Description
This Olive Garden-inspired Zuppa Toscana is a creamy, hearty soup filled with Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and kale in a flavorful, slightly spicy broth. With a touch of heavy cream, this cozy soup is the perfect comfort food, ideal for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 ½ cups water
- 4 russet potatoes, sliced into thin half-moons
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups kale, chopped and stems removed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onions until soft (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add Broth & Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).
- Add Sausage & Kale: Return the cooked sausage to the pot, then add the kale. Stir and let it wilt for about 3 minutes.
- Finish with Cream & Bacon: Stir in the heavy cream, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Add the crumbled bacon just before serving.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: ~450 per serving
- Sugar: ~3g per serving
- Sodium: ~900mg per serving
- Fat: ~32g per serving
- Saturated Fat: ~14g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~16g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g per serving
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~18g per serving
- Cholesterol: ~60mg per serving