Looking for a cozy, big-flavor soup that feels like a restaurant treat but is easy enough for weeknight dinner? This Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup brings together spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and crisp kale in a creamy, comforting broth. It’s one of those meals you’ll crave on colder nights satisfying, rich, and full of heart.
What Is Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup?
“Zuppa Toscana” literally means “Tuscan soup,” but the version you love at the Olive Garden is an American-restaurant spin full of Italian sausage, cream, bacon or bacon bits, potatoes and kale. Wikipédia This homemade version delivers that same flavor without the restaurant bill.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (or mild if preferred)
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ medium white onion, diced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 4-5 yellow or Yukon potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups chopped kale
- Optional toppings: bacon bits or chopped cooked bacon, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Brown the Sausage
In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage until nicely browned and no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
Step 2 – Sauté the Onions & Garlic
In the same pot, melt the butter, then add onion. Cook until translucent, then add garlic and cook one more minute until fragrant.
Step 3 – Add Broth, Potatoes & Seasoning
Pour in the chicken broth and water, add potatoes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender (about 10–12 minutes).
Step 4 – Add Cream, Kale & Sausage
Stir in the heavy cream, kale, and cooked sausage. Heat gently until kale wilts and everything is combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5 – Serve & Garnish
Ladle into bowls, top with optional bacon bits and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve with crusty bread or breadsticks for dipping.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s restaurant-style comfort but made at home.
- One pot, minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
- Textural contrast: creamy broth, hearty potatoes, chewy kale, savory sausage.
- Easily adaptable (make milder, lighter, or add more greens).
Tips, Variations & Why It Works
- Use mild sausage if cooking for kids or those sensitive to spice.
- For lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
- Make it gluten-free simply by confirming sausage is gluten-free and using same ingredients.
- To boost veggie content, add extra kale or spinach just before serving.
- The potatoes help thicken the soup naturally no need for extra flour or cornstarch. This aligns with food editors who highlight thickened broth + kale crunch as key to the dish’s success.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezer: Let cool, then freeze. Note: potatoes may get soft when thawed. Best eaten sooner rather than later.
Reheat: Gently warm on stovetop or microwave; add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
FAQs – Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, turkey or chicken sausage works. Flavor will be lighter but still delicious.
Can I skip the kale or replace it?
Yes, spinach or Swiss chard are fine substitutes. If omitting greens, consider adding more potatoes or beans to keep heartiness.
Is this soup gluten free?
Often yes, just double-check the sausage ingredients. Potatoes and kale are naturally gluten free.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Definitely, use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
What is in the zuppa toscana soup at Olive Garden?
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup is a cozy, creamy Italian-style soup made with flavorful Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and fresh kale simmered in a rich and comforting chicken broth.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup brings all the rich, comforting flavors you love Italian sausage, creamy broth, tender potatoes and kale into your kitchen with ease. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll feel good about serving, whether it’s a quiet night in or a weekend gathering.
For a sweet fall treat to enjoy after your soup, browse our Easy Fall Dessert Recipes warm, cozy flavors perfect for the season.
If you love hearty, comforting bowls, check out our collection of Healthy Loaded Potato Soup Recipes filling, creamy, and full of flavor.
Looking for meals that keep you satisfied longer? Explore our High-Protein Soups for Fall nourishing, warm, and energizing.
On busy days, let your slow cooker do the work with our Easy Crockpot Soup Recipes set it and come back to comfort.
For a family-favorite creamy classic, try our Soul-Warming Crockpot Cheese Broccoli Soup rich, cozy, and always a hit.
And if you love the combination of sausage + pasta in soup, don’t miss our Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup similar cozy vibes with a creamy Parmesan finish.
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage or mild if preferred
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ medium white onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 4–5 Yukon gold or yellow potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 teaspoons salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups chopped kale
- bacon bits or chopped cooked bacon optional topping
- grated Parmesan cheese optional topping
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove from pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and water. Add potatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, kale, and cooked sausage. Simmer gently until kale is wilted and everything is heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with bacon bits and Parmesan cheese if desired.