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The Best Copycat Zuppa Toscana Soup (Better Than Olive Garden)

Close-up of a creamy bowl of Zuppa Toscana soup, featuring potatoes, kale, and crispy bacon topping.
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Make this comforting, hearty Zuppa Toscana Soup at home with this simple one-pot recipe. It features spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, kale, and bacon in a rich, creamy broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
  2. Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Break the sausage apart with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot with the sausage and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the sliced potatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Do not allow it to boil once the cream is added.
  7. Add the chopped kale to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kale wilts and becomes tender.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and the broth is slightly thickened.
  9. Ladle the Zuppa Toscana soup into bowls. Top each serving with the reserved crispy bacon pieces and extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for some of the heavy cream, or use almond milk as a dairy-free alternative, though the texture will change.
  • To replicate the Olive Garden flavor, ensure you use spicy Italian sausage.
  • Slice your potatoes thinly so they cook through quickly in the broth.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/zuppa-toscana-soup-recipe-easy-one-pot/