Zuppa Toscana is a delicious and comforting soup that combines Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale in a creamy broth. This copycat version of Olive Garden’s famous soup is perfect for cozy nights and family dinners, offering a rich and flavorful experience.
Why This Zuppa Toscana Is the Best
- Rich and Creamy Broth: The creamy broth is hearty and satisfying, providing a rich base for the soup.
- Flavorful Sausage: Italian sausage adds a savory and spicy element to the soup, making it incredibly flavorful.
- Tender Potatoes: The potatoes are cooked until tender, adding a comforting texture to the soup.
- Fresh Kale: Kale adds color, nutrition, and a slightly earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with fresh basil leaves, the soup is visually appealing and perfect for any occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight meal, hosting a dinner party, or looking for a comforting and satisfying dish, Zuppa Toscana is the perfect choice. The combination of creamy broth, flavorful sausage, and tender potatoes makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Beef & Italian Sausage: Adds a rich, savory foundation to the soup, with the sausage providing a spiced, herby depth.
- Garlic & Onion: Essential aromatics that create the savory base and enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
- Russet Potatoes: Offer a hearty, creamy texture as they cook down, absorbing the broth’s flavors.
- Kale: Provides a slight bitterness and vibrant color, balancing the richness of the sausage and cream.
- Chicken Broth & Water: Form the flavorful base of the soup, with the broth giving a savory foundation and water helping to balance the richness.
- Whipping Cream: Adds a smooth, velvety richness to the soup, creating a creamy texture.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the soup to taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but it adds a salty, umami finish when sprinkled on top.
Tips for Making the Best Zuppa Toscana
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh Italian sausage, high-quality potatoes, and fresh kale.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the garlic and herbs – they add a lot of flavor to the soup.
- Cook Evenly: Ensure the potatoes are cooked evenly to achieve a tender texture.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the soup with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: Serve Zuppa Toscana with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Grated Parmesan Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- With Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for a delightful combination.
- With Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
A Must Try
Imagine digging into a bowl of this Zuppa Toscana—each spoonful filled with tender potatoes, flavorful sausage, and fresh kale, all in a rich and creamy broth. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or enjoying it on your own, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients and create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. You’ll love sharing this comforting soup with loved ones and making special moments even more memorable!
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
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Creamy Potato Soup
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Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Zuppa Toscana - Olive Garden Copycat
Ingredients
- 6 oz beef chopped
- 1 lb Italian Sausage The "Hot" variety
- 1 medium head garlic 10 big cloves, peeled and minced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 6 cups chicken broth/stock (48 oz)
- 4 cups water (32 oz)
- 5 medium russet potatoes peeled and chopped into thick pieces
- 1 kale bundle leaves stripped and chopped (approx. 6 cups)
- 1 cup whipping cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese to serve opt
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven (5.5 qt), heat over medium-high and add the chopped beef. Sauté until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Once browned, transfer the beef to a paper-towel-lined plate and carefully spoon out any excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon of oil in the pot.
- Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Sauté until fully cooked through, about 5 minutes, then transfer it to the paper towel-lined plate with the beef.
- Finely dice the onion and add it to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and golden. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in 6 cups of broth and 4 cups of water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook for 15 minutes, or until they can easily be pierced with a fork.
- Once the potatoes are nearly done, stir in the chopped kale and cooked sausage. Bring the mixture to a light boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in 1 cup of cream and bring the soup to a boil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with the browned beef and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan before serving.