Homemade Zuppa Toscana – Olive Garden Copycat

Ingredients

Servings: 8 bowls

6 oz bacon, chopped

1 lb Italian Sausage, The “Hot” variety

1 medium head garlic, 10 large cloves, peeled and minced or pressed

1 medium onion, finely diced

6 cups chicken broth/stock, (48 oz)

4 cups water, (32 oz)

5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/4″ thick pieces

1 kale bundle, leaves stripped and chopped (6 cups)

1 cup whipping cream

Salt and black pepper to taste

Parmesan cheese to serve, optional

Instructions:

In a large pot or dutch oven (5.5 qt), over medium-high heat, add chopped bacon and sauté until browned (5-7 mins). Remove bacon to a paper-towel lined plate and spoon out excess oil, leaving about 1 Tbsp oil in the pot.

Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spatula and sauté until cooked through (5 min). Remove to paper towel lined plate.

Finely dice onion and add to the pot. Saute 5 min or until soft and golden then add minced garlic and saute 1 min.

Add 6 cups broth and 4 cups water, and bring to boil. Add sliced potatoes and cook 13-14 min or until easily pierced with a fork.

When potatoes nearly done, add chopped kale and cooked sausage and bring everything to a light boil.

Stir in 1 cup cream and bring to boil. Season to taste with salt and black pepper then remove from heat. Garnish with bacon and grated parmesan.

Nutrition Per Serving

458kcal calories | 29g carbs | 19g protein | 31g fat

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it essential to use hot Italian sausage, or can I use a milder variety?

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

Can I substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon?

Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative, but note that it might impact the flavor.

How many cloves of garlic are equivalent to one medium head?

One medium head of garlic usually contains about 10 large cloves.

Can I use pre-chopped kale to save time?

Certainly, pre-chopped kale can be used for convenience.

Is it okay to use red or yellow potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute red or yellow potatoes, but russet potatoes are preferred for their starchy texture.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version?

Yes, vegetable broth is a suitable alternative for a vegetarian Zuppa Toscana.

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

To prevent curdling, add the cream when the soup is off the heat, and stir continuously as you incorporate it.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance, but it’s recommended to add the cream just before serving to maintain its texture.

Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana?

While the soup can be frozen, the texture of the potatoes and kale may change.

It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Is Parmesan cheese necessary for serving, or can I skip it?

Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a delightful flavor.

Feel free to skip it if you prefer a dairy-free option.