This Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) will become your go-to comfort food. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in. The hearty ingredients create a satisfying bowl of goodness that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal steps and common ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Flavorful and Comforting: Packed with zesty Italian flavors, this soup is sure to delight your taste buds.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your personal taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for meal prep and quick lunches.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty soup, making it a hit at dinner time.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Slotted spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stockpot: Essential for cooking the entire soup evenly without overflow.
- Slotted spoon: Helps transfer cooked sausage while leaving excess grease behind.
- Knife: A good knife makes chopping ingredients quick and efficient.
Ingredients
This Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) is easy to make, full of the most delicious zesty Italian flavors, and 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 Creamy Finish
- 2 to 3 cups chopped fresh kale
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 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 Italian 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; discard any excess grease.
- Optionally rinse cooked sausage in a strainer to remove more fat. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Add onions to the stockpot with reserved grease. Sauté for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic, sautéing for an additional minute while stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate potatoes, chicken stock, and the reserved cooked sausage into the pot.
- Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat; once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 3: Add Greens and Cream
- Stir in chopped kale and heavy whipping cream into the pot.
- Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve warm in bowls, garnished with crumbled bacon bits on top for added flavor.
Enjoy this comforting Zuppa Toscana with a side of crusty bread or salad!
How to Serve Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Zuppa Toscana is a hearty soup that warms the soul. It’s perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends and family. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your Zuppa Toscana with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the rich broth beautifully.
Topped with Parmesan Cheese
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl for an extra layer of flavor that complements the zesty soup.
Alongside a Fresh Salad
- Serve with a light garden salad to balance the richness of the soup. A simple vinaigrette works wonderfully.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top right before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
Accompanied by Garlic Breadsticks
- Enjoy Zuppa Toscana with warm garlic breadsticks, which makes for an irresistible combination.
How to Perfect Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Creating the perfect Zuppa Toscana requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor profile.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder soup, choose sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy, or reduce the amount used.
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Keep an eye on your potatoes while simmering; they should be tender but not mushy for optimal texture.
Stir in Cream Gradually: Adding cream slowly helps achieve a creamy consistency without curdling.
Best Side Dishes for Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Pairing side dishes with your Zuppa Toscana can enhance the meal. Here are some fantastic options:
Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for mopping up every drop of delicious broth from your bowl.
Caesar Salad: The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing provide a nice contrast to the warm, comforting flavors of the soup.
Italian Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives adds variety and richness to your meal.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze offers a refreshing bite alongside the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies can add depth and nutrition to your meal while complementing the flavors in Zuppa Toscana.
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Soft and flaky, these biscuits are delightful when enjoyed alongside this savory soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat), there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Using the wrong sausage: Selecting a mild sausage can lead to a bland flavor. Opt for spicy Italian sausage to elevate the dish’s zest.
- Overcooking the potatoes: Cooking potatoes too long can make them mushy. Keep an eye on them and simmer until they’re just tender.
- Neglecting seasonings: Skipping salt and pepper can dull the dish’s taste. Be sure to season generously for maximum flavor.
- Adding kale too early: If you add kale too soon, it may become overly wilted. Stir it in during the last five minutes of cooking for perfect texture.
- Forgetting to garnish: Skipping the bacon bits as a garnish can lessen visual appeal and flavor. Remember to sprinkle them on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool before refrigerating to preserve freshness.
Freezing Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion.
Reheating Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short increments of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring often until fully heated.
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 and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture, but you can also use red potatoes if preferred.
How can I customize my Zuppa Toscana?
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. Adjust spice levels by choosing different sausage types.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half is a lighter alternative, but it may result in a less creamy texture than heavy cream.
Is Zuppa Toscana suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and is perfect for reheating throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) is a delightful blend of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its versatility, you can easily customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients or dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate—give this cozy soup a try today!
Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Warm up your evenings with this irresistible Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat). This comforting soup brings together the rich flavors of spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale in a creamy broth that will have everyone coming back for more. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this dish is simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests. With its hearty ingredients and zesty Italian flair, Zuppa Toscana is sure to become your go-to recipe all year round.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- 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
- 6 pieces cooked bacon, crumbled
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned; reserve some grease and transfer the sausage to a plate.
- Sauté onions in reserved grease for about 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in diced potatoes, chicken stock, and cooked sausage; bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender.
- Add chopped kale and heavy cream; simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving topped with crumbled bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 930mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
