Easy & Delicious Comfort Food!
If you’re a fan of hearty, flavorful soups that warm your soul, this Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Copycat Soup recipe is a must-try. Packed with smoky bacon, savory Italian sausage, creamy potatoes, and vibrant kale, this homemade version delivers restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own kitchen. Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to create a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Zuppa Toscana
To replicate the iconic flavors of Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana, gather these ingredients:
- 2 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- 2 Italian sausage links, removed from casing (or ½ pound bulk Italian sausage)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1 large Russet potato, sliced into ¼” half-moon shapes
- 1 cup packed chopped kale
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half & half)
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions: How to Make Zuppa Toscana
1. Prepare the Bacon
In a 2-quart Dutch oven or saucepan, add chopped bacon and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon becomes crispy around the edges. Remove the bacon from the pan, leaving the flavorful drippings behind.
2. Sauté the Sausage and Onion
Add the Italian sausage, diced onion, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pan. Cook while breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon until it’s browned and cooked through.
3. Add Broth and Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and add the salt. Stir in the potato slices, cover the pan, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow the potatoes to cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender.
4. Add Kale
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the chopped kale. Cover the pan again and let the kale cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
5. Finish with Cream
Turn off the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with freshly ground black pepper and additional salt if needed.
6. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the reserved crispy bacon for a delightful crunch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Zuppa Toscana
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Greens Variation: If kale isn’t your favorite, try substituting it with spinach or Swiss chard.
- Potato Precision: Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures they cook evenly and absorb the soup’s delicious flavors.
- Dairy Alternatives: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Zuppa Toscana recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. It’s:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Ingredients are adaptable to your preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: A homemade alternative to dining out.
Whether you’re an Olive Garden enthusiast or just discovering this Italian-inspired classic, this Zuppa Toscana Copycat Soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Try it tonight and enjoy the taste of comfort in every bite!