Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Taste: This recipe replicates the beloved Olive Garden classic, delivering a rich and flavorful experience.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizing common pantry staples, it’s both accessible and budget-friendly.
- One-Pot Meal: With minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage (use mild for a less spicy version)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 4-5 yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups chopped kale
Directions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, sauté the sausage over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add butter and sauté the diced onions over medium heat until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in chicken broth and water, then add the potato pieces, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender.
- Incorporate Kale and Cream: Stir in chopped kale and heavy cream. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Meat Options: Substitute Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative, keeping in mind it may slightly alter the flavor.
- Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot Italian sausage and adding red pepper flakes to taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Note that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of green instead of kale?
Yes, spinach or Swiss chard can be used as substitutes for kale. Add them towards the end of cooking, as they wilt quickly.
2. How can I make this soup lower in fat?
To reduce the fat content, use turkey or chicken sausage and substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative.
3. Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer all ingredients except the cream and kale to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream and kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely, adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutritional value. Add them along with the potatoes to ensure they cook until tender.
5. What type of potatoes work best in this recipe?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and ability to hold up well during cooking.
6. How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If the soup is thinner than desired, create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the simmering soup and cook until it thickens.
7. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Zuppa Toscana recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure that the sausage and chicken broth used are certified gluten-free.
8. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance. The flavors often deepen overnight.
Print
Zuppa Toscana Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Zuppa Toscana, a creamy Italian soup inspired by Olive Garden, features spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale in a rich, flavorful broth. This easy homemade version delivers restaurant-quality taste using simple ingredients, making it the perfect one-pot comfort meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage (or mild for a less spicy version)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 4–5 yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups chopped kale
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, sauté the sausage over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add butter and cook the onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the potatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender.
- Incorporate Kale and Cream: Stir in the chopped kale and heavy cream. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
- Meat Substitutions: Swap Italian sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit sausage and add mushrooms or zucchini; use vegetable broth instead.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
