Do you crave the cozy, comforting flavors of a warm bowl of soup that’s rich, hearty, and full of savory goodness? Then you’re in for a treat with this Zuppa Toscana recipe! This Olive Garden copycat is so easy to make at home, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. It’s packed with flavorful
Ingredients
like crispy bacon, spicy Italian sausage, creamy potatoes, and leafy kale. What’s even better? It’s made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
This soup is the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and hearty, and the best part is it’s quick to put together—just like something grandma would whip up on a chilly evening. Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious dish.
Ingredients
Gather these
Ingredients
, and you’ll be ready to make this heartwarming soup in no time:
6 oz bacon, chopped – Bacon makes everything better, right? It adds that crispy, smoky flavor that everyone loves, and you’ll cook it first to get all those delicious bacon drippings in the pot.
1 lb hot Italian sausage – The sausage brings that perfect amount of spice and richness to the soup. You can use mild sausage if you prefer less heat, but trust me, the hot sausage really gives this soup its kick!
10 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is the base of so many good recipes, and this soup is no exception. It adds such a lovely, aromatic depth of flavor.
1 medium onion, diced – Onions bring sweetness to balance out the heat from the sausage and garlic. They cook down beautifully to make the broth even more flavorful.
6 cups chicken broth – This gives the soup its rich, savory foundation. You can use low-sodium broth if you prefer a lighter version.
4 cups water – To help create the right consistency, water balances out the richness of the broth without making it too heavy.
5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped – Potatoes are a classic in Zuppa Toscana, adding a creamy, satisfying texture as they cook down in the broth.
1 bundle kale (about 6 cups), chopped – Kale is the leafy green that gives this soup its fresh, earthy flavor. Plus, it adds a pop of color!
1 cup whipping cream – The cream is what makes this soup so luxuriously creamy and comforting. It gives the soup that rich texture you love in a good Zuppa Toscana.
Salt and black pepper, to taste – Season to your liking! The salt helps to bring out all the natural flavors of the
Ingredients
, and pepper adds a little extra bite.
Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) – If you want to make this soup extra special, top it with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully into the hot soup and adds that final touch of flavor.
Instructions
Here’s how to make your very own delicious Zuppa Toscana, right in your kitchen:
1. Cook the Bacon
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s crispy and browned. Remove the bacon from the pot and drain any excess fat, but leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings behind. Trust me, you’ll want all that deliciousness in the pot!
2. Cook the Sausage
Next, add the Italian sausage to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, letting it brown evenly. You’ll want to cook it for about 5 minutes until it’s fully browned and crumbly. Once the sausage is ready, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Now, add the diced onion to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens and becomes golden. You’ll love how the onion caramelizes and brings a bit of sweetness to the soup. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute, just enough to let the garlic become fragrant and golden.
4. Simmer the Soup
It’s time to add the broth! Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the water and peeled, chopped potatoes. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 13-14 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Add Kale and Sausage
Once the potatoes are nearly done, toss in the chopped kale and the cooked sausage. Let the soup come back to a light boil and cook for a few more minutes until the kale is tender and vibrant. You’ll love how the kale softens and adds a burst of green goodness to the soup.
6. Finish with Cream
Now for the creamy part! Stir in the whipping cream and bring the soup to a boil. This is where the magic happens—the cream makes the broth smooth, rich, and velvety. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting the seasoning to suit your preferences.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once everything is perfectly cooked and seasoned, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the crispy bacon you cooked earlier and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully into the soup, giving it that extra layer of deliciousness. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Notes
Swap the Greens: While kale is the classic choice for this soup, you can also try it with spinach or Swiss chard for a different flavor and texture.
Make It Spicy: If you like more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you’re sautéing the onions and garlic.
Less Creamy: If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even milk in place of the whipping cream.
Leftovers: This soup makes fantastic leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to a month. If you freeze it, you might need to add a little extra cream or water when reheating to get it back to its creamy consistency.
Gluten-Free Option: You can make this soup gluten-free by ensuring the sausage you use is gluten-free, and pairing it with gluten-free bread for dipping!
Nutrition
Here’s a breakdown of the
Nutrition
for one serving of this rich and hearty Zuppa Toscana (based on 6 servings):
Calories: 380 kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Fat: 26g
Sodium: 900mg
Sugar: 4g
This soup is filling and packed with flavor. While it’s a bit on the indulgent side with the bacon, sausage, and cream, it’s a perfect treat for those days when you’re craving comfort food. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, or serve it alongside a salad or crusty bread for a complete dinner.
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