There’s nothing better than a big bowl of warm, creamy soup on a chilly day. One of my all-time favorites is Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana—a rich, flavorful soup filled with Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth. It’s hearty, satisfying, and has just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.

I used to love going to Olive Garden just for this soup. Anytime I visited, I’d order the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks, knowing I was going back for at least two more bowls. But let’s be honest, eating out all the time isn’t always convenient or budget-friendly. So, I decided to figure out how to make it at home.

After a few test runs, I finally got the recipe just right. Now, I make this homemade version of Zuppa Toscana all the time, and I think it’s better than the restaurant’s! It’s just as creamy, just as flavorful, and the best part? It’s super easy to make.

If you love Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana but want to make it fresh at home, this recipe is for you.

Servings	Total
6	40mins

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

I first tried making this soup because my family and I loved ordering it at Olive Garden. One day, I thought, “Why not try making it myself?”

I started by looking at a few copycat recipes online, but none of them tasted exactly like the one I was used to. So, I experimented with different seasonings, types of sausage, and broth ratios until I found the perfect combination.

Now, this is one of my go-to soup recipes, especially during fall and winter. It’s easy to make, only needs one pot, and the whole family loves it. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!

Why Zuppa Toscana Soup

There are so many reasons to love Zuppa Toscana, but here’s why it’s one of my favorite soups to make at home:

Simple Ingredients – Everything can be found at a regular grocery store.
One-Pot Meal – Less cleanup and easy cooking.
Rich & Creamy – The perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory.
Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
Customizable – You can tweak it to fit your taste and dietary needs.

If you love comfort food but also want something with protein, veggies, and flavor, this soup checks all the boxes.

What Is Zuppa Toscana Soup Made Of?

Zuppa Toscana is an Italian-inspired soup that’s known for its rich broth, hearty sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale. Here’s what goes into it:

Italian Sausage – Gives the soup its signature spicy, savory flavor.
Potatoes – Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best.
Kale – Adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the creamy broth.
Onion & Garlic – For extra depth of flavor.
Chicken Broth – The base of the soup.
Heavy Cream – Makes the broth rich and creamy.
Bacon – Adds a smoky, crispy texture.
Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but adds a slight kick.

What to Have with Zuppa Toscana Soup

This soup is a meal on its own, but if you want to serve it with something extra, here are some ideas:

Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
Crusty Bread – A fresh baguette or Italian bread pairs well.
Side Salad – A light green salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness.
Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkle a little extra on top before serving.

And of course, if you want the full Olive Garden experience, serve it with some homemade breadsticks!

Is Zuppa Toscana Soup Healthy?

Zuppa Toscana has protein, veggies, and healthy fats, but it’s also creamy and indulgent. If you want to lighten it up:

Use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake.
Add extra kale or spinach for more greens.

With a few tweaks, you can make this soup fit your dietary needs while still keeping it delicious.

Kitchen Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this soup:

Large pot or Dutch oven – To cook everything in one pot.
Cutting board & knife – For chopping ingredients.
Ladle – For serving.
Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir the soup.

That’s it! No fancy equipment is needed.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
3 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, sliced
2 cups kale, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the grease in the pot.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion & Garlic

Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until soft.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add the sliced potatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Add the Kale & Cream

Stir in the chopped kale and let it soften for 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
Let the soup cook for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon.
Serve hot with bread or salad on the side.

Tips

Use spicy Italian sausage for more flavor.
Slice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same time.
Add extra broth if you like a thinner soup.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage and onion first, then add everything except the kale and cream to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, then stir in the kale and cream before serving.

Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it without the cream and add it when reheating.

Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Absolutely! Spinach works just as well.

Conclusion

This homemade Zuppa Toscana is just as good—if not better—than the restaurant version. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy night in, this soup is always a hit.

Try it once, and I guarantee you’ll be making it again and again!

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