If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana, you’re in for a treat! This easy version of the classic soup will have you slurping up a bowl of creamy, savory goodness in no time. Packed with potatoes, sausage, kale, and a rich broth, it’s everything you want in a cozy soup. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and creamy – The perfect balance of flavors in every spoonful.
Simple ingredients – You likely already have most of them in your kitchen.
Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes for a comforting weeknight meal.
Customizable – Add extra veggies or adjust the spice level to your liking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a preview of the key ingredients—full list below!

Italian sausage – For that signature flavor.
Potatoes – Sliced thin for a hearty, satisfying texture.
Kale – Adds freshness and nutrition to the soup.
Heavy cream – For that creamy, rich finish.
Chicken broth – The base of the soup’s flavorful broth.
Garlic and onion – For depth of flavor.
Red pepper flakes – To give it a little kick.

Step-by-Step Directions

Cook the Sausage

In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat and set the sausage aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant. This will give your soup a great base flavor.

Add the Potatoes and Broth

Add the sliced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the potatoes cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender.

Add the Sausage and Kale

Stir in the cooked sausage and kale, then cook for another 5 minutes until the kale wilts down and the flavors blend together.

Make it Creamy

Stir in the heavy cream and season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for a few more minutes to let everything come together.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of flavor – perfect for a cozy meal!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use mild or spicy sausage – You can adjust the heat by choosing your favorite sausage.
Slice the potatoes thin – This helps them cook faster and absorb the flavors of the broth.
For extra creaminess – Use half-and-half or milk if you want a lighter version, but heavy cream is best for that rich texture.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Make it dairy-free – Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version.
Add more veggies – Try adding carrots or celery for more flavor and texture.
Substitute kale – If you’re not a fan of kale, spinach is a great alternative.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

With crusty bread – A warm loaf of garlic bread or sourdough is perfect for dipping.
With a salad – A simple Caesar salad pairs wonderfully with the richness of the soup.
With Parmesan – A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds extra flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat – Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth if needed.
Freezing – This soup freezes well, but the cream may separate slightly when reheated. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, you can use frozen hashbrowns or diced frozen potatoes in a pinch.

How do I make it spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or stir in a dash of hot sauce for a little extra heat.

Can I make it in the slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the sausage and sauté the onion and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Can I use another type of greens?

Yes, you can substitute spinach or even Swiss chard for the kale.

Conclusion

This Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup is everything you want in a bowl of comfort. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy the hearty goodness!

Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup – Comfort in a Bowl

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Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Instructions

Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Potatoes and Broth: Add the sliced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let potatoes cook for 10-12 minutes or until fork-tender.
Add the Sausage and Kale: Stir in the cooked sausage and kale. Cook for 5 minutes until kale wilts and flavors blend.
Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer for a few more minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot.

Notes

Use mild or spicy sausage – Adjust the heat by choosing your favorite sausage.
Slice the potatoes thin – This helps them cook faster and absorb the flavors of the broth.
For extra creaminess – Use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but heavy cream is best for richness.