Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden

Recreate the comforting flavors of Olive Garden’s beloved Zuppa Toscana with this hearty, homemade version! Featuring a rich combination of savory mild Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender russet potatoes, and fresh kale, this creamy Tuscan-inspired soup is pure comfort in a bowl. Simmered in a flavorful low-sodium chicken broth and finished with a touch of heavy cream, every spoonful is indulgent yet balanced. The optional crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, making this dish perfect for fans of bold flavors. Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining, this restaurant-quality soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a crisp side salad. Ready in just 50 minutes, this recipe is a must-try for weeknight meals or special occasions alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb Mild Italian sausage
• 6 slices Bacon
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 4 medium Russet potatoes, thinly sliced or diced
• 6 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 4 cups Fresh kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 1 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces, and cook until browned. Remove the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2

Add the bacon to the pot and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside with the sausage. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pot and discard the rest.

Step 3

Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the thinly sliced or diced potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 5

Return the cooked sausage and bacon to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped kale, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the kale is tender and the soup is heated through.

Step 6

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping or alongside a fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3271.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3339.6

Total Fat 215.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 93.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 654.9mg	0%
Sodium 8731.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 197.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.3g	0%
Total Sugars 28.8g
Protein 148.8g	0%

Vitamin D 7.7IU	0%
Calcium 527.5mg	0%
Iron 12.0mg	0%
Potassium 4546.6mg	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: 58.3%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 23.8%