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Creamy Zuppa Toscana soup with sausage, kale, bacon, and potatoes in a red pot.

Easy Olive Garden Copycat Zuppa Toscana Soup

Enjoy a homemade version of Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana with spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and a rich, creamy broth. This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy meal and can be garnished with bacon and parmesan cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 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
Optional Toppings
  • chopped bacon or bacon bits
  • grated parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Brown the spicy Italian sausage in a large pot for 5-6 minutes, then use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, melt the butter and sauté the diced onions over medium heat until translucent; add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken broth, water, potatoes, salt, and pepper to the pot and bring to a boil, cooking until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the kale, heavy cream, and the reserved sausage, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving with optional parmesan and bacon.

Notes

For a milder flavor, use mild Italian ground sausage. The chopped bacon or bacon bits and grated parmesan cheese are optional garnishes to enhance the soup's flavor and presentation.