This Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) recipe is a delightful twist on the beloved classic. Perfect for cozy dinners, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also packs in zesty Italian flavors that warm the soul. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family meal or a dinner party, this comforting soup is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Zuppa Toscana comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spicy sausage and creamy broth creates a rich and satisfying taste that you’ll crave.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with kale and potatoes, this soup offers nutritional benefits without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a starter or a main course, this soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its hearty ingredients and comforting nature, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to make preparation smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Slotted spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stockpot: Ideal for cooking large batches of soup, allowing all ingredients to blend perfectly.
- Slotted spoon: Useful for transferring cooked sausage while leaving excess grease behind for flavor in your soup.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 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
For the Finish
- 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
How to Make Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate while reserving 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot. Discard any excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- In the same stockpot with the reserved grease, add the diced onion.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Broth and Potatoes
- Stir in the diced potatoes along with chicken stock and the previously cooked sausage.
- Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cook for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Finish with Kale and Cream
- Stir in chopped kale and heavy whipping cream into the pot.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
- Season with fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle Zuppa Toscana into bowls, garnishing each serving with crumbled bacon on top.
- Enjoy warm with crusty bread or alone as a hearty meal!
How to Serve Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Zuppa Toscana is a hearty and creamy soup that delights the senses. Serving it right can elevate your dining experience, making it even more enjoyable for family and friends.
With Crusty Bread
- Pairing Zuppa Toscana with freshly baked crusty bread enhances the meal. Use the bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Topped with Parmesan
- Sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a rich, savory touch. It complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.
In a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve your Zuppa Toscana in an edible bread bowl. This not only looks impressive but also makes for easy cleanup!
With a Side Salad
- A light side salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top gives a burst of freshness. It also adds visual appeal to your dish.
How to Perfect Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Perfecting your Zuppa Toscana takes just a few easy steps. Follow these tips to make your soup even better!
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage will enhance the overall flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you like it spicy, opt for hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Ensure potatoes are tender but not mushy for the best texture in your soup.
- Adjust Creaminess: For a richer soup, increase the amount of cream based on your preference.
- Serve Immediately: Zuppa Toscana is best served hot and fresh for optimal taste and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Complementing Zuppa Toscana with the right sides can enhance your meal further. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: This classic pairing is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup.
- Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad adds crunch and tang that balances the richness of the soup.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a light appetizer option.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives makes for an excellent sharing dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients alongside your warm bowl of soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats offer a flavorful complement that’s fun to eat!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) can be straightforward, but some common mistakes can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Using the wrong sausage: Not all Italian sausages are created equal. Choose a spicy or mild variety based on your preference for flavor.
- Overcooking the potatoes: Cooking the potatoes too long will make them mushy. Keep an eye on them and test for tenderness after 10 minutes of simmering.
- Skipping the seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to a bland soup. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
- Not using fresh kale: Using wilted or old kale can affect the taste and texture. Always use fresh, vibrant kale for the best results.
- Ignoring the cooking time: Rushing through the cooking process can result in uneven flavors. Allow each ingredient to simmer properly for a well-rounded taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Zuppa Toscana in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, covered loosely, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat).
Can I make Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) vegetarian?
You can substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
What kind of potatoes work best for Zuppa Toscana?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture, but Russet potatoes can also work if needed.
How do I make Zuppa Toscana spicier?
To increase heat, add red pepper flakes or opt for spicy Italian sausage as your base meat.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) is a cozy recipe that brings comfort food right into your kitchen. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients! Enjoy making your own version today!
Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) is a comforting and flavorful Italian soup that brings the warmth of Tuscan cuisine right to your kitchen. This creamy sausage soup is loaded with fresh kale, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, and zesty Italian sausage, creating a hearty dish that everyone will love. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, this easy recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Serve it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground spicy Italian sausage
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium white onion, 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 cooked and crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Cook the sausage in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon, reserving some grease.
- In the same pot, sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in diced potatoes and chicken stock along with the sausage. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add chopped kale and heavy cream; simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, garnished with crumbled bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
