The BEST Zuppa Toscana Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)

This Zuppa Toscana Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing the rich and savory flavors of Olive Garden’s classic right to your kitchen. Packed with spicy sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and fresh kale, this soup is creamy, hearty, and full of bold flavors that your whole family will love.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Servings 8

Ingredients

1 lb spicy Italian sausage mild if preferred
4 slices bacon chopped
1 medium onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
4 cups chicken broth
3 large russet potatoes sliced thin
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups kale chopped (stems removed)
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for garnish optional

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop and Slice: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the potatoes thinly for quick and even cooking.
Prepare Kale: Remove the stems from the kale and roughly chop the leaves.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Crisp the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain Excess Grease: Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage and Aromatics

Add Sausage: In the same pot, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles, about 6-8 minutes.
Add Onions and Garlic: Add diced onions to the sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the sliced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cook Until Potatoes are Tender: Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Add Kale and Cream

Add Kale: Stir in the chopped kale and simmer for 3-5 minutes until wilted.
Pour in Cream: Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the soup heat through for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Season and Garnish

Season to Taste: Add salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
Garnish and Serve: Top with crispy bacon and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
To add more heat, use hot Italian sausage or increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.
Swap spinach for kale if you prefer a milder green.
Use a mandoline to slice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.