The first whiff of Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden copycat instantly brings back memories of cozy dinners with family. The comforting aroma of savory sausage and tender potatoes wafting through the kitchen can make anyone feel at home. It’s no wonder this creamy soup is a favorite; it wraps you in warmth like your favorite blanket on a chilly evening.
This dish combines hearty potatoes, spicy sausage, and fresh kale for a flavor explosion that feels indulgent yet balanced. Imagine it’s just like the one you enjoyed at that special restaurant, but ready in under 30 minutes! Plus, it uses pantry staples, making it an easy recipe you can whip up any night of the week.
Back in the fall of 2014, I first cooked this to surprise my friends during a dinner party. Their delighted reactions were priceless! The secret I discovered? Simmering the potatoes until just tender makes them creamy without any fuss. With over a decade of testing recipes, I can confidently say that this soup is a crowd-pleaser and a new family favorite.
Joe Rooney
Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe to Love
This delicious Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden copycat is a comforting and hearty soup packed with spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale, making it an ideal homemade zuppa toscana soup. It’s a simple zuppa toscana recipe that brings rich Italian flavors to your table, perfect for any cozy meal. Enjoy the creamy goodness of this olive garden zuppa toscana copycat that’s easy to prepare and satisfying every time.
1 pound ground Italian sausage (I recommend spicy)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium white onion, peeled and diced
1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
5 to 6 cups chicken stock
2 to 3 cups chopped fresh kale
1 cup heavy whipping cream
fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
6 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
Method
In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Scoop the sausage out with a slotted spoon, leaving about one tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pot, and discard the rest. Rinse the sausage briefly in a strainer to remove extra grease, then set aside.
Add the diced onions to the pot along with the reserved fat and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
Pour in the diced potatoes and chicken stock, then return the cooked sausage to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender.
Mix in the chopped kale and heavy cream, letting the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crumbled crispy bacon before serving warm.
Notes
For a slower cooking option, you can prepare this soup in a Crock-Pot or Instant Pot following appropriate settings. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Zuppa Toscana Recipe
Cozy Comfort: This homemade zuppa toscana soup wraps you in warmth with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Each spoonful is like a hug on a chilly night!
Hearty Ingredients: With spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale, it’s a meal that fills you up and leaves you feeling satisfied.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, this Olive Garden zuppa toscana copycat is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute company.
Customizable: There are plenty of ways to tweak it whether you want to make it gluten-free or low-carb, this recipe has the flexibility you need!
Key Ingredients and Tools
To create this cozy Olive Garden zuppa toscana, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients and tools:
Main Ingredients:
Ground Italian Sausage (I recommend spicy for that extra kick!)
Diced Yukon Gold Potatoes for that creamy goodness
Fresh Kale, adding color and nutrients
Heavy Whipping Cream for richness
Garlic and Onion for aromatic flavor
Bacon bits to sprinkle on top!
Tools:
Large Stockpot for simmering all the deliciousness together
Slotted Spoon to keep your sausage nice and browned
Chopping Knife and Cutting Board
How It Works Step-by-Step
In a large stockpot, cook 1 pound of ground Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked sausage to a plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of grease behind. (Pro Tip: Rinse the sausage briefly in a strainer for extra grease removal!)
Add diced onion to the pot, sautéing for 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
Stir in the diced Yukon Gold potatoes, chicken stock, and the cooked sausage. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce to medium-low heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
Finally, stir in the chopped kale and heavy cream, letting it simmer for 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm, garnished with crumbled bacon bits.
Troubleshooting & Common Tweaks
If you run into issues or want to play around with this zuppa toscana recipe, here are some helpful tips:
Too Thick? Add a splash more chicken stock or a bit of water to thin it out.
Not Creamy Enough? Increase the heavy cream to your desired richness you can even use half-and-half if that’s what you have.
Make It Vegan: Substitute sausage with a plant-based option, and consider using coconut milk for creaminess.
Storage: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove!
Serving and Storage Tips
This easy zuppa toscana Olive Garden copycat is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Here’s how to serve and store it:
Tip
Details
Serve it Up
Pair the soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stove for best flavor, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed!
Expert Says
When making Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden copycat, consider using a mix of leafy greens like kale and Swiss chard for added flavor and nutrition. These hearty greens not only enhance the dish’s texture but also provide a wealth of vitamins A, C, and K, supporting immune health and bone strength.
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The Road to My Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
After countless attempts at recreating that beloved Zuppa Toscana, I finally nailed it! I remember the first batch was too salty, and my family teased me about my soup experiments. Now, having perfected the blend of hearty veggies and creamy broth, this dish warms both my kitchen and my heart every time I make it.
FAQs ( Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden copycat) )
What are the main ingredients in Zuppa Toscana?
This soup traditionally includes Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, cream, and chicken broth. These ingredients create a hearty and flavorful base that is perfect for cozy meals. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices too!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free sausage instead of traditional Italian sausage and ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free. Additionally, choose a gluten-free thickener if you opt to add any to the soup. This way, everyone can enjoy this delightful dish!
How long does it take to cook this dish?
This soup can be prepared in about 30 to 40 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for dinner. Most of your time will be spent chopping vegetables, while the cooking itself is relatively fast. Just let the flavors meld for the ultimate taste!
Can I freeze this meal?
It’s best to freeze the soup without adding cream, as dairy can separate during freezing. After thawing, reheat and stir in cream before serving for optimal texture. This allows you to enjoy the soup later without losing its creamy consistency!
Conclusion
If you’re craving a warm hug from your kitchen, this zuppa toscana Olive Garden copycat will deliver! In just under 40 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, hearty soup that smells just like a cozy Italian trattoria. You’ll love how it turns out, bursting with flavor and comfort.
Want to mix things up? Throw in some spinach for a twist, or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra warmth. Storing leftovers? Just pop them in an airtight container; a splash of broth while reheating will restore its creamy magic! It’s a little trick I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen, and it’s a game changer.
I’d love to see how your version turns out! Did you grow up with something similar? Please share your thoughts and any memories. And don’t forget to save or share this recipe with your loved ones, because this kind of comfort is best enjoyed together!
