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The Best Copycat Zuppa Toscana Soup (Better Than Olive Garden)

Close-up of a creamy bowl of Zuppa Toscana soup featuring potatoes, sausage, kale, and bacon crumbles.

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Make this rich, creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup at home. This one-pot recipe features spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, kale, and bacon in a savory broth, closely matching the famous restaurant version.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
  2. Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain off excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the sliced potatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale. Cook for another 5 minutes until the kale wilts but remains slightly green. Do not let the soup boil after adding the cream.
  7. Season the Zuppa Toscana Soup with salt and pepper to your preference.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls, top with reserved crispy bacon and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For a lower-carb Zuppa Toscana variation, substitute cauliflower florets for some or all of the potatoes.
  • Use a medium-sized potato like Yukon Gold for the best texture; avoid starchy Russets that might break down too much.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy Italian sausage.

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