Zuppa Toscana – Olive Garden Copycat

This Zuppa Toscana recipe is a copycat of the popular Olive Garden soup, featuring a rich and creamy broth filled with Italian sausage, bacon, potatoes, and kale. With its hearty ingredients and savory flavors, this comforting soup is the perfect meal for a chilly day. The combination of chicken broth, whipping cream, and garlic creates a silky texture, while the sausage and crispy bacon add the perfect amount of protein and flavor. Whether you’re craving Italian soup recipes or looking for a satisfying one-pot meal, this easy-to-make soup is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner, serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for the ultimate finishing touch.

Ingredients

• 6 oz bacon, chopped
• 1 lb Italian sausage (hot variety)
• 1 medium head garlic (10 large cloves), peeled and minced or pressed
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 6 cups chicken broth (48 oz)
• 4 cups water (32 oz)
• 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into ¼-inch thick slices
• 1 bunch kale, leaves stripped and chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon
   In a large pot or Dutch oven (at least 5.5 quarts), heat over medium-high heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Discard excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
2. Cook the Sausage
   Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside on the paper towel-lined plate.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic
   Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and golden. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Simmer the Soup
   Pour in the chicken broth and water, then bring the mixture to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook for 13-14 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
5. Add Kale and Sausage
   Once the potatoes are nearly tender, add the chopped kale and cooked sausage to the pot. Bring the mixture to a light boil and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Finish the Soup
   Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a boil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
7. Serve
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Zuppa Toscana is a comforting, hearty soup inspired by the classic Olive Garden version. Packed with flavorful ingredients like Italian sausage, bacon, and kale, it’s a rich, creamy dish that will satisfy your cravings. The combination of potatoes, garlic, and onion creates a perfect base, while the heavy cream adds a silky smooth texture. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter day or serving it for dinner, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Tips

• Crisp the Bacon: To get the crispiest bacon, be sure to cook it until it’s golden and slightly crunchy. This adds great texture and flavor to the soup.
• Potato Size: Make sure to slice the potatoes into even, thin pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
• Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, you can reduce the amount of cream or use half-and-half for a creamier consistency without being too heavy.

Variations and Substitutions

• Sausage: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use mild Italian sausage instead of the hot variety. For a different protein, ground turkey or chicken sausage can be used as a leaner alternative.
• Kale Substitution: If you don’t have kale, you can use spinach for a different green, though kale provides a heartier texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream with coconut milk and omit the Parmesan cheese garnish.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and bacon, and add more vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Zuppa Toscana ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually improve as it sits. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana?
While you can freeze the soup, it’s best to freeze it without the cream. Add the cream when reheating, as it may separate when frozen.

Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes can be used in place of russet potatoes. Just be sure to slice them thinly so they cook properly.

Serving and Suggestions

Zuppa Toscana is delicious served with a warm loaf of garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping. You can also pair it with a simple green salad for a complete meal. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle more grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. This soup makes for great leftovers and can be packed for lunch the next day!