Okay, friends, gather ’round! I’m about to share a recipe that’s pure comfort in a bowl. Think Olive Garden’s famous Zuppa Toscana, but even BETTER (yes, I said it!). It’s got that creamy, savory broth, the spicy kick from Italian sausage, hearty potatoes, and all that good green kale. Honestly, this Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that just warms you from the inside out. It’s surprisingly simple to throw together, and my family begs for it, especially on chilly evenings. It’s a weeknight lifesaver, and trust me, you’ll be making it on repeat!
What is Zuppa Toscana?
Zuppa Toscana, which literally translates to “Tuscan Soup,” is a rustic Italian soup that’s known for its rich and comforting flavors. Think of it as the Italian cousin to a hearty potato and sausage stew, but with a touch of creamy elegance. It’s essentially a flavorful broth-based soup loaded with Italian sausage, potatoes, kale (or spinach, if you prefer!), and a generous splash of cream to give it that velvety texture. It’s traditionally a peasant dish, making use of simple, affordable ingredients to create a truly satisfying meal. And honestly? It’s SO much more than the sum of its parts!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me tell you why this particular Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is a winner. First and foremost, the FLAVOR! The combination of spicy Italian sausage, savory broth, and earthy kale is just divine. It’s a symphony of tastes that will have you coming back for more.
Secondly, it’s incredibly EASY to Make. Seriously, don’t be intimidated. It’s mostly just chopping and simmering. You can even prep a lot of the ingredients ahead of time to make it even faster on a busy weeknight.
What I love most is how budget-friendly this is. Potatoes are cheap, sausage is relatively affordable, and kale is a nutritional powerhouse that won’t break the bank. You can feed a whole family for not much money, which is always a bonus!
And, it’s super versatile! Don’t have kale? Use spinach. Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the sausage for some cannellini beans. Need a little extra kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. I’ve even tested this with almond milk instead of cream, and honestly, it was still incredibly delicious. This recipe is a fantastic base that you can customize to your own tastes. It’s just that good!
How to Make Zuppa Toscana
Quick Overview
Making this Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is simpler than you think! You’ll start by browning some delicious Italian sausage, then you’ll build layers of flavor with onions and garlic. Next, you’ll add chicken broth, potatoes, and let it all simmer until the potatoes are tender. Finally, stir in some kale and cream (or almond milk!), and you’re ready to serve up a bowl of pure comfort. The best part? It comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for those nights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
* 1 pound Italian sausage (I like using hot for a little kick, but mild works great too)
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best so you can control the salt)
* 1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
* 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped (about 6 cups)
* 1 cup heavy cream (or almond milk for a lighter option)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Pinch of Red Pepper flakes for extra heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Don’t drain the grease! That’s flavor, baby!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook in the sausage drippings (yum!) until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – nobody likes bitter garlic!
Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add the Kale and Sausage
Stir in the chopped kale and cooked sausage. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the kale is wilted and tender. Don’t overcook the kale, you want it to retain some texture. I always do this when I want something green in my life but also crave something hearty.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
Stir in the heavy cream (or almond milk) and heat through. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, or it might curdle. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little extra heat, add a pinch of Red Pepper flakes at this point. This is also the perfect time to taste and adjust seasonings to your personal preference.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Honestly, it’s amazing all on its own! My kids ask for this all the time, and it makes me so happy to see them enjoy something I made from scratch.
What to Serve It With
This Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are a few ideas:
For a casual dinner: Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping in that delicious broth. A simple side salad would also be a great addition.
For a More Elegant Meal:Pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. What are some good ways to serve grilled cheese with it?For Lunch:What is a good lunch thermos? Is it versatile? This one is a lifesaver on busy nights.
How do I make a Zuppa Toscana?
I’ve made this Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe a lot, and I have learned some tricks along the way. I hope you enjoy it!Sausage Selection: SaDon’t skimp on sausage! The quality of the sausage really impacts the flavor of soup. I prefer Italian sausage with fennel seeds for that authentic Tuscan taste.Potato Prep:How do you cut potatoes into roughly the same size so they cook evenly. I like using Yukon gold potatoes because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture.Kale Love:Make sure to remove the tough stems from the kale before chopping it. Nobody wants to chew on those! What is the best way to cook kale in soup? Make it less bitter.Creamy Dreamy:If you’re using heavy cream, add it slowly and stir constantly to prevent curdling. Why don’t you boil the soup after adding the cream?Salt Savvy:What is the best soup to make and adjust the salt as needed? Do sausage and broth contain salt? I learned this trick after years of making it. I always do this when I’m trying to impress someone!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
What’s a good Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe? How do you store and reheat food?Refrigerator Storage: WhatStore soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Make sure to leave some room at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating: To reheat the soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator (if frozen). Then, transfer it to a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even heating. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, add a little extra broth or water to thin it out.
It disappears in minutes at my house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe! It’s creamy, savory, and packed with flavor. It’s also incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and customizable to your own tastes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to warm you up on a chilly day, this soup is sure to hit the spot. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other soup recipes, like my Creamy Tomato soup or my hearty beef stew. Happy cooking, friends! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe, and don’t forget to rate it below!
How to Make the Best 7-Ingredient Zuppa Toscana Soup Like Olive Garden
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian Sausage Mild or hot, casings removed
- 1 medium Yellow Onion Diced
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 6 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 lb Russet Potatoes Peeled and diced
- 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
- 5 oz Fresh Spinach
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
