Zuppa Toscana is one of the most beloved dishes from Olive Garden’s menu. This hearty, flavorful soup is filled with savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and nutrient-rich kale, all simmered in a creamy broth. Making it at home allows you to recreate the restaurant experience at a fraction of the cost, and you can even elevate the flavors with fresh ingredients. If you are looking for a filling soup with a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and texture, Zuppa Toscana is your ideal choice.
What is Zuppa Toscana?
Zuppa Toscana translates directly to “Tuscan Soup,” and it originates from the Italian region of Tuscany. In its traditional form, Tuscan soups are hearty and rustic, often featuring ingredients like beans, vegetables, and sometimes meat. However, Olive Garden’s version is a bit more indulgent, with the addition of Italian sausage and heavy cream to create a rich and satisfying broth.
The key ingredients of Zuppa Toscana include spicy Italian sausage, which adds heat and depth of flavor, potatoes that provide a starchy and creamy texture, and kale, which brings a fresh and earthy note to the soup. The combination of these ingredients creates a robust and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients for Homemade Zuppa Toscana
Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to make the best Zuppa Toscana at home:
- 6 oz bacon, chopped
- 1 lb hot Italian sausage (you can use mild if you prefer less spice)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 10 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 6 cups chicken broth/stock (48 oz)
- 4 cups water (32 oz)
- 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
- 1 bundle of kale, leaves stripped and chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 cup whipping cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, optional for serving
Optional Ingredient Additions:
While the classic recipe is delicious as is, you can also add your own twists to make this soup even more special:
- Crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Italian seasoning for a more herbaceous flavor.
- Parmesan rind to simmer in the broth for added depth and umami.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Zuppa Toscana
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Sausage
In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Next, add the Italian sausage to the same pot. Break it apart as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. This step is crucial as it adds a smoky and spicy flavor base to the soup. Once the sausage is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pot with the leftover bacon and sausage fat, add the finely diced onion. Sauté until it turns soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant. This step infuses the soup with a deep, savory aroma.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this is where a lot of flavor resides). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and add the potato slices. Let the potatoes cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
Step 4: Add Kale and Cream
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the chopped kale. The kale will soften and wilt into the soup within a few minutes. After the kale has cooked down, reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the whipping cream. Stir everything together and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Return the cooked bacon and sausage to the pot, stirring them into the soup. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so that all the flavors can meld. Serve the Zuppa Toscana hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why Make Zuppa Toscana at Home?
Making Zuppa Toscana at home is not only budget-friendly, but it also gives you full control over the quality of ingredients. You can adjust the spice level by choosing hot or mild sausage, add more or less cream depending on your preference, and even increase the amount of kale or potatoes for a heartier meal.
Additionally, homemade soups tend to be healthier because you can avoid unnecessary preservatives or excess salt that are often found in restaurant or store-bought versions. This way, you’re able to craft a nourishing, homemade meal that the whole family will love.
Tips for the Perfect Zuppa Toscana
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, kale, and potatoes will give you the best flavor. Avoid pre-packaged ingredients if possible.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes: You want them tender but still intact. Overcooking will cause them to become mushy.
- For extra creaminess: You can replace some of the water with more cream or even add a little mascarpone cheese for an ultra-creamy texture.
- Make it gluten-free: Zuppa Toscana is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and sausage. Just double-check the ingredients on your sausage package to ensure no hidden gluten.
- Store and reheat: This soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, do so over low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
Variations of Zuppa Toscana
Zuppa Toscana is highly adaptable. Here are a few ways you can switch it up:
- Vegetarian Zuppa Toscana: Omit the sausage and bacon, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add white beans for protein.
- Turkey or Chicken Sausage Zuppa Toscana: For a lighter version, swap the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken sausage.
- Low-Carb Zuppa Toscana: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a low-carb, keto-friendly version of this soup.
Conclusion
Zuppa Toscana is a delicious, comforting soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main course, this dish is guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Plus, with its combination of hearty ingredients, this copycat Olive Garden recipe allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality soup right in your own kitchen.