Ah, Zuppa Toscana soup from Olive Garden! It’s one of those cozy bowls that just warms you from the inside out, especially on those chilly, blustery days when all you want is something hearty and satisfying. Imagine the comforting combination of savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale simmering together in a luscious broth. I can almost smell it now! Every spoonful is like a hug in a bowl, and I always find myself reaching for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!). This soup is perfect for family gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try making it at home, you’ll never want to go back to takeout!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound Italian sausage – You can use either spicy or mild, depending on your preference. Just make sure to remove the casings!
- 4 cups chicken broth – A rich, flavorful broth really enhances the soup; homemade is great if you have it!
- 3 medium potatoes, diced – I love using Yukon Golds for their creaminess, but any variety will do.
- 1 cup heavy cream – This adds that dreamy, velvety texture! Feel free to adjust based on how rich you want it.
- 2 cups kale, chopped – Fresh kale is a must for that vibrant color and nutrition; just remove the stems!
- 1 onion, chopped – A medium yellow onion works perfectly for a sweet, aromatic base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic makes a world of difference; it adds that beautiful depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t skip this step! Seasoning really brings all the flavors together.
How to Prepare Zuppa Toscana Soup Olive Garden
- Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it browns, and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and fragrant.
- Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its delicious aroma. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Now, it’s time to add the diced potatoes and chicken broth into the pot. Bring it to a rolling boil—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. You want those potatoes to be fork-tender!
- Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the chopped kale and heavy cream. Heat everything through for another 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The cream will create that luscious texture we all love.
- Finally, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Let it simmer for just a minute more to meld those flavors together, and then it’s ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just about 45 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this comforting soup in no time!
- Hearty Flavors: The combination of savory sausage, creamy potatoes, and fresh kale creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious greens and wholesome ingredients, this soup is not only delicious but also good for you.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adjusting the cream level or adding your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option!
- Comfort Food: Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, making it ideal for chilly nights or when you need a little extra comfort.
Tips for Success
To make your Zuppa Toscana soup truly shine, start with quality ingredients. Choose a high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor; if you can find it fresh, even better! When it comes to the kale, opt for fresh, vibrant greens—wilted or yellowing leaves just won’t do. Also, don’t rush the sautéing step; letting the onions and garlic cook until they’re soft is key to building that rich base.
Another tip? Taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your liking, and remember that a little extra pepper can really elevate the flavors. If you want a thicker soup, consider mashing a few potatoes against the side of the pot once they’re tender. Lastly, let it sit for a few minutes after cooking; the flavors deepen and meld beautifully! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Variations of Zuppa Toscana Soup Olive Garden
One of the best things about Zuppa Toscana is how easily it adapts to your taste! Want to switch up the protein? Try using ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter twist. You can even go vegetarian by replacing the sausage with mushrooms for that hearty texture and flavor.
If you’re looking to add more veggies, diced carrots or celery can bring a nice crunch and sweetness to the mix. For an extra kick, consider tossing in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce—spice lovers will rejoice! And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with different greens? Spinach or Swiss chard can be delicious alternatives to kale.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to play around with the herbs! Fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile even more. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make this comforting soup your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Zuppa Toscana soup is super easy! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious soup again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, you can use a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer, you can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until warm. Just be sure to give it a good stir to avoid any hot spots. Enjoy that comforting goodness again!
Nutritional Information for Zuppa Toscana Soup Olive Garden
This hearty Zuppa Toscana soup is not only delicious but also reasonably balanced. Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 300 calories, 20g of fat (10g saturated), 10g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 3g of fiber and 2g of sugar, along with 800mg of sodium. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy this comforting bowl while still keeping an eye on your nutrition!
FAQ about Zuppa Toscana Soup Olive Garden
Can I make Zuppa Toscana soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
What can I substitute for kale?
If kale isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it out for spinach or Swiss chard. Both options will give you that lovely green color and nutrition, plus they cook down nicely!
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Definitely! While Italian sausage is traditional, you can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian option if you’re looking for something lighter or meat-free.
How do I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, simply mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot once they’re tender. This will help create a creamy texture without adding any extra ingredients!
Is Zuppa Toscana soup gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and sausage, this soup is a fantastic gluten-free option that still packs all the heartiness and flavor you crave.
Zuppa Toscana Soup Olive Garden: 5 Ways to Savor Comfort
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Zuppa Toscana is a hearty Italian soup featuring kale, potatoes, and sausage.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in diced potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Add chopped kale and heavy cream; heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use fresh kale for best flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cream for desired richness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: zuppa toscana soup olive garden
