Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Copycat Recipe | Creamy Sausage & Potato Soup
Bring the restaurant favorite home with this Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Copycat Recipe! A hearty soup made with Italian sausage, tender potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth — comforting, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners.
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Knife + cutting board
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild), crumbled
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups kale, chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
- Cannellini beans for extra protein
- Spinach or Swiss chard instead of kale
- Turkey sausage for a lighter version
Instructions
- Brown sausage and bacon: In a large pot, cook crumbled sausage until browned. Remove and set aside. Cook bacon until crisp, then drain excess fat.
- Sauté aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Build broth: Pour in chicken stock. Add sliced potatoes and simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Add cream and kale: Stir in heavy cream and chopped kale. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until kale is wilted but vibrant.
- Finish: Return sausage to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Adjust to taste.
- Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra bacon or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Store soup in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without cream; add cream after reheating. Separate kale if freezing—add fresh when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop to avoid curdling.
- Avoid mistakes: Don’t overcook potatoes, add cream too early, or use pre-cooked bacon.
- Variations: Swap kale for spinach, add beans, or use turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Nutrition: High in protein and fiber; rich in vitamins from kale and potatoes; customize with lighter cream or dairy-free alternatives.