Easy Zuppa Toscana

Easy Zuppa Toscana

6 servings
Love the Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana? It's so simple to recreate it at home. This creamy sausage, bacon, potato, and kale soup is total comfort food!

Ingredients

  • strips of bacon)

    (thick cut works best

    5
  • italian sausage

    see note

    1 lb
  • onion

    chopped

    1 medium
  • garlic

    minced

    5 cloves
  • chicken broth)

    (beef works too

    2 c
  • water
    4 c
  • red potatoes)

    diced (leave skins on

    4 large
  • italian seasoning
    ¼ tsp
  • heavy/whipping cream
    1 c
  • bunch of kale)

    torn into bite-size pieces (remove stems

    1 small
  • salt and pepper
    to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Using kitchen shears (or a knife), cut the bacon into small pieces and add it to a pot. Cook for 5 minutes over medium-high heat to give the bacon a bit of a head start before adding in the sausage.

  2. 2

    Add the sausage meat to the pot.

  3. 3

    Allow the sausage and bacon to get nicely browned and crispy (this can take 15+ minutes). Stir occasionally. There may be quite a lot of fat in the pot (especially if you're using thick cut bacon), so you may want to spoon some out and discard it, but be sure to leave a few tablespoons in there as it adds flavor.

  4. 4

    Stir in the onions and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add the chicken broth, water, potatoes, and Italian seasoning to the pot.

  6. 6

    Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat to simmer.

  7. 7

    Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

  8. 8

    Add in the cream and kale, and cook for a further 5 minutes or until the kale is soft and wilted. Season with salt & pepper as needed.

Easy Zuppa Toscana

Easy Zuppa Toscana

45 min6 servings669 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving that signature creamy, savory soup from your favorite Italian restaurant? This Easy Zuppa Toscana recipe brings all the comfort and flavor of the classic right into your kitchen. It’s a simple, hearty soup that delivers warmth in every spoonful.

Why This Recipe Works

The genius of this Zuppa Toscana recipe lies in its straightforward approach to complex flavors. By combining savory Italian sausage and crispy bacon with tender red potatoes and vibrant kale in a rich, creamy broth, you achieve that coveted comfort food experience without fuss. It’s a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly comforting bowl of soup. You'll be greeted with a spoonful of rich, savory broth, tender chunks of potato, and bits of flavorful Italian sausage and smoky bacon. The fresh kale adds a pleasant, slightly bitter counterpoint that cuts through the richness, while the heavy cream creates a wonderfully smooth texture that coats the palate. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, promising a satisfying and flavorful experience that will quickly become a family favorite.

Customization & Variations

This Zuppa Toscana recipe is quite flexible to suit your pantry and preferences. While chicken broth is a great base, feel free to use beef broth for a deeper, richer flavor profile. The recipe calls for red potatoes with skins on, which adds texture and nutrients, but you can certainly peel them if that's your preference. For the Italian sausage, choose between mild or hot to control the soup's spice level. If you prefer a lighter touch, you can even use turkey Italian sausage.

Serving & Context

This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a comforting lunch on a chilly day, or a casual gathering with friends. Serve it simply with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth. It’s a complete meal that feels special without requiring extensive effort.

Frequently Asked Questions