If you’ve ever craved a cozy, hearty soup that warms you from the inside out, this Zuppa Toscana recipe is exactly what you need. Inspired by the traditional Tuscan soup and made famous in the U.S. by Olive Garden, this dish combines rich Italian sausage, smoky bacon, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and a creamy broth. It’s rustic, comforting, and incredibly simple to bring together at home — no restaurant trip required.
Why You’ll Love This Zuppa Toscana Recipe
- Restaurant quality at home – tastes just like Olive Garden’s classic soup, but fresher and customizable.
- One-pot wonder – easy cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot.
- Balanced comfort food – rich and creamy, yet loaded with greens for a wholesome touch.
- Perfect for meal prep – reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or weekly lunches.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Zuppa Toscana Recipe
- Italian sausage – adds savory depth, spice, and hearty texture to the soup.
- Bacon – infuses a smoky richness that elevates the broth.
- Potatoes – provide creaminess and substance, turning the soup into a full meal.
- Kale – delivers freshness, color, and a healthy balance to the rich flavors.
- Heavy cream – creates the signature silky, indulgent broth.
- Onion & garlic – the aromatic base that ties everything together.
- Chicken broth – keeps the soup flavorful and perfectly seasoned.
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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Zuppa Toscana Recipe
- Cook the bacon – In a large pot, crisp the bacon, then remove and set aside.
- Brown the sausage – In the same pot, cook Italian sausage until golden, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Sauté aromatics – Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until fragrant and softened.
- Add potatoes & broth – Stir in sliced potatoes, then pour in chicken broth. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in cream & kale – Reduce heat, add heavy cream and chopped kale. Simmer gently until kale wilts.
- Finish with bacon – Stir the bacon back in, taste, and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot – Ladle into bowls, garnish with Parmesan if desired, and enjoy with crusty bread.
Expert tip: To prevent curdling, add the cream on low heat and avoid boiling once it’s stirred in.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Spicy kick – Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Lighter version – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk.
- Low-carb twist – Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets.
- Dairy-free option – Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the texture.
Similar Recipes You Will Love
If this Zuppa Toscana recipe has you craving more cozy soups and refreshing bowls, you’ll want to try a few more favorites. Cool off with a refreshing Cucumber Avocado Gazpacho, or dig into the creamy comfort of Loaded Baked Potato Soup. For another cheesy classic, don’t miss this hearty Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup. Each one is simple, satisfying, and perfect for your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Zuppa Toscana recipe ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Absolutely — spinach cooks faster and adds a milder flavor.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal; they hold up well and add creaminess.
Is Zuppa Toscana gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free sausage and broth.
This Zuppa Toscana recipe is everything you want in a cozy bowl of soup: creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a guaranteed favorite. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments or explore more soup recipes on the blog for your next comfort meal.
Zuppa Toscana Recipe
Ingredients
- Italian sausage
- Bacon
- Potatoes Yukon Gold or Russet
- Kale
- Heavy cream
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Salt & black pepper
- Red pepper flakes optional
- Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Brown the Italian sausage in the same pot, breaking it into small pieces.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in sliced potatoes and chicken broth. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream.
- Add chopped kale and let it wilt gently.
- Return bacon to the pot, season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot with Parmesan and crusty bread.