Secrets of Cozy Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Copycat

There’s nothing like the smell of hearty soup wafting through your kitchen on a chilly evening. This Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden copycat recipe brings that beloved restaurant flavor right to your home, and it’s taking cozy meals to the next level. Just imagine curling up with a warm bowl of this comforting dish!

Picture creamy potatoes, savory sausage, and fresh greens simmering together in a rich broth. It’s simple to whip up, like your grandma’s version but ready in just 30 minutes. Plus, you likely have all the pantry staples on hand, making it an easy weeknight dinner option. Trust me, this cozy dish will quickly become a family favorite.

I started making this soup during the winter of 2015 when I craved something warm and inviting after a long day. My kids were in awe of how packed with flavor it was and couldn’t stop raving about it! The secret? A touch of crushed red pepper gives it that zing. With over a decade of recipe testing under my belt, this one is a real winner every single time.

Yesica Andrews

Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Copycat Recipe to Love

This delicious Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden copycat is a comforting and hearty soup packed with spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale, making it an ideal homemade zuppa toscana soup. It’s a simple zuppa toscana recipe that brings rich Italian flavors to your table, perfect for any cozy meal. Enjoy the creamy goodness of this olive garden zuppa toscana copycat that’s easy to prepare and satisfying every time.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (I recommend spicy)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium white onion, peeled and diced
• 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
• 5 to 6 cups chicken stock
• 2 to 3 cups chopped fresh kale
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
• 6 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled

Method

 

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Scoop the sausage out with a slotted spoon, leaving about one tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pot, and discard the rest. Rinse the sausage briefly in a strainer to remove extra grease, then set aside.
2. Add the diced onions to the pot along with the reserved fat and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
3. Pour in the diced potatoes and chicken stock, then return the cooked sausage to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender.
4. Mix in the chopped kale and heavy cream, letting the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crumbled crispy bacon before serving warm.

Notes

• For a slower cooking option, you can prepare this soup in a Crock-Pot or Instant Pot following appropriate settings. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy Comfort: Perfect for chilly evenings, this Zuppa Toscana brings warmth and nostalgic flavors that remind you of family dinners.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up a delicious meal in about 40 minutes.
• Family-Friendly: Not only is it hearty and comforting, but the kids will love the rich tasteespecially with a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top!
• Healthier Twist: Loaded with vegetables and lean sausage, it’s a great option for a satisfying yet balanced meal.

Key Ingredients & Tools

This Zuppa Toscana is built around classic ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store:

• Ground Italian Sausage: Spicy or mild, it gives the soup its rich flavor and heartiness.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their creaminess adds texture and body to the soup.
• Kale: Fresh and vibrant, it adds a nice pop of color and nutrition.
• Heavy Cream: This brings everything together with a luscious, creamy finish.

In terms of tools, you’ll just need a large stockpot and your trusty wooden spoon to stir things up!

How It Works Step-by-Step

1. First, brown the ground sausage in your stockpot over medium-high heat, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
2. Once it’s nicely browned, transfer it to a plate (don’t forget to reserve a tablespoon of the grease for flavor!).
3. Next, add the diced onions to the pot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they turn soft and translucent, then add the minced garlic for another minute.
4. Now, toss in the diced potatoes and chicken stock, followed by the cooked sausage. Bring your mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until those potatoes are tender and ready to melt in your mouth.
6. Finally, stir in the chopped kale and heavy cream, letting it simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Potatoes Too Firm: If your potatoes are still hard after simmering, just let them cook a little longer until they soften to your liking.
• Too Greasy: Consider rinsing the cooked sausage in a strainer to remove excess grease if needed.
• Need More Flavor: If you’d like to enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning when you toss in the kale.

Tweaks and Swaps

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable:

• Sausage Alternatives: Feel free to use turkey sausage or chicken sausage if you want a lighter option.
• Kale Substitutions: Swiss chard or spinach can be used instead of kale for a different green or if that’s what you have on hand.
• Cream Alternatives: You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter version, but it may affect the creaminess.

Serving & Storage Tips

This Zuppa Toscana is truly comforting and perfect for sharing:

• Serving Suggestions: Serve each bowl garnished with crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor. Accompany it with warm bread for soaking up every last bit!
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock or water if it thickens.

Expert Says

Creating a delicious Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden copycat starts with balancing flavors. The starch in potatoes thickens the soup while offering a creamy texture. Additionally, using fresh kale not only enhances the dish’s nutritional profile but also adds a vibrant color and a slight bite, making it more satisfying.

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The Comfort of My Zuppa Toscana Recipe

After several attempts, I finally created a Zuppa Toscana recipe that warms the heart and brings the family together. I remember one batch that was a little too saltyI learned to respect my broth! Now, each spoonful reminds me of cozy nights spent laughing around the dinner table.

FAQs ( Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden copycat) )

Conclusion

You’ll love how this Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden copycat soup turns outfragrant, creamy, and the ultimate cozy hug in a bowl! With just 30 minutes of your time, you’ll have a delightful dish ready for your loved ones.

For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or swapping in some sweet potatoes for a unique flavor. And don’t forget, this soup keeps welljust store any leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen is to add a splash of broth if it thickens too much; it revives the creamy goodness perfectly!

I’d love to see how your Zuppa Toscana turns out! Did you grow up with something just as comforting? Share your thoughts and photos. Remember, good food is meant to be shared, so don’t hesitate to pass this recipe along to friends and family. Happy cooking!