Zuppa Toscana is a creamy, comforting Italian soup loaded with hearty potatoes, savory beef sausage, crispy beef bacon, and tender kale, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. This easy homemade version brings all the flavors of the Olive Garden classic right to your kitchen!
I first made this when I was craving a warm, satisfying soup that felt like a hug in a bowl. The combination of spicy beef sausage, creamy broth, and fresh greens made it an instant favorite. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make while still tasting like a restaurant-quality dish.
What’s great about this Zuppa Toscana is its versatility. You can swap the beef sausage for turkey or plant-based alternatives, use coconut milk for a dairy-free option, or add extra veggies for more texture. Whether for a cozy night in or a meal to impress, this soup is creamy, hearty, and irresistibly delicious!
Perfect for:
- Cozy family dinners
- Cold-weather comfort food
- Meal prepping for the week
- Impressing guests with a homemade classic
- Anyone who loves Olive Garden soups
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Rich and Creamy Broth: A perfect balance of creamy, garlicky goodness with a hint of spice.
- Savory Italian Beef Sausage: Adds depth of flavor and a delicious kick.
- Tender Potatoes: Soft, buttery potatoes make every bite satisfying.
- Fresh Kale: Adds a pop of color, nutrients, and texture.
- One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup with just one pot to wash.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour for a fuss-free meal.
- Restaurant-Quality Taste: Just like Olive Garden but homemade and even better!
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
- Customizable: Easily adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, or make it dairy-free.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 28g
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian beef sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups russet potatoes, sliced thin
- 3 cups kale, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Crumbled beef bacon
- Extra red pepper flakes
Ingredient Highlights
- Italian Beef Sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor with a hint of spice.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, creamy broth.
- Russet Potatoes: Soft and starchy, perfect for soaking up flavors.
- Kale: Adds freshness and nutrients.
- Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics for depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Sausage:
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Brown the Beef Sausage: Add Italian beef sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Remove excess grease if needed.
Build the Soup Base:
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add sliced potatoes and simmer for 15 minutes or until fork-tender.
Finish the Soup:
- Stir in the Kale: Add the chopped kale and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
Serve:
- Taste and Adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan and crumbled beef bacon, if desired.
How to Serve
Here are 9 delicious ways to enjoy Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup:
- With Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping.
- With Garlic Knots: Pair with homemade garlic knots for an extra indulgent meal.
- Topped with Beef Bacon: Sprinkle crispy beef bacon bits for added crunch and flavor.
- With a Fresh Salad: A simple Caesar or garden salad balances the richness of the soup.
- Over Rice: Pour the soup over white or brown rice for a heartier dish.
- With Extra Cheese: Stir in shredded Parmesan for extra creaminess.
- As a Meal Prep Option: Make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted zucchini or asparagus for added nutrition.
- With a Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A comforting combo that makes for the ultimate cozy meal.
Additional Tips
- Use Hot Italian Sausage – For extra spice, choose hot Italian beef sausage instead of mild. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Brown the Beef Sausage Well – Let the beef sausage develop a deep golden color to enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Deglaze the Pot – After cooking the beef sausage, pour in a splash of chicken broth to lift the flavorful bits from the bottom.
- Thinly Slice the Potatoes – This helps them cook faster and absorb more of the rich broth.
- Use Fresh Kale or Spinach – Kale adds a traditional touch, but spinach works well if you prefer a milder green.
- Simmer for Depth of Flavor – Let the soup simmer for at least 15 minutes to meld all the ingredients together.
- Substitute with Cauliflower – For a lower-carb option, swap out the potatoes for cauliflower florets.
- Adjust the Creaminess – Add more or less heavy cream depending on how rich you like your soup. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Make It Ahead – The flavors deepen overnight, making this soup even better the next day. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently.
- Serve with Garlic Bread – A warm slice of garlic bread or a breadstick is the perfect pairing for soaking up the creamy broth.
Recipe Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Sausage: Swap Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version.
- Vegetarian Zuppa Toscana: Use plant-based beef sausage and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Extra Hearty: Add white beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
- Spinach Instead of Kale: Substitute kale with fresh spinach for a slightly different texture.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar for extra creaminess.
- Beef Bacon Lovers: Add crispy beef bacon directly into the soup for smoky flavor.
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté mushrooms with onions for an umami boost.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your sausage and broth are gluten-free for a completely GF dish.
- Slow Cooker Method: Cook on low for 4-5 hours, adding the kale and cream in the last 30 minutes.
Special Equipment
- Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: Ideal for even cooking.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing potatoes and chopping kale.
- Wooden Spoon: Helps break up sausage while cooking.
- Ladle: Makes serving easy.
- Immersion Blender (Optional): If you prefer a smoother broth, blend a portion of the soup.
- Cheese Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan.
FAQ Section
- What is Zuppa Toscana?
Zuppa Toscana is a creamy, hearty Italian soup made with beef sausage, potatoes, kale, and a rich, flavorful broth. - Do I have to use kale?
Not at all! If you’re not a fan of kale, you can substitute it with spinach, collard greens, or Swiss chard for a similar texture and flavor. - Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk, unsweetened almond milk, or a dairy-free creamer for a creamy, lactose-free version. - How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. - Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana?
Yes, but keep in mind that the potatoes may change texture when thawed. If freezing, consider leaving out the potatoes and adding freshly cooked ones when reheating. - What can I serve with Zuppa Toscana?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. - Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients (except cream and kale) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the cream and kale before serving. - Is this recipe keto-friendly?
To make it keto-friendly, swap the potatoes for cauliflower or radishes and use a low-carb thickener if needed. - Can I make it spicier?
Definitely! Add red pepper flakes, extra spicy beef sausage, or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
Conclusion
Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup is a rich, creamy, and hearty dish packed with bold flavors! This comforting soup features tender potatoes, savory Italian sausage, crispy beef bacon, and fresh kale simmered in a luscious, garlicky broth with a touch of cream. It’s a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy goodness—just like the restaurant favorite but even better homemade!
Customize it by using turkey sausage for a lighter twist, adding extra red pepper flakes for heat, or swapping kale for spinach. Serve it hot with crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal!
I can’t wait to see how your Zuppa Toscana turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!