When the weather starts to cool and you’re craving something hearty, Zuppa Toscana is the bowl you want to wrap your hands around. This rustic Italian soup is full of crumbled sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and kale, all swimming in a creamy, garlicky broth. It’s comfort food with just the right amount of spice and texture to keep you going back for another ladle.

Zuppa Toscana has earned its spot as a family favorite across many homes for good reason. Inspired by the flavors of Tuscany but famously popularized by Olive Garden, this soup is deeply satisfying without being overly rich. It strikes a balance of warmth, creaminess, and bite from the sausage and kale that makes it a go-to for quick weeknight dinners and cozy Sunday meals alike.

Why You’ll Love This Zuppa Toscana

If you’re after a one-pot meal that tastes like it took all day, this is it. Zuppa Toscana is a dream for busy households thanks to its simple ingredient list and easy prep. It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all afternoon.

Plus, the soup is endlessly adaptable. You can lighten it with turkey sausage, spice it up with red pepper flakes, or even go dairy-free with coconut cream. And let’s not forget, it’s naturally gluten-free, hearty enough for a main course, and kid-approved.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

Hot Italian sausage is the top choice if you want that signature kick, but you can always go for sweet Italian sausage if you’re serving sensitive palates. Some home cooks love blending both for a balanced flavor. And if pork isn’t your thing, turkey or chicken sausage works just as well. Look for ground sausage without casing to make browning easier and the soup even quicker to prepare.

Ingredients for the Zuppa Toscana

This cozy, creamy soup comes together with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating a flavorful, hearty dish.

Italian sausage – The heart of the soup, providing a savory, spiced base that adds depth and flavor.

Bacon – Adds a smoky undertone and crispy texture to balance the creamy broth.

Russet potatoes – Sliced thin so they melt into soft bites that thicken the soup naturally.

Yellow onion – Sautéed until soft, it enhances the savory backbone of the dish.

Garlic cloves – For that unmistakable aromatic lift in every spoonful.

Chicken broth – Forms the soup base, rich in flavor and perfect for simmering all the elements.

Kale – Brings a slightly bitter, earthy edge and tender chew once cooked down.

Heavy cream – Swirled in at the end, it makes the soup luxuriously creamy.

Salt and pepper – Just enough to balance and enhance the overall flavor.

How To Make the Zuppa Toscana

Step 1: Brown the Meats

Start by cooking chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven until it’s crispy. Remove and set aside, but leave the rendered fat in the pot. Add the Italian sausage to the same pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Once fully cooked, transfer it to a bowl.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion and garlic to the sausage drippings. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This builds the flavor base for the broth.

Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes

Pour in chicken broth and sliced potatoes. Simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The starch from the potatoes will help thicken the soup slightly.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked sausage back into the pot along with the kale. Simmer until the kale is wilted and tender, about 5 minutes. Then reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer just until heated through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle the crispy bacon on top, and enjoy immediately while hot and creamy.

How to Serve and Store Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana is best served piping hot with a crusty loaf of bread on the side. It feeds about 6 people generously and is ideal for leftovers. In fact, many say it tastes even better the next day.

Let any leftovers cool completely before storing. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to maintain the creamy texture. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

What to Serve With Zuppa Toscana?

Crusty Garlic Bread

A classic companion. It soaks up the creamy broth beautifully.

Caesar Salad

Crisp, cool, and garlicky, it offers contrast to the rich soup.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Add some texture and roasted goodness alongside your bowl.

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

If you love doubling up on comfort, this one’s for you.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Bright and simple, they’re a great match for hearty soup.

Bruschetta

The tangy tomatoes and fresh basil elevate every bite.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

It’s indulgent, but so worth it.

Apple Walnut Salad

For a touch of sweetness and crunch, this salad brings balance.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If this Zuppa Toscana has you swooning, you might enjoy these other cozy recipes on MiaPlates:

Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for the ultimate pasta-soup hybrid.
Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup when you want Mediterranean flair.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce if you’re craving something baked and bubbling.
Creamy Garlic Orzo with Lemon Chicken Meatballs when you want bite-sized comfort in a bowl.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for fast and filling dinner nights.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go spicy or mild? Did you sneak in some extra veggies?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Ask away if you have questions—let’s keep cooking delicious meals together.

Explore beautifully curated soups, pastas, and comfort dishes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next cozy obsession.