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Close-up of a hearty bowl of creamy zuppa toscana soup with potatoes, kale, sausage, and crispy bacon.

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
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
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}