Zuppa Toscana Recipe (Olive Garden Copycat)

Zuppa Toscana Soup, the Olive Garden Copcat recipe in a soup bowl garnished with parmesan cheese and bacon

5 from 9 votes

Zuppa Toscana Recipe (Olive Garden Copycat)

This Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is a creamy, comforting Olive Garden copycat made with spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and hearty kale simmered in a rich chicken broth. Perfect for a cozy night in. This homemade version delivers all the warmth and flavor of your favorite restaurant soup in just one pot.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings:

Calories: 765kcal

Author: Ebony Robinson

Ingredients

8 slices Bacon chopped
1 Medium Onion diced
1 lb Hot Italian Sausage ground, case removed
1 tbsp Garlic minced
4 cups Chicken Broth
1 cup Water
4 - 5 Yukon Potatoes peeled and chopped
2 cups Heavy Cream
4 cups Baby Kale
Salt & Pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare your veggies by dicing one onion, potatoes, and mincing garlic. Chop bacon into small bits. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
Next, add diced onion to the pot and cook for 3 - 4 minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the hot Italian sausage and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the diced potatoes. Allow mixture to simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and baby kale. Let the soup simmer gently for 5 minutes, until the kale is wilted and tender. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Stir in the crispy bacon just before serving. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese, bacon, or a pinch of red pepper flakes, and serve with crusty bread. Enjoy!

Notes

Sausage Flavor: Italian sausage adds the signature savory flavor to Zuppa Toscana, but mild or spicy sausage can be used depending on your preference.
Potato Tip: Slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate and create the perfect tender texture.
Creaminess: For an extra creamy soup, stir in additional heavy cream right before serving.
Kale Substitute: Spinach or baby kale can be used in place of traditional kale if preferred.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with crusty bread or a simple salad for a cozy and comforting meal.
Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Freezing: The soup can be frozen, though the cream and potatoes may slightly change texture after thawing. For best results, freeze before adding the cream.

Nutrition