Is there anything better than a warm, hearty bowl of soup? Especially when it tastes just like your favorite from Olive Garden—without the hefty price tag.
If you love their famous Zuppa Toscana, you’re going to love this! It’s an easy, budget-friendly recipe that lets you bring those delicious flavors straight to your own kitchen.
Not only is this copycat Zuppa Toscana soup recipe simple to follow, but it’s also loaded with creamy broth, tender potatoes, savory Italian sausage, and fresh kale. Whether you’re feeding the family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy on a cold day, this recipe’s got you covered.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This copycat Zuppa Toscana soup recipe stands out for its incredible flavor and simplicity. By using fresh, wholesome ingredients, you create a dish that tastes just as good—if not better—than the restaurant version.
The combination of savory Italian sausage and creamy broth delivers a rich and indulgent taste, while the kale and potatoes bring balance, nutrition, and heartiness to every bite.
Plus, it’s easy to customize. Whether you prefer spicy sausage, dairy-free options, or adding extra veggies, this recipe adapts to your preferences without compromising flavor.
Ingredients Needed for This Toscana Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate the beloved Zuppa Toscana soup at home.
Key Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as per your preference)
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced thinly into half-moon shapes
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups kale, stems removed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tip: For the best flavor, choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. Try organic kale or locally sourced sausage for an extra delicious touch.
Equipment Needed
To prepare the Zuppa Toscana soup, gather the following kitchen tools and equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife for precise chopping
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Ladle for serving
That’s it—no fancy equipment is required!
Step-By-Step Recipe for Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
Follow these steps to create a perfect copycat Zuppa Toscana soup.
Step 1: Get Your Ingredients Ready
Start by washing all your fresh veggies like kale and potatoes under running water. If you want, peel the potatoes, then slice them thin so they cook evenly. For the kale, pull off the stems and chop the leaves into small pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. If you’re using sausage, cook it in a pan over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain the extra grease and set it aside.
Step 2: Start the Soup Base
Take a big pot or Dutch oven, place it on the stove over medium heat, and add some olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook them until they’re soft and smell great, stirring often so they don’t stick or burn. This step adds lots of flavor to your soup!
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Add the sliced potatoes to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything gently and bring it to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let the potatoes cook for about 10-15 minutes. They should be soft but not falling apart.
Step 4: Add Sausage and Kale
When the potatoes are ready, put the cooked sausage back into the pot and stir. Then add the chopped kale and mix it in. The kale will soften quickly and make the soup heartier and healthier.
Step 5: Add Cream and Final Touches
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to make the soup creamy and rich. Taste it and add a little salt and pepper if needed. Let it simmer for a few minutes, but don’t let it boil, so the cream doesn’t separate.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
That’s it! Use a ladle to serve the delicious Zuppa Toscana into bowls. Enjoy it hot with some crusty bread or a salad on the side for a cozy, homemade meal. Have leftovers? Store them in a container in the fridge. Reheat gently, and it’ll taste just as good the next day!
Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife for precise chopping
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy, as per your preference
- 4 slices of bacon chopped
- 4 medium potatoes sliced thinly into half-moon shapes
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups kale stems removed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Get Your Ingredients Ready
- Start by washing all your fresh veggies like kale and potatoes under running water. If you want, peel the potatoes, then slice them thin so they cook evenly. For the kale, pull off the stems and chop the leaves into small pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. If you’re using sausage, cook it in a pan over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain the extra grease and set it aside.
Step 2: Start the Soup Base
- Take a big pot or Dutch oven, place it on the stove over medium heat, and add some olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook them until they’re soft and smell great, stirring often so they don’t stick or burn. This step adds lots of flavor to your soup!
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
- Add the sliced potatoes to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything gently and bring it to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let the potatoes cook for about 10-15 minutes. They should be soft but not falling apart.
Step 4: Add Sausage and Kale
- When the potatoes are ready, put the cooked sausage back into the pot and stir. Then add the chopped kale and mix it in. The kale will soften quickly and make the soup heartier and healthier.
Step 5: Add Cream and Final Touches
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to make the soup creamy and rich. Taste it and add a little salt and pepper if needed. Let it simmer for a few minutes, but don’t let it boil, so the cream doesn’t separate.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- That’s it! Use a ladle to serve the delicious Zuppa Toscana into bowls. Enjoy it hot with some crusty bread or a salad on the side for a cozy, homemade meal. Have leftovers? Store them in a container in the fridge. Reheat gently, and it’ll taste just as good the next day!
Notes
Nutritional Information for Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
While this recipe tastes indulgent, here’s a quick look at its nutritional profile (approximate per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 220-250 calories
- Fat: Around 15 grams, primarily from the cream and sausage
- Protein: About 9-12 grams, thanks to the sausage and bacon
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 10-15 grams, depending on the amount of potatoes
- Fiber: 2-3 grams, mainly from the kale or spinach
- Sodium: Approximately 800-900 mg, influenced by the sausage and broth used
This soup is both tasty and healthy. To make it lighter, use turkey sausage, and low-fat cream, or swap half the potatoes for cauliflower. For more fiber and vitamins, add extra kale or other leafy greens. Change the recipe to match your diet and enjoy a simple, yummy meal!
Serving Suggestions for Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Warm Bread or Garlic Bread: Pair the soup with freshly baked warm bread or crispy garlic bread for a hearty and satisfying meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Side Salad: Complement the rich, creamy soup with a light side salad made of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup for an added layer of savory flavor.
- Crumbled Bacon: Garnish each bowl with a small handful of crispy crumbled bacon to enhance the smoky flavor in the soup.
- Chili Flakes or Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, provide chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce on the side.
- Served in Bread Bowls: Make it extra special by serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This adds to both the presentation and the enjoyment.
These serving ideas make Zuppa Toscana Soup a tasty and comforting meal for any occasion!
Storage and Leftover Tips for Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
If you have leftovers, keep the soup in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring now and then until it’s hot. To keep the kale fresh, add some extra when you reheat it.
The soup will taste even better the next day as the flavors mix! You can also freeze it by putting it into small containers and keeping it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before heating it up.
Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Zuppa Toscana Soup
I know you’ll love this recipe, and here are some tips to help you make it perfect:
- Sauté the Veggies First: Cooking the onion and garlic before adding the other ingredients adds tons of flavor to your soup.
- Drain Excess Grease: If using sausage or bacon, don’t forget to drain extra grease after cooking. You can also use a paper towel to absorb any remaining grease on top.
- Add Kale at the End: To keep the kale fresh and flavorful, add it near the end of the cooking process.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The fresher and higher quality your ingredients, the better your soup will taste! Try using organic produce and free-range sausage for an extra delicious flavor.
- Add Extra Kale: For added nutrition, feel free to add more kale or your favorite leafy greens. They will wilt down and blend perfectly with the creamy broth.
With these tips in hand, it’s time to unleash your inner chef and recreate the delicious Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup at home. Share a warm, comforting bowl with loved ones or save it for a flavorful lunch just for you.
FAQ’s
Q1. Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Yes, spinach is a great substitute for kale. It will provide a similar texture and flavor, though it cooks faster, so be sure to add it towards the end of the cooking process.
Q2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic beforehand, then add all the ingredients (except the cream and kale) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the cream and kale in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q4. Is this gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as the sausage and broth you use are certified gluten-free. Always check the labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.
Q6. What substitutions can I make for dietary restrictions?
This recipe is super flexible. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or plant-based cream. To make it vegetarian, skip the sausage and use veggie broth instead of chicken broth. You can also toss in mushrooms or potatoes to keep it rich and hearty.
Q7. How can I make the soup spicier?
To add some heat, try using a spicy Italian sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and onions. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce on the side, so everyone can adjust the spice level to their liking.
Q8. Can I use other leafy greens instead of kale?
Sure! Kale is a popular choice, but you can use other greens like spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens. Just remember, softer greens like spinach cook quickly, so add them at the end.
Warm Up With a Homemade Classic
With this Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavor from the comfort of your home. Not only is it easy and affordable, but it’s also a sure way to impress your friends and family.
Craving more recipes like this? Subscribe now to our weekly newsletter for more mouthwatering, budget-friendly meal ideas—direct to your inbox.
