Bring the taste of Olive Garden to your kitchen with this rich and hearty Zuppa Toscana. Loaded with sausage, potatoes, and kale in a creamy broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food!
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4-5 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced or diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups kale, chopped (or substitute spinach)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Potatoes:
- Add the chicken broth, water, and sliced potatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the Kale and Sausage:
- Stir in the chopped kale (or spinach) and cooked sausage. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, until the greens are wilted.
- Finish with Cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream and crushed red pepper flakes. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through but do not boil.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon if desired. Serve with crusty bread or breadsticks for the full Olive Garden experience.
Tips and Variations
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for more texture and flavor.
- If you like a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage and more red pepper flakes.
This copycat Zuppa Toscana is a delicious, crowd-pleasing soup that’s perfect for cozy nights or entertaining guests. Enjoy your homemade taste of Olive Garden! 🥣