Recreate the warm, comforting flavors of Olive Garden at home with this Copycat Zuppa Toscana recipe! Overflowing with hearty ingredients like savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender russet potatoes, and vibrant kale, this creamy soup is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Simmered in a rich chicken broth and finished with a luxurious splash of heavy cream, it strikes the perfect balance of bold and comforting flavors. With just 50 minutes from start to finish, this easy recipe is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or serving to guests alongside warm crusty bread. Bring the taste of your favorite Italian restaurant to your kitchen today!
In a large pot or Dutch oven, crumble and cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same pot, add the bacon slices and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon, chop into small pieces, and set aside. Keep about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot, or add olive oil if preferred.
Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Add them to the pot and sautΓ© over medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Peel the russet potatoes and slice them into thin rounds. Add the potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
While the soup is simmering, wash and roughly chop the kale. Remove any tough stems for a better texture in the soup.
Once the potatoes are tender, add the cooked sausage, bacon pieces, kale, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Season the soup with salt, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Simmer the soup on low for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve hot with your favorite bread or rolls. Enjoy!
Calories |
3573 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 224.5 g | 288% | |
| Saturated Fat | 95.5 g | 478% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 25.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 635 mg | 212% | |
| Sodium | 9949 mg | 433% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 231.4 g | 84% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.5 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.5 g | ||
| Protein | 143.2 g | 286% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.7 mcg | 23% | |
| Calcium | 543 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 22.3 mg | 124% | |
| Potassium | 8312 mg | 177% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.