Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Copycat Soup
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Tuscany with our Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Copycat Soup recipe. This hearty and satisfying soup captures the essence of the beloved restaurant favorite, allowing you to enjoy its rich and savory goodness from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Crafted with care and attention to detail, this recipe features a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures. Crispy bacon sets the stage, infusing the broth with its smoky essence, while Italian sausage adds a robust and meaty depth. Diced onions and a pinch of red pepper flakes contribute layers of aromatic warmth, creating a symphony of flavors with each spoonful.
But the true stars of this dish are the tender potatoes and vibrant kale, which add heartiness and freshness to the soup. Simmered gently in chicken broth until perfectly tender, they provide a satisfying base for the creamy finish.
Speaking of creaminess, a generous splash of heavy cream adds a luxurious richness to the soup, balancing the savory notes with a velvety smoothness. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper adds the perfect finishing touch, enhancing the flavors and inviting you to savor each spoonful.
Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or served as a starter for a special dinner, this Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Copycat Soup is sure to warm your soul and delight your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your Dutch oven, and get ready to experience the comforting flavors of Tuscany in every bowl.
Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Copycat Soup
Ingredients
2 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
pinch of red pepper flakes
2 Italian sausage links, removed from casing (or ½ pound bulk Italian sausage)
2 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1 large Russet potato, cut in half and then sliced into ¼” half-moon shapes (see photo for reference)
1 cup (packed) chopped kale
½ cup heavy cream (or half & half)
freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
In a 2-quart Dutch oven or sauce pan, add the chopped bacon. Turn the heat to medium, and cook the bacon while occasionally stirring until it begins to crisp up around the edges.
Remove the bacon from the pan, leaving the drippings behind.
Next, add the sausage, diced onion and red pepper flakes to the pan, and cook while breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon.
Once the sausage is beginning to brown around the edges and is mostly done, add the chicken broth, salt and potato slices.
Cover the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer to cook the potatoes, for about 8-10 minutes.
Once the potatoes are tender, add the kale and cover the pan again for 3 minutes to cook the kale.
Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Taste the soup, and add freshly ground black pepper to taste and additional salt.
Ladle into two bowls, and top with the chopped bacon.
Notes:
Ingredients: This Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Copycat Soup recipe features a flavorful lineup of ingredients, including bacon, Italian sausage, onion, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, Russet potato, kale, heavy cream, and spices. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the rich and savory taste reminiscent of the original restaurant favorite.
Cooking Process: The cooking process begins with crisping up chopped bacon in a Dutch oven or saucepan, infusing the soup with its smoky flavor. Italian sausage, diced onion, and red pepper flakes are then added and cooked until the sausage is browned and flavorful.
Building Flavor: Once the sausage is cooked, chicken broth, salt, and potato slices are added to the pan, creating a flavorful broth base. The potatoes are simmered until tender, allowing them to absorb the savory flavors of the broth.
Incorporating Greens: Chopped kale is added to the soup towards the end of the cooking process, providing a vibrant pop of color and nutritious freshness. The kale is cooked briefly until wilted, maintaining its texture and bright green color.
Creamy Finish: Heavy cream is stirred into the soup to add richness and creaminess, balancing out the savory and spicy flavors of the broth. The creaminess of the soup provides a comforting and indulgent texture.
Seasoning: The soup is seasoned with freshly ground black pepper to taste, enhancing the flavors and adding a subtle warmth. Additional salt may be added if needed, depending on personal preference.
Serving: The finished soup is ladled into bowls and topped with the crispy chopped bacon, adding a final touch of texture and flavor. It is best enjoyed piping hot, served as a comforting meal on its own or as a starter before a larger dinner.
Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 4 SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 354TOTAL FAT: 24gSATURATED FAT: 11gTRANS FAT: 0gUNSATURATED FAT: 12gCHOLESTEROL: 63mgSODIUM: 1128mgCARBOHYDRATES: 23gFIBER: 3gSUGAR: 4gPROTEIN: 14g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use other types of sausage in this soup?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of sausage based on your preference.
Spicy Italian sausage or mild Italian sausage both work well in this recipe.
What can I substitute for kale if I don’t have it?
If you don’t have kale, you can substitute it with spinach or Swiss chard.
Add the leafy greens towards the end of cooking, allowing them to wilt in the hot soup.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! You can use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative to regular bacon.
Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, but it will still add a nice smokiness to the soup.
How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to enjoy leftovers.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for later. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.