The first spoonful of this Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Copycat is like a cozy embrace on a chilly day. With tender russet potatoes swimming in a creamy broth, flavorful Italian sausage, and vibrant kale, this soup quickly became a go-to comfort food in my kitchen. It’s not just easy to prepare—you can customize it to your tastes, from adding crispy bacon bits for extra indulgence to swapping in ground turkey for a lighter twist. This recipe encapsulates all the heartiness and warmth of the original dish, but with a personal touch that makes it even more special. So, whether you’re huddling under a blanket or hosting a dinner party, this creamy soup is sure to satisfy your cravings. Ready to dive into this delightful bowl of goodness?

Why Is This Soup So Irresistible?

Comforting Flavors: The marriage of Italian sausage, creamy broth, and tender potatoes delivers a flavor-packed experience.

Customizable Delight: You can easily tailor this recipe to your preferences—add crispy bacon for extra richness or substitute cauliflower for a lower-carb option!

Quick to Prepare: In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty meal ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This soup’s inviting aroma and satisfying flavors will have everyone asking for seconds—just like the Chicken Mushroom Soup you love!

Versatile Serving: Pair this delicious creation with crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Copycat Ingredients

Get ready to whip up this creamy comfort food favorite with these essential ingredients!

For the Soup Base

Mild Italian Sausage – Provides savory flavor and protein; you can also substitute with ground turkey along with Italian herbs.
Olive Oil – Used for sautéing the vegetables; other oils can work if needed.
Yellow Onion – Adds aromatic depth; shallots can be used if you prefer a milder taste.
Garlic – Infuses the soup with delicious, robust flavor; garlic powder is an easy alternative when you’re in a pinch.

For the Vegetables

Russet Potatoes – The heart of this soup; slice them into ¼ inch thick rounds for even cooking.
Kale – Packs in nutrition and texture; remember to massage it for better softness and flavor.

For the Broth

Low Sodium Chicken Broth – The savory base for your soup; feel free to swap for vegetable broth to cater to a vegetarian diet.
Kosher Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings; adjust to your taste preference.

For the Creaminess

Heavy Cream – Adds that luxurious richness; dairy-free alternatives can be used for a lighter option.
Parmigiano Reggiano – For topping and amplifying the soup’s flavor; while optional, it’s highly recommended for that authentic touch.

Indulge in this Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Copycat and savor every spoonful!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Copycat

Step 1: Sauté Sausage
In a large pot over medium heat, add the mild Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat, and then set the sausage aside on a paper towel-lined plate to keep it crisp.

Step 2: Cook Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium and pour in a drizzle of olive oil. Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This aromatic base will enhance the flavors of your Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup copycat.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in the sliced russet potatoes along with the cooked sausage back into the pot. Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, and add the kale, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Mix well and bring the soup to a low boil, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to start cooking.

Step 4: Simmer
Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer for 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on the potatoes; they should become fork-tender and soft but not mushy. This simmering will create a rich, heartfelt base for your creamy soup.

Step 5: Finish with Cream
After the potatoes are tender, turn off the heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream. This step will add that luscious, creamy texture that makes the Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup copycat so comforting. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, and generously top each serving with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano for an extra flavor boost. Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup copycat alongside crusty bread for the perfect meal!

Expert Tips for Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Copycat

Kale Preparation: Always massage the kale before adding it to the soup. This enhances its texture and flavor, ensuring a pleasant bite in every spoonful.
Potato Consistency: Be cautious not to overboil the potatoes; check for fork-tenderness around the 6-minute mark to keep them firm yet soft.
Thickening the Soup: For a richer, thicker soup, consider mashing some of the potatoes back into the broth or using a potato ricer to create a creamier base.
Seasoning Adjustments: Tasting is crucial! Always adjust the kosher salt and pepper to your liking after adding the heavy cream for that perfect balance in flavor.
Bacon Addition: If you like extra richness, feel free to add crispy bacon bits to your Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup copycat for an indulgent twist.

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Copycat Variations

Feel free to put your own spin on this comforting soup—there are so many fun ways to customize it!

Bacon Bonus: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory kick that elevates the soup’s richness.
With each bite, you’ll experience that delicious crunch, adding texture to the creamy base.
Cauliflower Substitution: Swap out the russet potatoes for cauliflower to make a lower-carb option.
This substitution still provides a hearty texture but brings a lighter touch to your meal.
Plant-Based Twist: Replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version.
Your taste buds will delight in the flavorful seasonings that give this soup its beloved taste.
Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the simmering process.
This addition will bring an aromatic freshness that beautifully balances the soup’s richness.
Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes for a surprise heat that warms the soul.
This small adjustment can transform your comforting bowl into a delightful spicy experience.
Lentil Power: Add cooked lentils for extra protein and texture, making this soup even more filling.
The hearty lentils will complement the creamy broth wonderfully, providing a lovely bite.
Cream Alternatives: Use coconut milk or cashew cream in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
These alternatives will still give you a creamy consistency while catering to lactose-sensitive diners.
Vegetable Medley: Consider tossing in extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
This vibrant mix can make your bowl of soup not only tastier but also visually appealing.

For an extra comforting experience, serve this delightful soup alongside some crusty bread or try pairing it with rich soups like Creamy Seafood Bisque or Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup. Enjoy experimenting with these variations!

Storage Tips for Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Copycat

Fridge: Store the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended due to potential texture changes after thawing. The creamy consistency may separate and alter the soup’s quality.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the consistency thickens, add a splash of additional broth or cream to return it to its delicious state.
Serving Fresh: For best flavor and texture, savor your Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup copycat fresh, making it an ideal dish for meal prep!

Make Ahead Options

These Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Copycat components are perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights! You can sauté the sausage and cook the aromatics—onion and garlic—up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Store these in an airtight container in the fridge until you are ready to finish the soup. The sliced russet potatoes and kale can be prepped a few hours ahead; chop and refrigerate them to maintain freshness (note that the kale should be massaged before storing). When ready to serve, simply combine the prepared ingredients with chicken broth and finish with heavy cream, which still ensures delightful, restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Copycat

A warm, inviting bowl of this creamy soup is simply begging for the perfect companions to complete your cozy meal.

Crusty Bread: The ultimate dipping partner! A thick slice of sourdough or crusty baguette enhances the creamy texture of the soup, soaking up every luscious drop.
Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots with a garlicky aroma make for a delightful side dish, providing a fun and flavorful contrast to the soup.
Italian Salad: A refreshing mix of greens, olives, and cherry tomatoes, dressed in balsamic vinaigrette, adds brightness and balance, complementing the richness of the soup beautifully.
Parmesan Crisps: These crunchy delights provide a wonderful texture contrast while echoing the savory flavor of the cheese sprinkled atop the soup.
White Wine: A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc adds a touch of elegance and zesty acidity that balances the heartiness of your Zuppa Toscana.
Fresh Fruit Platter: A mix of seasonal fruits like grapes, pears, or berries offers a sweet, refreshing palate cleanser amidst the savory warmth of the soup.

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Copycat Recipe FAQs

What kind of kale should I use for this soup?
I recommend using fresh, curly kale for the best flavor and texture. Look for vibrant, deep green leaves without any dark spots or wilting. If you can only find flat-leaf kale, it will work too, but be sure to massage it thoroughly to soften the texture before adding it to the soup.

How should I store leftover Zuppa Toscana?
Store your Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup copycat in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to let it cool to room temperature before sealing it to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.

Can I freeze this soup for later?
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe as the cream can separate or become grainy upon thawing. Instead, focus on enjoying it fresh or refrigerating leftovers. If you do decide to freeze it, omit the cream beforehand and add it during reheating to maintain better texture.

What can I do if my soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out thicker than you’d like, don’t worry! Just add a bit of low-sodium chicken broth or water while gently reheating until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate, and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! This Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup copycat contains heavy cream and sausage, which may not suit those with dairy or meat allergies. For a dairy-free version, consider using almond or coconut milk instead of cream, and swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative. Always check ingredient labels for allergens and adjust according to dietary needs.

How ripe should my potatoes be for the best flavor?
When selecting russet potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free from blemishes, soft spots, or sprouts. Avoid any with excessive dark spots as they can affect the soup’s flavor and texture. Fresh potatoes will yield the best results, giving you that heartwarming taste in every bowl.