This Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) is a delightful and hearty soup that brings the warm, comforting flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends, this recipe captures the essence of the classic Olive Garden dish. With its creamy texture and zesty flavor profile, it’s a standout meal that’s both easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This Zuppa Toscana comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spicy Italian sausage, fresh kale, and creamy broth creates a depth of flavor that’s irresistible.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it as an appetizer at parties or family gatherings.
- Comforting Meal: This soup is the ultimate comfort food; it’s warm and filling, ideal for cozy nights in.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on your preferences—add more veggies or adjust the spice level!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Zuppa Toscana, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Slotted spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stockpot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while allowing plenty of space for all ingredients.
- Slotted spoon: Helps remove cooked sausage easily while retaining grease for flavor in the pot.
- Cutting board and knife: Necessary for chopping vegetables efficiently, ensuring even cooking.
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
- 2 to 3 cups chopped fresh kale
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
For Garnish
- 6 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
How to Make Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Cook the sausage in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage onto a separate plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot. Discard any excess grease.
Optional: Rinse your cooked sausage briefly in a strainer to reduce excess grease further.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add diced onions to the stockpot with the reserved grease. Sauté for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Add minced garlic and continue sautéing for an additional minute.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add diced potatoes, chicken stock, and the previously cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir well.
Bring everything to a simmer.
Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add Kale and Cream
Stir in chopped fresh kale along with heavy whipping cream into the soup.
Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
Season with fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your Zuppa Toscana warm, garnished with crumbled bacon bits on top for added crunch!
How to Serve Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Zuppa Toscana is a delightful dish that warms the soul and your guests. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Garnish with Fresh Ingredients
- Freshly Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle some on top for a pop of color and fresh taste.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Add a generous layer for extra creaminess and flavor.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavor complements the soup beautifully.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Perfect for dipping and adds an Italian twist to your meal.
Serve with a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and croutons make for a classic pairing.
- Italian Chopped Salad: A mix of veggies, olives, and cheese enhances the meal’s Mediterranean flair.
Offer Extra Toppings
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a spicy kick.
- Crumbled Bacon: More bacon never hurt anyone—add it for extra crunch!
How to Perfect Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
To achieve the best Zuppa Toscana, consider these helpful tips.
- Use High-Quality Sausage: Opt for authentic Italian sausage for a richer flavor profile.
- Choose Fresh Kale: Fresh kale adds better texture and taste compared to frozen options.
- Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing more time for flavors to meld can enhance the overall taste.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go—adding salt and pepper incrementally helps avoid over-seasoning.
Best Side Dishes for Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Complement your hearty Zuppa Toscana with these delightful side dishes. They will round out your meal perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Classic choice with buttery garlic flavor; perfect for dipping.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and herbs adds a vibrant touch.
- Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, cheeses, and olives make an appealing starter.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted in olive oil bring out their natural sweetness.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad provides a hearty but refreshing side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Zuppa Toscana can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to overlook some essential steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid while preparing this dish.
- Skipping the sausage browning: Not browning the sausage properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Make sure to cook it until it’s well-browned for richer taste.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If you let the potatoes cook too long, they can become mushy. Keep an eye on them and simmer just until tender.
- Using low-quality stock: Poor chicken stock can dilute the flavors of your Zuppa Toscana. Choose a high-quality or homemade stock for the best results.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tasting is key! Failing to adjust salt and pepper according to your preference may leave your soup bland or overly salty.
- Adding kale too early: Overcooked kale can lose its vibrant color and texture. Stir it in towards the end of cooking for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Zuppa Toscana in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool before refrigerating for better preservation.
Freezing Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Consider portioning it out for easy reheating later.
Reheating Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes, adding cream as needed.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until heated through—about 4-5 minutes total.
- Stovetop: Simmer over low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed, about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)?
Zuppa Toscana is a hearty Italian soup made with sausage, potatoes, kale, and cream. This copycat version captures the same delicious flavors found at Olive Garden.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes! While Yukon Golds are recommended for their creaminess, you can substitute with Russet or red potatoes if preferred.
How do I make Zuppa Toscana spicy?
To add more heat, opt for spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. You could also add red pepper flakes during cooking.
Can I customize my Zuppa Toscana?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms based on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This recipe stores well, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Zuppa Toscana recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding extra vegetables or adjusting the level of creaminess. Give this cozy dish a try — it’s bound to become a family favorite!
Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) is a rich and comforting Italian soup that combines spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale in a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this delightful dish brings warmth and joy to your dining table. With its easy preparation and irresistible flavors, it’s a go-to recipe for family dinners or gatherings with friends. In just about 40 minutes, you can create a hearty meal that rivals the beloved version from Olive Garden. Plus, it’s easily customizable—add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 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
Instructions
- In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon.
- Sauté diced onions in reserved grease for about 5 minutes; add garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add potatoes, chicken stock, and cooked sausage back into the pot; bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in kale and heavy cream; simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, garnished with crumbled bacon if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
