Description
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.
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
Add diced carrots, celery, or peas for added texture and nutrition.
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat milk alternative to reduce calories.
For a quicker version, try using cooked rotisserie chicken.
For a spicy version, add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to give the soup a little heat.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
