Description
Zuppa Toscana is a rich and hearty Italian soup made with spicy sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and kale in a creamy broth. This comforting soup is perfect for cold nights and family dinners. Learn how to make this easy Olive Garden-inspired Zuppa Toscana recipe at home with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage
4 slices bacon
4 cups russet potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
3 cups kale, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven until crispy, then remove and set aside. Leave the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up as it browns. Cook thoroughly and set aside.
3. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic in the drippings until soft and fragrant.
4. Add the chicken broth and sliced potatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
5. Return the sausage to the pot along with the chopped kale. Simmer until the kale is wilted, about 5 minutes.
6. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently to heat through.
7. Ladle into bowls, garnish with crispy bacon, and serve hot.
Notes
Use hot or sweet Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
For a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage and half-and-half.
If the soup thickens too much when reheating, just add a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 85mg