This Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) recipe is a warm and hearty delight, perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a cozy dinner party or simply craving comfort food on a chilly night, this dish brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. With its creamy texture, fresh kale, and spicy sausage, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms the soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This soup can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: Combining spicy Italian sausage with creamy potatoes creates a deliciously rich and comforting bowl.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its hearty ingredients and inviting aroma, this Zuppa Toscana will impress family and friends alike.
- Freezable: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick meal later on.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this delightful Zuppa Toscana, you’ll need some essential tools that make cooking easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Slotted spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stockpot: Perfect for simmering soups without spilling over.
- Slotted spoon: Helps separate cooked meat from grease easily.
- Chef’s knife: Ensures clean cuts when preparing vegetables like onions and potatoes.
Ingredients
This Zuppa Toscana recipe (inspired by the classic dish at The Olive Garden) is easy to make, full of the most delicious zesty Italian flavors, and it’s so cozy and comforting!
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (I recommend spicy)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium white onion, peeled and diced
- 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 5 to 6 cups chicken stock
For the Creaminess
- 2 to 3 cups chopped fresh kale
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Seasoning
- Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
For Garnish
- 6 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
How to Make Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Cook sausage in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of grease in the stockpot for later use, discarding the excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add onions to the stockpot (with the reserved grease), sautéing for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. Add garlic to the onions and sauté for another minute. Next, add diced potatoes, chicken stock, and the cooked sausage back into the pot. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer.
Step 3: Simmer Everything Together
Reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Stir in chopped kale and heavy whipping cream; let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season with fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Serve your Zuppa Toscana warm in bowls, garnished with crumbled bacon on top for added flavor.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Zuppa Toscana that captures all the essence of Olive Garden’s classic!
How to Serve Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Serving Zuppa Toscana is a delightful experience that enhances its rich flavors. This comforting soup can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
With Crusty Bread
- A warm, crusty bread pairs perfectly with Zuppa Toscana. You can use a rustic Italian loaf or sourdough to soak up the delicious broth.
Topped with Parmesan
- Grating fresh Parmesan cheese over each bowl adds a savory touch. The cheese melts slightly into the hot soup, enhancing its creaminess.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- A light side salad filled with greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup. It balances flavors and adds freshness to your meal.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Adding freshly chopped parsley or basil on top provides an aromatic finish. It not only looks appealing but also elevates the dish’s overall taste.
As a Main Dish
- Serve Zuppa Toscana as the main course for a hearty meal. Its filling ingredients make it satisfying enough to stand alone.
How to Perfect Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
To achieve the best results with your Zuppa Toscana, consider these helpful tips.
Use Spicy Sausage: For an authentic flavor similar to Olive Garden’s recipe, opt for spicy Italian sausage. This adds depth and warmth to the soup.
Fresh Kale is Key: Always use fresh kale rather than frozen. It retains its texture and vibrant color, making your soup visually appealing.
Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preference. For a lighter version, reduce the cream slightly without losing flavor.
Simmer for Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer longer if you have time. This enhances all the flavors and makes for a richer broth that’s truly comforting.
Best Side Dishes for Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Pairing side dishes with Zuppa Toscana enhances your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:
Garlic Bread: A classic choice that’s easy to prepare and great for dipping into the soup.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing and croutons brings crunch and flavor that complements the soup well.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition while bringing out natural sweetness.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites make an excellent appetizer that pairs beautifully with hearty soups like Zuppa Toscana.
Pasta Primavera: Lightly sautéed vegetables over pasta offer a colorful side that balances the richness of the soup.
Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables can stimulate appetites before enjoying your main dish.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides a refreshing finish after enjoying a warm bowl of soup, cleansing the palate nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.
- Using non-Italian sausage: This dish shines with Italian sausage, preferably spicy. Substitute with regular sausage and you might lose that authentic flavor.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If you cook the potatoes too long, they can become mushy. Check for tenderness after 10 minutes of simmering.
- Skipping the cream: Heavy cream adds richness and depth to the soup. Omitting it will result in a thinner broth and less satisfying texture.
- Neglecting seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Under-seasoning can lead to a bland dish—add salt and pepper gradually until it’s just right.
- Not using fresh kale: Dried or wilted kale lacks the crispness that fresh kale offers. Fresh greens add color and nutrition to your Zuppa Toscana.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Zuppa Toscana in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave space for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium for about 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat).
Can I make Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
How do I enhance the flavor of my Zuppa Toscana?
Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or Italian herbs like oregano and thyme for extra flavor.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Golds are recommended for their creamy texture, feel free to experiment with russets or red potatoes.
How long does it take to make Zuppa Toscana?
This recipe takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.
Is Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by ensuring your sausage and chicken stock are gluten-free alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving something hearty. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Indulge in the warm, creamy goodness of Zuppa Toscana, a delightful copycat recipe inspired by the beloved Olive Garden classic. This Tuscan soup is a heartwarming mix of spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale, all simmered to perfection in a rich broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground spicy Italian sausage
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 5 to 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 to 3 cups chopped fresh kale
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
- 6 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Cook the sausage in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve some grease.
- Sauté onions in the reserved grease for about 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in potatoes, chicken stock, and cooked sausage; bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and cook until potatoes are tender (about 10 minutes). Add kale and cream; simmer an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving topped with crumbled bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
