This easy Zuppa Toscana recipe is full of crumbled sausage, crispy bacon and potatoes in a creamy broth! This is our favorite Olive Garden copycat recipe!
While everyone else goes to Olive Garden for the pasta… I am over there stuffing my face with bread sticks and soup. THIS version of their sausage and kale soup is amazing.
It has got a great light consistency and the kale is cooked to perfection. Nothing warms your belly on a cold night better! It is delicious served with fresh rolls or bread sticks. I should note, we like to use spicy sausage but it is just as yummy with regular.
Recipe Features:
- Copycat Recipe: This Olive Garden Copycat Recipe tastes exactly like the original!
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm soup that is filled with sausage, potatoes, and cream- The ultimate comfort dinner or appetizer.
- Easy Substitutions: I use Italian sausage, but you could substitute with your favorite variety. Half and half can be swapped with cream and kale can be left out or replaced with fresh spinach.
What you’ll need to make Zupa Toscana at home:
Full list of ingredients and amounts listed below in the recipe card.
- Sausage: I reach for mild Italian sausage. We add red pepper flakes to the soup which gives it a slight kick. If you like a more spicy soup, try a spicy sausage.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is always the best.
- Chicken Broth: I keep Low Sodium Better Than Bouillon (affiliate) on hand. It has a lower salt level which gives me more control when seasoning.
- Potatoes: Waxy potatoes tend to hold up better in soups. I like to use Yukon Gold, which fall right around the middle as far as waxy potatoes go.
- Kale: No kale? No problem. You can leave it out or replace with spinach.
- Half and Half: I have also used cream in place of half and half with success.
Step by Step Instructions:
- Gather your ingredients and prepare your cooking area. I find it is easiest to do all of your measuring and chopping beforehand.
- Brown 1 pound of ground sausage in a large stockpot. Stir in red pepper flakes, garlic, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a simmer.
- Meanwhile, in another pan, cook bacon pieces with chopped onions. Stir into your sausage mixture along with diced potatoes.
- Simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in kale and half and half. Cook 10 more minutes.
Tips and FAQ’s:
Can Zuppa Toscana be frozen?
Yes. You can freeze this soup recipe. However, potatoes tend to break down once frozen and reheated. Freezing does give a slightly different texture in your reheated soup recipe. In addition, it is also better to hold off on adding the kale and half and half until you reheat the frozen soup.
How long does this last?
This soup will last 3 to 4 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. I suggest using a quality airtight container. (affiliate)
Related Recipes:
- Copycat Wisconsin Cauliflower Soup
- Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Lasagna Soup
- Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Homemade Tomato Soup
Zuppa Toscana Recipe
This easy Zuppa Toscana recipe is full of crumbled sausage, crispy bacon and potatoes in a creamy broth! This is our favorite Olive Garden copycat recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper, optional
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 14.5 ounce cans chicken broth
- 1-3/4 cups water
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 4 strips of bacon, sliced
- 3 large potatoes, washed but not peeled
- 4 cups kale, thinly sliced
- 1 cup half and half
Instructions
- Start by browning your sausage and red pepper flakes (if using) in a large skillet. Once browned spoon into a large stock pot along with the garlic, chicken broth, and water.
- Add the uncooked bacon pieces and onion to the skillet. Cook until bacon is crisp and onions are translucent. Stir in with the sausage mixture.
- Quarter and thinly slice your potatoes leaving the skin on. Add to your pot and boil for 30 minutes, or until your potatoes are softened.
- Stir in the kale and half and half. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the kale is soft.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 ServingsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 523Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 1107mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 5gSugar: 7gProtein: 25g
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Sheila Hynes
Monday 22nd of December 2014
Just wanted to let you know, we have frozen this recipe a couple of times now and if you allow it to thaw on it's own, it comes back together very nicely with just a little bit of milk. Thank you so much for such a great recipe.
Jesseca
Tuesday 30th of December 2014
Good to know! We are making it this week since it's so chilly here in Utah and I was thinking about freezing half.
Lexia
Tuesday 18th of February 2014
It is still very cold here in Chicago and this soup turned out fantastic! I put too much pepper flakes but will go easy on 'em next time. Thank you for the recipe!
Becky @ Project Domestication
Tuesday 17th of December 2013
I love this OG recipe. Can't wait to make it at home.
Jessica @ Pretty Providence
Tuesday 17th of December 2013
Mmmm! Looks so perfect for the cold weather! YUM! Thanks for sharing :)
Debra
Tuesday 17th of December 2013
I am in LOVE with Zuppa Tuoscana! Yum!