This Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) recipe is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or need a warm meal after a long day, this soup delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures. With its blend of spicy sausage, fresh kale, and creamy goodness, you’ll find it hard to resist. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage, garlic, and fresh ingredients creates a robust taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Comforting Meal: This hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something warm and filling.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to modify the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or using different types of sausage.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen over time, making the leftovers even more enjoyable the next day.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything on hand will make preparation smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Slotted spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stockpot: This is essential for cooking the soup evenly while allowing enough space for all ingredients.
- Slotted spoon: Perfect for transferring cooked sausage without excess grease, keeping your dish light and flavorful.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (I recommend spicy)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium white onion, peeled and diced
- 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 5 to 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 to 3 cups chopped fresh kale
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
- 6 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
How to Make Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked.
- Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of grease in the stockpot and discard the rest.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Add diced onions to the stockpot with the reserved grease.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Stir in diced potatoes, chicken stock, and the cooked sausage from step one.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Finish with Kale and Cream
- Stir in chopped kale and heavy whipping cream.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- Season with fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle warm soup into bowls.
- Garnish each serving with crumbled bacon bits before enjoying!
How to Serve Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Zuppa Toscana is a hearty and comforting soup that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your Zuppa Toscana experience.
With Crusty Bread
- A fresh loaf of crusty bread pairs perfectly with Zuppa Toscana, allowing you to soak up every delicious drop of the soup.
Topped with Parmesan
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor that complements the zesty ingredients.
Side Salad
- Serve alongside a light side salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
With Garlic Toast
- Crispy garlic toast adds a crunchy texture and enhances the Italian flavors of the Zuppa Toscana.
In a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve your Zuppa Toscana in an edible bread bowl, making it both a dish and a vessel.
How to Perfect Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
To ensure your Zuppa Toscana turns out just right, follow these helpful tips for perfection.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly. Opt for organic when possible.
Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by choosing mild or spicy sausage according to your preference.
Creaminess Matters: For an extra creamy texture, let the cream simmer longer before serving.
Kale Substitutes: If kale isn’t available, spinach works well for a similar taste and texture.
Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch and freeze leftovers; Zuppa Toscana tastes even better after resting!
Best Side Dishes for Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Serving side dishes with your Zuppa Toscana can create a complete meal experience. Here are some ideal accompaniments:
Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing adds crunch and freshness.
Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and olives provides variety and flavor contrast.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal.
Cheesy Biscuits: Soft, cheesy biscuits are great for sopping up leftover soup.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats filled with cheese and herbs can complement the main dish nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Zuppa Toscana at home can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure your dish is perfect.
- Using the wrong sausage: Choosing a mild sausage can result in a bland flavor. Opt for spicy Italian sausage to enhance the dish’s zest.
- Overcooking the vegetables: If you cook the potatoes too long, they may become mushy. Keep an eye on them and remove them from heat once tender.
- Skipping seasonings: Forgetting to season with salt and pepper can make your Zuppa Toscana taste flat. Always taste and adjust before serving.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Using wilted kale or old garlic can affect the taste. Fresh ingredients are key to achieving that vibrant flavor.
- Ignoring simmer time: Rushing the simmering process means flavors won’t meld properly. Allow it to simmer so all ingredients infuse well.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat).
Can I make Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat) vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute sausage with plant-based options and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
How spicy is Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)?
The spiciness will depend on the Italian sausage you choose. Spicy sausage adds a nice kick, while mild sausage results in a milder flavor.
Can I use other greens instead of kale?
Absolutely! You can use spinach or Swiss chard as alternatives if you prefer different greens.
What do I serve with Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)?
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Zuppa Toscana recipe is not just comforting but also highly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients according to your preferences, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. Give this Olive Garden copycat recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Zuppa Toscana, an Olive Garden copycat recipe that warms the soul with every spoonful. This hearty soup is a delightful blend of spicy Italian sausage, fresh kale, and creamy potatoes simmered in rich chicken stock. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings, this easy-to-make dish will impress even the most discerning palates. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a bowl of this delicious Tuscan soup that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether served alongside crusty bread or topped with crispy bacon, Zuppa Toscana promises satisfaction in every bite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground spicy Italian sausage
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 5 to 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 to 3 cups chopped fresh kale
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 6 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, brown the sausage until fully cooked. Break it into smaller pieces. Reserve 1 tablespoon of grease and transfer the sausage to a plate.
- Using the reserved grease, sauté diced onions for about 5 minutes before adding minced garlic for an additional minute.
- Stir in diced potatoes, chicken stock, and the cooked sausage. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Add chopped kale and heavy cream; simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with crumbled bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
