Better Than Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana

Warm, hearty, and irresistibly creamy, this "Better Than Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana" is the ultimate comfort food that brings the taste of your favorite Italian restaurant straight to your kitchen! Packed with flavorful crumbled Italian sausage, tender russet potatoes, and nutrient-rich kale, this soul-soothing soup is simmered in a rich, aromatic broth enhanced with garlic, onion, and a touch of heavy cream for velvety perfection. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes elevate this dish to crave-worthy status. Ready in just one hour and bursting with restaurant-quality flavor, this Zuppa Toscana is the perfect one-pot meal for cozy weeknights or special gatherings. Ideal for fans of hearty soups, creamy dishes, and Italian-inspired classics, this easy recipe is a guaranteed family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 4 medium Russet potatoes
• 1 medium Yellow onion
• 4 large Garlic cloves
• 6 cups Chicken broth
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 4 cups Fresh kale
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• 2 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 2

Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the pot. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving any rendered fat behind.

Step 3

While the sausage cooks, wash and peel the potatoes. Slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick, and set aside.

Step 4

Chop the onion into small, even-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 5

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic to the rendered fat. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken broth and water, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze it and incorporate any browned bits.

Step 7

Add the potato slices to the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 8

While the soup simmers, wash and chop the kale, removing the tough stems and cutting the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Step 9

Once the potatoes are tender, return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the chopped kale. Stir well and allow the kale to wilt, about 5 minutes.

Step 10

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine and warm the soup through, about 3 minutes. Do not let it boil.

Step 11

Season with salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 12

Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2415.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1898.1

Total Fat 130.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 53.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 362.1mg	0%
Sodium 8381.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 54.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.0g	0%
Total Sugars 10.0g
Protein 139.5g	0%

Vitamin D 47.6IU	0%
Calcium 2280.2mg	0%
Iron 14.3mg	0%
Potassium 3566.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.3%

Protein: 28.6%

Carbs: 11.1%