Easy Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this incredible homemade zuppa toscana soup recipe! Inspired by the classic Olive Garden favorite, this hearty and flavorful soup brings that restaurant experience right into your kitchen. It’s packed with savory sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and a creamy broth, making the ultimate cozy meal for any day of the week.

Historically, Zuppa Toscana, or “Tuscan soup,” has roots in the Tuscan region of Italy, though the creamy sausage version is an Americanized take.

Why You’ll Love This Zuppa Toscana Soup

This zuppa toscana soup will quickly become a family favorite, and here’s why:

• Quick & Straightforward: Simple steps make it easy for beginners and busy cooks.
• Hearty & Satisfying: Each spoonful is packed with flavor and texture.
• Flavorful: The blend of savory sausage, garlic, and cream is simply irresistible.
• Perfect for Weeknights: Get a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table fast.
• A True Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults will ask for seconds.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your mouthwatering zuppa toscana soup:

• 1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage (use mild for kid-friendly)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ white onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 4-5 yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 cups chopped fresh kale
• Optional toppings: chopped bacon or bacon bits and grated Parmesan cheese

Notes & Substitutions

• Sausage: Feel free to swap spicy Italian sausage for mild Italian, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based alternative for dietary needs.
• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent substitutes for yellow potatoes. Ensure they are cut uniformly for even cooking.
• Kale: Fresh spinach works well if you don’t have kale. Add it at the very end, as spinach wilts much faster.
• Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half. A plant-based cream can also be used for a dairy-free option.
• Broth: Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth to make this an excellent vegetarian zuppa toscana soup.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools for this easy recipe:

• Large Dutch oven or a sturdy pot
• Slotted spoon
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Easy Olive Garden‑Style Zuppa Toscana Soup

A hearty, creamy Tuscan‑inspired soup with Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and savory broth — an easy homemade version of the classic Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana. Perfect for cozy dinners or cold days.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Main, Soup

Cuisine: Italian‑American

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy) casing removed if using links
• 4 slices bacon, diced optional but traditional
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water optional
• 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced about 1½ to 2 pounds
• 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups chopped kale stems removed
• 2 cups heavy cream
• grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
• Ladle
• measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into pieces as it cooks. Remove to a plate and set aside.
2. If using bacon, cook the diced bacon in the same pot until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of fat in the pot.
3. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and water (if using), then add the diced potatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
5. Stir in the chopped kale and cooked sausage (and bacon if using), and simmer until the kale is wilted and tender, about 5 minutes.
6. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Warm through but do not boil once the cream is added to prevent separation.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

This Olive Garden‑style Zuppa Toscana combines savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and hearty kale in a creamy broth. Feel free to use either mild or spicy sausage to suit your preference, and add cooked bacon for extra flavor if you like. Garnish with Parmesan for a richer finish. Zuppa Toscana is traditionally named for its Tuscan inspiration but has become an Italian‑American classic. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious homemade zuppa toscana soup:

1. Prep First: Dice your onion, mince the garlic, chop the kale, and cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. This makes cooking flow smoothly.
2. Brown Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the spicy Italian ground sausage over medium heat for 5-6 minutes. Ensure it’s thoroughly cooked and crumbled.
3. Drain & Reserve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate. Set it aside, leaving any drippings in the pot.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Add the butter to the pot. Sauté the diced white onions over medium heat until they become translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add Liquids & Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the diced yellow potatoes, salt, and black pepper.
6. Simmer Potatoes: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, which usually takes 10-15 minutes.
7. Return Sausage: Add the cooked sausage back into the pot with the tender potatoes and broth.
8. Stir in Kale & Cream: Stir in the fresh chopped kale and heavy cream.
9. Heat Gently: Heat the soup gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the kale has wilted and the soup is warmed through. Do not boil after adding the cream, as it can curdle.
10. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the zuppa toscana soup and add more salt and pepper if needed.
11. Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with your desired toppings.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Don’t Overcook Kale: Add kale towards the end of cooking. It wilts quickly and retains a better texture when not overcooked.
• Adjust Spice Level: If using spicy sausage, taste a small piece before adding. If it’s too spicy, a dash more cream can mellow it out.
• Avoid Boiling Cream: Boiling heavy cream can cause it to curdle, ruining the creamy texture of your zuppa toscana soup. Always heat gently.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving. Salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavors.
• Meal Prep Ingredients: Chop your vegetables a day ahead. This simple step makes preparing this cozy soup even faster on a busy weeknight.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish each bowl generously with crispy bacon bits and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Serve this hearty soup alongside a crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• Pair with a simple, light green salad to balance the richness of the soup.

Storage

• Ensure the zuppa toscana soup cools completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• For freezing, it’s best to omit the heavy cream. Freeze the broth, sausage, and potato mixture, then add fresh cream when reheating.

Variations

• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to include diced carrots or celery when sautéing the onions for added nutrients and flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based Italian sausage and vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Twist: Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets to make this a fantastic low-carb zuppa toscana soup.

Nutrition Information

Please note that these are estimated nutritional values per serving and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices. This information is provided as a courtesy and should not be considered professional nutritional advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

This easy homemade zuppa toscana soup recipe brings a taste of Italian-American comfort right to your table with minimal effort. Its rich, creamy broth, savory sausage, and tender vegetables make it an incredibly satisfying and flavorful meal. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try tonight and watch it become a new family favorite. We’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your experience and any tips in the comments below!

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