Craving a rich and creamy soup that warms you from the inside out? Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana Soup is the perfect choice. With its hearty combination of Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and earthy kale, this soup delivers all the flavors of Tuscany in a comforting bowl. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or serving it at a cozy gathering, Zuppa Toscana is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The creamy base, combined with a hint of spice from the sausage and the smokiness from the bacon, creates a flavor profile that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on dietary preferences, making it a flexible dish that everyone can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Rich and Creamy
The combination of half-and-half or heavy cream creates a luxuriously creamy texture, making each spoonful feel indulgent.
2. Perfectly Hearty
With the addition of Italian sausage, bacon, russet potatoes, and kale, this soup is a complete meal in itself. It’s both filling and comforting.
3. Easy to Customize
Whether you prefer a leaner version with turkey sausage or need a gluten-free option, this soup can be adjusted to fit your dietary needs.
4. Packed with Flavor
From the smoky bacon to the savory Italian sausage and the mix of herbs, this soup is bursting with layers of flavor that make it so satisfying.
5. A Great Make-Ahead Option
This soup holds up beautifully over time, so it’s perfect for making in advance and enjoying for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage (mild, hot, or spicy depending on your preference; turkey sausage for a leaner option)
- Bacon (can be omitted or substituted with turkey bacon)
- Unsalted butter (or olive oil as a healthier substitute)
- Yellow or white onion (or shallots for a milder taste)
- Fresh minced garlic (or garlic powder as a substitute)
- Flour (or cornstarch/gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
- Low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- Beef bouillon (adds richness)
- Russet potatoes (Yukon Gold potatoes can be used for a creamier texture)
- Half and half or heavy cream (whole milk or plant-based milk for a lighter or dairy-free option)
- Chopped kale (Tuscan or curly kale, or baby spinach/Swiss chard as alternatives)
- Mustard powder, parsley, fennel, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (seasonings can be adjusted to taste)
- Parmesan cheese (optional; Pecorino Romano as an alternative, or omit for a dairy-free version)
Variations
- Lean Version: Use turkey sausage and turkey bacon or omit the bacon altogether for a lighter, lower-fat version of the soup.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream with a plant-based milk (like coconut milk or almond milk) and skip the Parmesan cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to thicken the soup, and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage and bacon for plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a meat-free version of this soup.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Sausage
In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the Italian sausage and cook until browned. Break the sausage into crumbles as it cooks.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Flour
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to help thicken the soup base. If you’re using a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and beef bouillon. Stir well, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Add the diced russet potatoes and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Kale
Once the potatoes are cooked, add the half and half or heavy cream to the pot, stirring to combine. Then, add the chopped kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the kale wilts and softens.
Step 6: Season the Soup
Season the soup with mustard powder, parsley, fennel, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Stir well and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Adjusting Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Flavor Enhancements: For a bolder flavor, add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end of cooking.
- Make It Spicy: If you like heat, use spicy Italian sausage and add extra crushed red pepper flakes.
- Potato Texture: For a creamier soup, mash a portion of the potatoes in the pot before adding the cream.
How to Serve
Zuppa Toscana is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread for dipping. You can also serve it with a side salad for a light yet satisfying meal. This soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or as part of a larger spread for a family gathering or holiday meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the soup cool before transferring it to the fridge.
Freezing
Zuppa Toscana freezes well, but the cream may separate slightly upon thawing. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove, stirring occasionally to bring the cream back together.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over low heat until hot, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or cream to adjust the consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can use turkey sausage for a leaner option, or switch to chicken sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a different twist.
2. Can I make this soup without bacon?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon for a lighter version or substitute it with turkey bacon or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
3. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, Zuppa Toscana can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
4. Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based milk (like coconut or almond milk) and omit the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version of Zuppa Toscana.
6. Can I use other greens instead of kale?
Yes, baby spinach or Swiss chard work well as alternatives to kale.
7. Can I use a different type of potato?
Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their starchy texture, but you can substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
8. How spicy is this soup?
The spice level depends on the type of Italian sausage you use. If you prefer a spicier soup, opt for hot Italian sausage or add more crushed red pepper flakes.
9. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the cream may separate slightly when reheated.
10. How can I thicken the soup without flour?
If you’re avoiding flour, you can use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup. Alternatively, mash some of the potatoes in the soup to naturally thicken the broth.
Conclusion
Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana Soup is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and hearty flavors that will warm you up on even the coldest of days. With its rich broth, flavorful sausage, smoky bacon, and tender potatoes, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or serving it to guests, this recipe is as satisfying as it is delicious. Plus, it’s easy to customize to fit any dietary preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting bowl of Italian-inspired goodness!