This Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) is a delightful, hearty soup that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine right to your home. Perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or even a casual meal with friends, it features rich flavors and comforting ingredients. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe stands out with its balance of spicy sausage, creamy textures, and fresh greens.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal in under an hour.
- Flavorful Experience: The combination of spicy Italian sausage, garlic, and fresh kale creates a symphony of tastes that will transport you straight to Italy.
- Customizable Ingredients: Easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand—swap the sausage for chicken or make it vegetarian!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or entertaining guests, Zuppa Toscana fits perfectly into any setting.
- Comforting Warmth: Each bowl offers warmth and comfort, making it an ideal choice for chilly evenings.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Zuppa Toscana experience as smooth as possible, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need to get started:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stockpot
- Slotted spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Stockpot: A large stockpot allows for even cooking and enough space for all the ingredients.
- Slotted Spoon: This tool helps transfer cooked sausage while leaving excess grease behind.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and safe chopping of vegetables.
- Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for cutting ingredients cleanly.
Ingredients
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
- 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
How to Make Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it 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 and discard the rest.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Add the diced onion to the stockpot with the reserved grease. Sauté for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the minced garlic, sautéing for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Stock
- Incorporate the diced potatoes, chicken stock, and cooked sausage into the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low once simmering.
- Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Finish with Kale and Cream
- Stir in the chopped fresh kale and heavy whipping cream. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Season with fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm, garnished with crumbled bacon bits on top for extra flavor! Enjoy your comforting bowl of Zuppa Toscana!
How to Serve Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Zuppa Toscana is a hearty soup that warms you up and makes for a delightful meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Italian Bread: A warm, crusty loaf pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of Zuppa Toscana.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these breadsticks are ideal for dipping into the creamy soup.
Topped with Parmesan
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Accompanied by Salad
- Caesar Salad: The crisp greens and creamy dressing complement the soup’s warmth.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with your favorite vinaigrette balances the richness of Zuppa Toscana.
As a Part of a Family Meal
- Serve with Antipasto Platter: Include olives, cheeses, and meats for a complete Italian feast.
How to Perfect Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
To make your Zuppa Toscana even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh kale and high-quality sausage elevate the dish’s overall flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: For a milder version, opt for sweet Italian sausage and adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Prepare it in advance for gatherings!
- Experiment with Potatoes: Try red potatoes for different textures or add sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
Best Side Dishes for Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Zuppa Toscana can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Knots: Soft knots brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil adds a crunchy element.
- Focaccia Bread: This fluffy bread is excellent for soaking up every drop of delicious soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection offer additional nutrition and flavor.
- Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish filled with vegetables complements the soup without overpowering it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Zuppa Toscana can be simple, but there are common mistakes that may affect the final taste. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong sausage: Choosing a mild sausage can lead to a bland soup. Opt for spicy Italian sausage for a more flavorful dish.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If you cook the potatoes too long, they will become mushy. Keep an eye on them and remove them from heat once they’re tender.
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season your soup with salt and pepper can result in a flat flavor. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
- Not sautéing the vegetables: Failing to sauté onions and garlic before adding other ingredients can dull their flavors. Always take time to sauté them for better depth.
- Forgetting the cream: Leaving out heavy cream makes the soup less rich and creamy. Don’t skip this step for that comforting texture.
- Using old kale: Using wilted kale can ruin your soup’s freshness. Always use fresh, vibrant greens for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Zuppa Toscana can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This soup can last in the freezer for about 3 months.
Reheating Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls at medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Zuppa Toscana.
Can I make Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
What can I serve with Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad, making it an excellent meal option.
How do I spice up my Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)?
Add red pepper flakes or extra herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more robust flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! Making Zuppa Toscana ahead of time allows flavors to meld together beautifully. Just store properly!
Final Thoughts
Zuppa Toscana is not only cozy and comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your preferences. Give this delightful recipe a try, and enjoy the warm, satisfying flavors it brings to your table!
Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Zuppa Toscana, a beloved Olive Garden copycat recipe, is the ultimate comfort soup that transports you to Italy with every spoonful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 pieces cooked bacon, crumbled
Instructions
- In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, cook the ground sausage until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving some grease.
- Sauté the diced onion in the reserved grease for about 5 minutes; add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the diced potatoes and chicken stock; bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in kale and heavy cream; simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm topped with crumbled bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 799mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
