Easy Zuppa Toscana

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Homemade version of the popular Olive Garden soup combining Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale in a rich, creamy broth. Ready in 40 minutes.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:15:35 GMT
A creamy soup with ground beef, potatoes, and kale is simmering in a white pot. Pin it
A creamy soup with ground beef, potatoes, and kale is simmering in a white pot. | recipesbyclare.com

My zuppa toscana brings pure comfort to your kitchen. Rich creamy broth spicy sausage tender potatoes and fresh kale create something truly special. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug.

What Makes This Special

This soup hits all the right notes creamy broth tender potatoes savory sausage with just enough spice. That rich broth carries so much flavor you'll want to soak up every drop with crusty bread.

What You Need

  • Sausage: Italian spicy or mild your choice.
  • Potatoes: Yukon gold makes it extra creamy.
  • Good Broth: Chicken makes the best base.
  • Fresh Kale: Adds color life nutrients.
  • Heavy Cream: Makes everything silky.
  • Red Pepper: Little heat if you like.
  • Bacon: Crispy bits on top perfect.

Start With Sausage

Get It Golden
Break sausage up as it browns keeps it tender.
Save Some Fat
Leave just enough makes everything better.
A bowl of creamy soup filled with ground beef, diced potatoes, spinach, and colorful vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of creamy soup filled with ground beef, diced potatoes, spinach, and colorful vegetables. | recipesbyclare.com

Build Flavor

Sweet Onions
Cook until soft add garlic at the end.
Good Stock
Pour in broth let those flavors blend.

Add The Good Stuff

Potato Time
Simmer until tender but not mushy.
Fresh Greens
Kale goes in last stays bright green.

Make It Creamy

Gentle Heat
Stir in cream slowly keeps it smooth.
Perfect Taste
Season until it's just right for you.

Time To Eat

Serve hot with crusty bread bacon bits on top. Maybe some fresh grated parmesan makes it extra special.

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A creamy soup with ground meat, potatoes, spinach, and tomatoes served in a bowl. | recipesbyclare.com

Make It Yours

Need vegetarian? Skip sausage add mushrooms. Can't do dairy? Coconut milk works great. White beans carrots make it even heartier.

Keep It Fresh

Keeps three days in fridge warm up slow and gentle. Stir while heating keeps that creamy texture perfect.

Chef's Secrets

Brown that sausage well builds flavor. Cook onions slow and sweet. Keep heat low when cream goes in stays smooth.

Extra Magic

Touch of nutmeg makes it cozy. Splash of white wine adds depth. Little things make good soup great.

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A close-up of a bowl of creamy soup containing potatoes, ground meat, spinach, and tomatoes. | recipesbyclare.com

Perfect Partners

Crisp green salad on the side balances rich soup. Glass of cold white wine makes it feel special. Sparkling water works beautifully too.

Mix It Up

Play with different sausages add more heat try spinach instead of kale. This soup loves creativity make it your own.

Pure Love

This soup brings everyone to the table. Rich creamy warming it's what comfort food should be. Simple ingredients careful cooking lots of love makes magic happen.

A creamy soup featuring ground meat, spinach, and diced vegetables served in a bowl. Pin it
A creamy soup featuring ground meat, spinach, and diced vegetables served in a bowl. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Yes, spinach can be substituted for kale. Add it at the very end since it wilts much faster than kale.
→ What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape well and have a buttery flavor. Russet potatoes can also work but may break down more.
→ Can I make this lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and turkey Italian sausage instead of pork. The soup will be lighter but still flavorful.
→ How long does this soup keep?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The soup may thicken when chilled; thin with broth when reheating.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Cream-based soups don't freeze well as they can separate when thawed. If freezing, do so before adding the cream and add it when reheating.

Easy Zuppa Toscana

A hearty Italian soup with spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale in a creamy broth. Perfect copycat of the Olive Garden favorite.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 8 Servings (8 servings)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced.
02 1 pound Italian sausage.
03 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled.
04 5 cups chicken stock.
05 1 cup heavy whipping cream.
06 2 cups kale, chopped.
07 3 garlic cloves, minced.
08 1 medium white onion, diced.
09 Salt and black pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Brown sausage in large stockpot, breaking into pieces. Remove with slotted spoon, reserving 1 tablespoon grease.

Step 02

Sauté onions in reserved grease for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Step 03

Add potatoes, stock, and cooked sausage. Bring to simmer and cook 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 04

Stir in kale and cream. Simmer 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 05

Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled bacon.

Notes

  1. Can substitute spinach for kale if preferred.
  2. Use half-and-half instead of cream for lighter version.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large stockpot.
  • Slotted spoon.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 15 g