Zuppa Toscana a la Olive Garden is a comforting, hearty Italian soup made with tender potatoes, savory sausage, fresh kale, and a creamy broth. This delicious and flavorful soup brings the warm, comforting taste of Olive Garden’s signature dish right into your kitchen. Perfect for cozy nights, this soup is sure to become a favorite with its rich, savory, and satisfying flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zuppa Toscana is a classic Italian soup that’s beloved for its warm, hearty combination of flavors and textures. The richness of the sausage pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the broth, while the tender potatoes and fresh kale add depth and balance. This version of the soup is inspired by Olive Garden’s famous recipe, making it easy to recreate at home. It’s the perfect dish for cold nights, serving as both a filling meal and a crowd-pleasing comfort food. Plus, it’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups water

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 2 cups kale, chopped (stems removed)

• 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced (with skin on)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried ranch seasoning (or ranch seasoning mix)

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for added richness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the Italian sausage over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up into smaller pieces until it is browned and cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté the diced onion over medium heat until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Prepare the Soup Base: Add the chicken broth and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the sliced potatoes and let them cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender.

4. Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and bring the soup back to a simmer. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, letting the soup thicken slightly.

5. Add the Sausage and Kale: Stir in the cooked sausage and chopped kale. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the kale is wilted and the soup is heated through. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and more dried parsley, if desired.

6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, or additional seasonings, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for the ultimate comfort meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add more vegetables: You can add diced carrots, celery, or peas for added texture and nutrition.

• Make it lighter: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat milk alternative to reduce calories.

• Use different protein: Try using cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for a faster version of this soup.

• Spicy version: Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to give the soup a little heat.

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta or rice for a gluten-free version of this soup.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or water to thin it out if needed. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook it thoroughly. It may take a bit longer to cook, so check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked.

2. Can I use a slow cooker for this soup?

Yes! You can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients (except for the cream cheese, cream, and noodles) and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add the cream cheese and noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking, then stir in the cream and chicken.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually improve as they sit.

4. How can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make this soup dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and skip the cheese. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

5. How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If the soup is too thin, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the soup, and let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

6. Can I add more broth if the soup gets too thick?

Yes, feel free to add extra chicken broth or water to thin the soup out to your desired consistency.

7. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for freezing. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

8. How do I make this soup spicier?

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup.

9. Can I make this soup without noodles?

Yes, you can make this soup without noodles. For a lower-carb version, you can add cauliflower rice or leave the noodles out entirely.

10. Can I make this soup without noodles?

Yes, you can make this soup without noodles. For a lower-carb version, you can add cauliflower rice or leave the noodles out entirely.

Conclusion

Zuppa Toscana is a decadent, comforting dish that combines the flavors of a creamy chicken soup with the richness of crack chicken. With tender chicken and a rich, creamy base, this soup is perfect for those chilly nights when you want something hearty and indulgent. It’s simple to make and can be customized to your preferences, making it a versatile and satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or prepping it for the week ahead, Crack Chicken Noodle Soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!