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
