The Best Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

Welcome to this incredible zuppa toscana soup recipe, a creamy, savory delight that brings the beloved restaurant classic right to your kitchen. Inspired by Olive Garden’s famous version, this hearty and flavorful soup is the epitome of comfort food. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to recreate this family favorite at home, providing warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. Get ready to enjoy a truly delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Zuppa Toscana Soup

Making your own zuppa toscana soup is a decision you won’t regret! This recipe delivers incredible restaurant-quality flavor that rivals your favorite Italian spot. It’s surprisingly quick and simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences, ensuring everyone at the table is happy. This soup is truly perfect for a cozy meal and will quickly become a guaranteed family favorite.

Ingredients

To create this amazing homemade zuppa toscana soup, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Gather these items and get ready to cook a comforting meal.

• 1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage (use mild for kid-friendly)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ white onion (diced)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 4-5 yellow potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 3 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 cups chopped kale
• chopped bacon or bacon bits and grated parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many of these ingredients. For the sausage, feel free to use mild Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. If yellow potatoes aren’t available, Yukon Golds or even Russets will work well, just be sure to cut them into similar 1-inch pieces. Fresh kale is best, but you can use spinach if preferred; add it at the very end as it wilts faster. For a lighter soup, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but avoid boiling it vigorously. Don’t forget those optional toppings like crumbled bacon and grated Parmesan for extra flavor!

Equipment

You don’t need many special tools to make this wonderful zuppa toscana soup. A large Dutch oven or a sturdy soup pot is essential for cooking all the ingredients. You’ll also need a reliable cutting board and a sharp knife for preparing your vegetables. Finally, a slotted spoon will be very helpful for removing the cooked sausage.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious zuppa toscana soup at home. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and beginner-friendly.

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the spicy Italian ground sausage over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned. Understanding the Maillard reaction can help achieve a richer flavor when browning meat. Ensure no pink remains.
2. Drain Sausage: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with a paper towel. Set it aside, leaving any drippings in the pot.
3. Sauté Onions: Add the butter to the same pot with the sausage drippings. Sauté the diced white onion over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, until it becomes translucent and soft.
4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown or burn.
5. Deglaze and Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and water, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds incredible flavor to your zuppa toscana soup.
6. Add Potatoes and Seasoning: Carefully add the chopped yellow potatoes, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together gently.
7. Boil and Simmer: Bring the liquid to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
8. Check Potatoes: Continue simmering until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
9. Stir in Kale: Add the fresh chopped kale to the pot. Stir it into the hot soup until it wilts, which should take only 2-3 minutes.
10. Incorporate Cream and Sausage: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked sausage to the pot.
11. Heat Gently: Gently heat the soup through for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not bring the soup to a boil once the cream is added, as it can curdle.
12. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the zuppa toscana soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. You can also add more red pepper flakes if you prefer extra heat.
13. Serve Hot: Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Serve immediately with your desired garnishes.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Selecting the right type of sausage is key; spicy Italian provides classic flavor, but mild works too. Properly brown the sausage to develop deep, rich flavors before removing it. Avoid overcooking the potatoes, as they can become mushy; stop cooking when they are just fork-tender. To prevent the cream from curdling, add it at the very end and only heat through gently, never letting the soup boil after its addition. When prepping kale, remove the tough stems first. Adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes, or use mild sausage for less heat. Always season your soup throughout the cooking process for the best results.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile zuppa toscana soup is perfect for many occasions.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish your bowls of soup generously with crispy bacon bits or freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve this hearty soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic knots, which are perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. This rich zuppa toscana soup can easily be served as a satisfying main course on its own.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, being careful not to boil it once more, especially if it contains cream.

Recipe Variations

To make this zuppa toscana soup vegetarian, use a plant-based Italian sausage alternative. Reduce the fat content by substituting half-and-half for heavy cream. Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots or celery along with the onions for extra nutrition. Adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes for heat, or using mild sausage for a milder flavor. This soup is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your broth and sausage are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious zuppa toscana soup. Please note these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

For more detailed dietary guidance and information on various ingredients, consider consulting reputable nutritional resources like the USDA’s FoodData Central.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and cooking methods. Individual results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Zuppa Toscana ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Store the cooked sausage separately and add it back when reheating, along with the cream.

Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana soup?

This zuppa toscana soup can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the heavy cream and kale. Thaw, then add fresh cream and kale when reheating.

What kind of potatoes are best for Zuppa Toscana?

Yellow potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture when cooked.

How can I make it less spicy?

Simply use mild Italian sausage instead of spicy sausage. You can also omit any additional red pepper flakes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided your chicken broth and Italian sausage do not contain any gluten-based additives.

Conclusion

You now have the perfect recipe for a truly delicious and comforting zuppa toscana soup! This homemade version captures all the savory, creamy goodness of the restaurant favorite, but it’s made easily in your own kitchen. It’s the ideal meal for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a hearty, flavorful dish. Don’t hesitate to try this simple recipe soon; your family will thank you. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations in the comments below!

A rich, creamy, and comforting Zuppa Toscana soup inspired by the Olive Garden classic — featuring spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and a luxurious touch of cream. Easy to make at home for a satisfying family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb spicy Italian ground sausage
• 4 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 white onion (diced)
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 4-5 yellow potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 3 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 cups chopped kale
• chopped bacon or bacon bits (optional topping)
• grated parmesan cheese (optional topping)

Equipment

• Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot
• cutting board and knife
• Slotted spoon
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook Italian sausage over medium heat for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked. No pink should remain.
2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels. Leave the drippings in the pot.
3. Add butter to the same pot. Sauté diced onion over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until translucent.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth and water. Scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
6. Add chopped potatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
8. Check that potatoes are fork-tender. Pierce easily with a fork.
9. Stir in chopped kale. Let it wilt for 2–3 minutes.
10. Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and return the cooked sausage to the pot.
11. Heat gently for 2–3 minutes without boiling. Stir occasionally.
12. Taste and adjust salt or pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with bacon and parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on preference. Swap kale with spinach, and use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes if yellow potatoes aren't available. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. Always add cream at the end to prevent curdling.

Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.