Love this copycat recipe for Olive Garden’s  Zuppa Toscana Soup – tastes exactly like the real thing!
Zuppa Toscana Soup
Many years ago, my little brother found a recipe for Zuppa Toscana soup from Olive Garden. This soup is a family favorite whenever we visit Olive Garden and is something we all look forward to. After a few tweaks I think this soup tastes just like the real thing.
My older sister sends me a box of organic produce once a month. Last week it arrived and had a gorgeous bunch of kale in it and I knew just what to make. This is the perfect meal for a cool fall or winter day – sure to warm up your belly!
Directions:Â
Crumble the sausage onto a baking sheet. Bake the sausage in the oven at 300 degrees for about 30 minutes or until no longer pink. Place on paper towels to drain.
Cook the bacon and crumble into small pieces. I baked my bacon. Slice the potatoes between 1/8″ and 1/4″. I used the thick setting on my mandoline. Just make the slices about the same size so they cook evenly. Dice up the onion and mince the garlic. Throw the potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and water into a large pot on medium heat until the potatoes are cooked through.
Prepare the kale by chopping into bite sized pieces. Kale is wonderful for soups because it holds up to the heat so well. It’s also delicious! Add the sausage, bacon, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian Sausage spicy if you prefer more heat
- 5-7 slices of bacon
- 5 medium russet potatoes
- 2 cups kale chopped
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 qt water
- 28 oz chicken broth
- ½ large onion
- 2-3 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Crumble the sausage onto a baking sheet. Bake the sausage in the oven at 300 degrees for about 30 minutes or until no longer pink. Place on paper towels to drain.
- Cook the bacon and crumble into small pieces. I baked my bacon. Slice the potatoes between ⅛ inch and ¼ inch thick. I used the thick setting on my mandolin. Just make the slices about the same size so they cook evenly. Dice up the onion and mince the garlic. Throw the potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and water into a large pot on medium heat until the potatoes are cooked through.
- Prepare the kale by chopping into bite sized pieces. Kale is wonderful for soups because it holds up to the heat so well. It’s also delicious!
- Add the sausage, bacon, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- During this time the potatoes will start breaking apart into smaller bite sized pieces because they are so tender. Turn the heat to low and add in the kale and heavy cream. Let the soup heat through and serve. We like to serve this soup with some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Delicious!
Nutrition
 More dinners to love:
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
20 Minute Skillet Chicken and Spinach Parmesan
Lora says
I love this soup and can’t wait to try your recipe!! Thanks for sharing!
Carrie says
I’ve never tried that, sounds delish. Thanks for linking up to Refresh Your Nest Friday, now I’m craving soup– ha!
Lindsay says
Oh wow, this looks amazing! I bet it is very flavorful as well! Thanks for the recipe! Happy to have you share this @ Show & Share–thanks!
Katalina Jewelry says
Definitely my favorite soup at the Olive Garden! I’m gonna have to try your recipe! Thanks for sharing it!
Athena says
I absolutely need to try this as it is also my favorite thing to get at Olive Garden. AND there is no Olive Garden anywhere around me so I will have to take matters into my own hands! Feel free to linkup to the Success U – Wednesday Linkup Party at http://www.thestuffofsuccess.com
AnJayla says
My husband and daughter will love this. Thank you SO much for sharing.
Shelley says
This is the ONLY thing I ever get when I go to Olive Garden. I’m sooo pinning this bad boy! Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Jen-CraftOManiac says
Oh’ my this is my fav. soup there. Mouth watering now. I will have to try this. Thanks for sharing. winks, jen
ZiaMaria says
Ummmm yummy, I will have to try this, love the receipe, thanks for sharing!
Lori says
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you….how about the salad dressing and the breadsticks? Okay, so I love OG and their all you can eat soup, salad and breadsticks….I will be making this soon…I found you through Young and Crafty:)
Angi @ Living in a creative bliss says
This is my FAVORITE soup! I cannot wait to try it:) Thanks for sharing!
Randa @ The Bewitchin' Kitchen says
I have the same recipe! It’s so good. I’m your newest follower on GFC. Would love a visit and follow back. http://www.thebewitchinkitchen.com
Chamorritamom says
Thanks for sharing this recipe…This is my fave @ Olive Garden. I will have to try this out. I found you through Follow me Friday’s on Trendy Treehouse and I am you newest follower. I have also pinned this!
Melanie @ bear rabbit bear says
Yummy! Thanks for linking to Things I’ve Done Thursday!
Melanie
Sew Rugged @ bear rabbit bear
bearrabbitbear.blogspot.com
Elle and Lou says
This certainly looks fabulous! i will try this out. Thanks for the idea. Lou