Print

Creamy Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe Easy and Fast

creamy copycat olive garden zuppa toscana soup - featured image

A quick and easy recipe to make Olive Garden’s famous Zuppa Toscana soup at home in under 30 minutes, featuring smoky sausage, tender potatoes, kale, and a rich creamy broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
  • 3 medium russet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (960 ml), low sodium recommended
  • 4 cups chopped kale, tough stems removed
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.
  2. Add 1 pound Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed but leave a little for flavor.
  3. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring frequently.
  4. Stir in 3 medium peeled and thinly sliced russet potatoes. Toss to coat with the sausage and onion mixture.
  5. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  6. Add 4 cups chopped kale leaves, stirring well. Cook for 3–4 minutes until wilted but still vibrant green.
  7. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 3 more minutes until heated through and creamy.
  8. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.

Notes

Brown the sausage well to develop flavor. Slice potatoes thinly (about 1/8 inch) for even cooking. Remove tough kale stems to avoid bitterness. Add cream at the end to prevent curdling. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For leftovers, reheat gently on stovetop adding broth if needed. Freeze without cream and kale; add fresh when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, Olive Garden copycat, creamy soup, Italian sausage soup, kale soup, comfort food, quick dinner