Bring the restaurant experience home with this Zuppa Toscana Soup. This rich copycat recipe captures everything you love about the Olive Garden classic—the spicy Italian sausage, the tender russet potatoes, and the vibrant kale, all swimming in a creamy, flavorful broth. It’s hearty, warming, and arguably better than the original because you can load it up with as much sausage and bacon as you want. It’s a one-pot meal that tastes like it simmered all day but is ready in under 45 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Better Than the Restaurant
Homemade Zuppa Toscana has a depth of flavor that restaurants can’t match. By browning the sausage and bacon right in the pot, we build a savory foundation (fond) that infuses the broth with smoky, spicy goodness. You also have control over the texture—no mushy potatoes here! It’s fresh, hot, and incredibly satisfying.
Easy One-Pot Meal
This soup covers all your bases: protein, starch, and greens, all in one bowl. It requires minimal prep and cooks entirely in a single Dutch oven or soup pot. It’s perfect for meal prepping, as the flavors often taste even better the next day after melding in the fridge.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 3 large Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy; remove. Brown sausage; remove. Drain most fat.
- Sauté onion and garlic. Add broth and potatoes.
- Simmer 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in cream, sausage, and kale. Simmer 5 mins. Top with bacon.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Spicy Italian Sausage: Use bulk sausage (no casing). The spice is crucial for flavoring the broth.
Bacon: Adds a smoky saltiness that elevates the soup.
Russet Potatoes: Their starch helps thicken the broth slightly while keeping a soft texture.
Kale: Fresh kale adds color and nutrition. It holds up better in hot soup than spinach.
Chicken Broth: A rich base.
Heavy Cream: Provides the signature silky, creamy finish.
Smart Substitutions
If you prefer a milder soup, use sweet Italian sausage. Yukon Gold potatoes are a great substitute if you want potatoes that hold their shape better. You can use spinach instead of kale, but add it at the very last second as it wilts instantly. For a dairy-free version, full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream blend works surprisingly well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Slice the bacon into small pieces. Wash and chop the potatoes into thin bite-sized slices (no need to peel if you like rustic). Remove kale stems and chop the leaves. Dice the onion and mince garlic.
Cooking Phase
In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Brown and crumble it. Remove and set aside with the bacon. Drain most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
Add the onion to the pot and sauté until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the sliced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Stir in the heavy cream, cooked sausage, and kale. Simmer for 5 minutes until kale is wilted.
Serve hot, topped with the crispy bacon bits.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Cutting the potatoes into uniform, thin slices is key. If they are huge chunks, they take forever to cook. If they are uniform, every bite has the perfect ratio of potato to meat. Also, adding the kale at the end ensures it stays bright green and doesn’t turn into brown mush.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t boil the soup vigorously once the cream is added. High heat can cause the dairy to curdle or separate. Keep it at a gentle simmer just to heat everything through.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Vitamin A | 50% DV |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Ladle into wide bowls. Top with the reserved bacon and freshly grated parmesan cheese. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds color.
Pairing Suggestions
Breadsticks are mandatory! Or serve with a crisp Caesar salad. If you are a fan of hearty sausage soups, you must try our Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Slow Cooker) for another rich Italian favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I make this in a crockpot?
Yes! Brown meat first, then add broth, potatoes, and meat to slow cooker. Cook Low 6 hours. Add cream and kale at the end.
Q2? Is it gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free (just check your sausage ingredients).
Q3? Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes, it lightens the soup up nicely. Add extra fennel seeds to mimic the pork flavor.
Conclusion
This Zuppa Toscana copycat is the definition of comfort food. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, it brings the restaurant home to your kitchen table.
