup in rustic bread bowls to make mealtime extra special, or garnish each bowl with crispy bacon crumbles and thin potato chips for delightful texture contrast. It’s a fun way to impress guests or create a cozy at-home restaurant vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe, but be careful with the cream—it might slightly separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze before adding the cream and stir it in fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the soup creamy and prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick, and finish with a fresh swirl of cream before serving.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a lighter alternative and will still provide great flavor, though the soup will be slightly less rich.
Is kale the only green vegetable I can use?
You can swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard if you prefer, though kale holds up best during the cooking process without becoming too limp.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream to maintain creaminess while keeping it dairy-free.
How spicy is this soup? Can I adjust it?
The heat level is mild but can be increased by adding more red pepper flakes or choosing spicy Italian sausage.
Will the soup thicken after refrigeration?
Yes, the potatoes and cream tend to thicken the soup as it cools; just reheat gently and add a little broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soul-soothing, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make yet tastes like a special occasion, this Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is absolutely worth trying. It’s one of those recipes that warms your body and heart, perfect for any day you need a little extra comfort in your kitchen.
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Print
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6.5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana is a hearty and comforting Italian soup featuring savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and nutrient-rich kale all simmered in a creamy broth. This classic soup recipe combines robust flavors and a creamy texture perfect for a cozy meal that serves six generously.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Vegetables
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
Dairy and Seasonings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Meat: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage and chopped bacon until browned and crispy. Once cooked, drain the excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage and bacon. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing its aromas.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in chicken broth and water, then add the thinly sliced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Kale: Stir in the chopped kale and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the kale wilts, adding both flavor and nutritional value.
- Finish with Cream and Seasoning: Pour in the heavy cream and season the soup with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a kick. Allow it to cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish as desired, serving immediately for a warm and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use kale stems removed for a more tender texture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop to prevent curdling of the cream.
