It’s my version of Olive Garden’s most popular soup - One Pot Zuppa Toscana. You gonna love this, as the entire recipe is made in one pot and requires less than 30 minutes of your time. The recipe uses simple ingredients, yet the Tuscany soup has such a great flavor.
Spicy Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale in creamy broth make an excellent comfort meal. Served with freshly grated parmesan cheese and salty bacon crumbles. All are made with gluten-free ingredients, as we like it.
We love to serve our favorite soup with crusty bread, stuffed mushrooms, fritters, crackers, or plain Caesar Salad.
There is a skip-to-recipe button in the top left corner along with a clickable table of contents list (just below) that will quickly take you to the part you are more interested in. Enjoy!
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What The Yummy Bowl fans are saying across different platforms:
O…M…G…I genuinely think this is the best soup I've ever tasted. I subbed chicken hot sausage that probably wasn't hot enough, but kept everything else as written. I think I might be able to eat this for 3 days straight. I've never eaten the original, but I can't imagine that it could be better than this! HB, Blog Comments
Ingredients
My few comments on the ingredients + don't forget to read the Tips section!
The full recipe and ingredients can be found in the recipe card below this post.
- Fresh kale - trimmed and stems removed. No need to cut the kale, just break it apart into smaller pieces (about 1 inch) right before adding it to the soup. Or make a kale chiffonade or cut it into ribbons.
- I prefer getting kale fresh and whole. For a quicker version, you can find store-bought packages with pre-cut kale. But they often mix in some of the stems too.
- By the way, there are many varieties of kale. I used curly kale which is the most common and works great in this Zuppa Toscana. Lacinato kale is also a great variety of kale and is good for cooking and enjoying raw in salads. It has thinner leaves so it's easier to eat than other kale sorts, which are tougher.
- Sausage - I used Italian Spicy Sausage, without MSG and other nasty stuff. Or use ground sausage. Whatever you kind find but organic and from trusted brands is recommended for a healthier soup. Remove the casing and crumble the sausage into the pan and cook until browned. For kid-friendly use mild sausage, lean ground beef or chicken or turkey sausage. Italian sausage is what adds great flavor to this dish but you can get similar flavor by using ground meat and adding Italian spices and a pinch of chili, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to the mix.
- For a vegetarian option use a vegetarian/vegan sausage (look for nonmsg and other additives, there are many great options out there). If some of your family members are meat lovers, you can cook some non-veg sausage and serve it as an addition to the soup or on the side. More work, but try the soup first and see if you need it at all. I’m sure they gonna love the veg option as well.
- Also for the veg option and not only, I’d also add the usual soup suspects like carrots and celery. Chop these medium thick and enjoy the extra flavor.
- Potatoes - we like starchy potatoes such as Idaho or Russet potatoes. For this Italian soup, I diced the potatoes into medium-thick cubes. You can also slice them (but not very thin.) Just make sure these are all in uniform sizes and shapes to ensure even cooking.
- Garlic - I like to use plenty!
- Broth - as usual, use low-sodium or no-salt broth whenever possible. This is healthier and you can control the amount of salt added to the soup. Lots of salt and spices comes from the sausage already.
- Heavy cream - or half and half, or evaporated milk for a thinner version. For vegan or dairy-free Zuppa Toscana, use a can of coconut milk or cream which makes a perfect substitute and it won't curdle or separate when reheating.
- Add more flavor by using seasoned salt, we like homemade Celery Salt.
If you are a true connoisseur of Italian-style recipes you'll appreciate my Creamy Chicken Pasta, Chicken Parmesan and Pork And Beef Meatballs. Try these next!
Instructions
In a dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat add sausage. Saute the sausage breaking it apart until browned. Set aside.
Note: If you are using bacon, chop it up and cook it until desired crispiness in the same pot.
Transfer to a side plate and remove the excess fat with a slotted spoon. Leave a couple of tablespoons in the pot and cook your sausages in bacon grease.
In the same pot, over medium heat, add butter and cook onions until softened and golden.
Stir in minced or pressed garlic and saute for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper. Take it to a boil and reduce the heat to medium.
Add potatoes and cook the soup until potatoes are fork-tender. About 10-12 minutes.
Return the sausage, and add kale. Take it to a gentle boil and simmer for another 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low.
Taste for seasoning.
Stir in cream and bring it to a light boil again. Simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Serve this delicious creamy soup with freshly grated parmesan cheese and bacon crumbles.
Recommended Equipment
- 4.3 quart Dutch Oven or large pot
- Measuring Cups and Spoons - measure all your salad ingredients and seasonings with those superb tools without stress! Easy to wash!
- Cheese Grater - grate a block of cheese yourself, it will melt away better than pre-packed shredded cheese.
Tips
- Remove the stems from the kale. To strip the kale, grab onto the stem and pull the leaves off. Chop the leaves into bite-size pieces or just use your fingers to tear them into smaller pieces.
If you want to make it more kid-friendly, you can use mild sausage and it will still have an incredible flavor.
- You’ll need a dutch oven, medium-sized or large.
- You can add chopped sundried tomatoes to the soup which will add tons of flavor. You can get a larger-sized can and from leftovers make my Creamy Chicken recipe.
- The soup is not thin nor it’s too thick. And depending on your personal preference, keep some extra broth or clean water to add to the soup in the end if needed.
Not a fan of kale? It can easily be subbed with chard, spinach, or left out completely. However, I prefer kale as it doesn’t lose its texture like spinach, especially once reheated.
- Pro cooking hack - a great tip for prepping things like onion and garlic. Want to save 5-10 minutes of your time, every time when making a meal? I found that it is easier to chop up a bunch of onion upfront (garlic is actually not that bad as a prep because garlic press does the job really well) at the same time while making a recipe and simply freeze these.
- Do this once a month and you don’t have to work that hard each time when cooking! It’s good for time-saving and no leftovers will be forgotten in the back of the fridge. Use frozen chopped onions in most dishes like soups, stews, and sauces. I usually don’t even thaw these and use them straight up in the recipe.
- Slice the veggies like a pro - a good handheld slicer, mandolin, or food processor will cut your veggie prep time in half. Less chopping and more time to enjoy dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with side dishes you would use for any other soup. Side dishes such as crispy smashed potatoes, air fryer sweet potato fries, caesar salad, cheesy asparagus, tomato basil mozzarella salad, and crusty bread or bread rolls.
More Olive Garden Copycat Recipes
If you love this recipe, be sure to try these copycat recipes next and let me know what you think.
Healthy Olive Garden's Baked Ziti - Layers of penne pasta and ground meat smothered in ultra-rich marinara sauce topped with plenty of cheeses.
Pasta Fagioli Soup - Rich and dense tomato soup simmered with beef, healthy veggies, spices, beans, and ditalini pasta are sure to become one of the most requested recipes in your family.
Vegetarian Minestrone Soup - This soup is wholesome, extremely flavorful, and appropriate for various dietary needs.
Freezing And Storing Instructions
To store. Once the soup is cooked, let it cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers and refrigerating for up to 3 days.
I've always said, that we get the best flavor and nutritional value from any dish when it is served right away. For reheating, use the stovetop and take it to a gentle boil.
You can freeze zuppa toscana. However like with many creamy-based soups or sauces, it is not the best option. The soup will separate once reheated and taste slightly watery. The consistency will not be as creamy and thick once freshly made.
FAQs
Serve this soup with side dishes you would use for any other soup. Side dishes such as crispy smashed potatoes, air fryer sweet potato fries, caesar salad, cheesy asparagus, tomato basil mozzarella salad and crusty bread or bread rolls.
You can freeze zuppa toscana. However like with many creamy-based soups or sauces, it is not the best option. The soup will separate once reheated and taste slightly watery. The consistency will not be as creamy and thick once freshly made.
This Zuppa Toscana soup is best served and enjoyed on the same day of making or within 24 hours. If you need to refrigerate leftovers, do it in a properly sealed airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat the soup add to the pot and simmer on low heat. Take it to a gentle boil and enjoy.
Not a fan of kale? It can easily be subbed with chard, spinach or left out completely. However, I prefer kale as it doesn’t lose its texture like spinach, especially once reheated.
Gluten Free and Easy One-Pot Meals
ALL ONE-POT recipes.
I hope you'll enjoy this Olive Garden Copycat Zuppa Toscana recipe, please leave a rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo of your food and tag me on Instagram @theyummy_bowl. I love seeing your creations!
Thank you for reading,
Love,
Julia
One Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup (Better Than Olive Garden's)
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage casing removed, use mild for kid-friendly
- 4 tablespoons unsalted or salted butter
- ½ white onion diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 5 cups chicken/meat or vegetable broth
- 3 cups water
- 4-5 potatoes cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 handful of cooked crispy Bacon optional
- 4 cups chopped kale
- Olive oil for cooking
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat add sausage. Saute the sausage breaking it apart until browned. Set aside. If you are using bacon, chop it up and cook it until desired crispiness in the same pot. Transfer to a side plate and remove the excess fat with a slotted spoon. Leave a couple of tablespoons in the pot and cook your sausages in bacon grease.
- In the same pot, over medium heat, add butter and cook onions until softened and golden. Stir in minced or pressed garlic and saute for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, water, salt, pepper. Take it to a boil and reduce the heat to medium.
- Add potatoes and cook the soup until potatoes are fork tender. About 10-12 minutes.
- Return the sausage, and add kale. Take it to gentle boil and simmer for another 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low.
- Taste for seasoning.
- Stir in cream and bring it to a light boil again. Simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- Serve this delicious creamy soup with freshly grated parmesan cheese and bacon crumbles.
PRIVATE NOTES
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
This recipe is inspired from here.
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
One of our best soups!
HB
O...M...G...I genuinely think this is the best soup I've ever tasted. I subbed chicken hot sausage that probably wasn't hot enough, but kept everything else as written. I think I might be able to eat this for 3 days straight. I've never eaten the original, but I can't imagine that it could be better than this!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
Thank you so much, so glad you genuinely loved this and found time to leave a comment. It means the world to me!