Description
This Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup recipe is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale in a creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup blends rich flavors with a satisfying texture, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Sausage and Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage and chopped bacon until browned and crispy. Once done, drain the excess fat to avoid greasiness in the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its fragrant aroma.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add thinly sliced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Incorporate Kale: Stir in the chopped kale and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the kale wilts and softens, blending seamlessly into the soup.
- Finish with Cream and Seasoning: Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a little heat. Let the soup simmer for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish as desired with extra kale, cheese, or crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup may be less creamy.
- You can use turkey sausage or a vegetarian sausage alternative to modify the recipe for different dietary needs.
- Make sure to thinly slice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese as a garnish enhances the flavor further.
