Best Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup

Ingredients :

1 pound hot Italian sausage

1/2 pound of minced bacon

7 cups of water

3 cube chicken broth with chicken-flavor

2 russet potatoes, peel, clean also cutting to cubes

2 clove mince garlic

1 medium onion chopped

2 cups shredded cabbage

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In Dutch oven or large soup pot on medium heat, brown sausage, cut to small pieces while frying; Strain & set apart .

In same Dutch oven or large soup pot on medium heat, brown bacon; Lift and set part . Let 2 tsp of bacon fat in skillet.

Frying potatoes, onions, & garlic in bacon fat on medium or low to heat. Frying onions to translucent also potatoes are still bit firm, but they are start to soft .

Adding sausage, bacon, 7 c water, 6 3 cube chicken broth to saucepan. Cooking on low heat to potatoes are soft.

Enjoy !

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use mild Italian sausage instead of hot Italian sausage?

Yes, you can use mild Italian sausage if you prefer a less spicy version of the soup.

It will still add delicious flavor to the dish.

Can I substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon to make it lighter?

Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a lighter alternative to regular bacon.

It will reduce the fat content of the soup while maintaining flavor.

What can I use as a replacement for heavy whipping cream if I want a lighter option?

You can use alternatives like half-and-half or whole milk to reduce the fat content while still achieving a creamy texture.

Keep in mind that this will alter the richness of the soup.

How do I adjust the seasoning to make the soup less spicy or more spicy?

To make the soup less spicy, you can use mild Italian sausage and reduce or omit the minced garlic.

To make it spicier, you can use extra hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

It may thicken as it sits, so you can add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency when reheating.

Can I use a different type of sausage for this soup?

Yes, you can use a different type of sausage if you prefer.

Hot Italian sausage is traditional, but you can use mild Italian sausage or another sausage variety to adjust the spice level to your liking.

What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?

If you prefer a bacon alternative, you can use turkey bacon, pancetta, or smoked sausage as a substitute while maintaining the savory flavor.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the meat with plant-based sausage or omitting it altogether.

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and consider adding extra vegetables or beans for substance.

Can I use red potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

While russet potatoes are traditionally used for this soup, you can use red potatoes as a substitute.

Just keep in mind that red potatoes have a slightly different texture, so the soup’s consistency may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the heavy cream from curdling when adding it to the soup?

To prevent the heavy cream from curdling, it’s best to add it at the end of the cooking process and do so gradually.

Reduce the heat to low before adding the cream and stir it in slowly.

Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream to maintain a smooth texture.