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Creamy Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe Easy and Perfect for Winter

creamy copycat olive garden zuppa toscana soup - featured image

A warm, comforting, and creamy soup inspired by Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana, featuring spicy Italian sausage, kale, and tender potatoes in a silky broth. Perfect for chilly evenings and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage, spicy or mild, casing removed
  • 4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 cups / 300 g diced), peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 5 cups (about 150 g) kale, chopped and stems removed
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth, low sodium preferred
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain some excess fat if there’s too much, leaving a bit for flavor.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the sausage and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the diced potatoes and pour in 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth. Increase heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until potatoes are just tender, about 12–15 minutes. Test with a fork; it should slide in easily but not fall apart.
  4. Stir in the chopped kale and cook uncovered for 5 minutes until wilted but still bright green.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Heat gently, avoiding boiling, until warmed through, about 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or a pinch of extra red pepper flakes.

Notes

Use quality Italian sausage for best flavor. Avoid overcooking kale to keep it bright and fresh. Stir cream in off heat or on low to prevent curdling. Russet potatoes hold shape well; for creamier texture, swap half with Yukon gold potatoes. Leftovers reheat well; add broth or cream if thickened. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, Olive Garden copycat, creamy soup, Italian sausage soup, kale soup, winter comfort food, easy soup recipe