Ah, *zuppa toscana soup olive garden*! Just saying it brings back such warm memories of cozy dinners and the irresistible smell wafting through the kitchen. This soup is the ultimate comfort food for me; I remember the first time I had it at Olive Garden—it was love at first bite! The rich, creamy broth, tender potatoes, and savory sausage made me feel like I was wrapped in a warm blanket. It’s one of those dishes that feels like home, perfect for chilly nights or just when you need a little pick-me-up. Trust me, once you make it yourself, you’ll never want to go back to takeout again!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped (fresh is best!)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this *zuppa toscana soup olive garden* at home is super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time! Let’s break it down step by step.
Browning the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want it nice and browned—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. To avoid sticking, make sure your pot is a bit oiled up, or just keep stirring regularly. The goal is to get that beautiful, golden color because that’s where the flavor comes from!
Adding Vegetables
Once your sausage is browned, it’s time to add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them in and let them cook for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. You’ll know it’s soft when it looks slightly shiny and bends easily when you poke it. This is going to make your kitchen smell amazing!
Creating the Soup Base
Next, pour in the chicken broth and crank up the heat to bring it to a boil. This step is super important because it really brings all the flavors together. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat back to medium. You’re on the right track!
Cooking Potatoes and Kale
Now, add your diced potatoes. Let them cook for about 15 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender—meaning you can poke them, and they break apart easily. After that, stir in the chopped kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until it’s wilted and vibrant green. This is where your soup starts to look like a bowl of deliciousness!
Final Touches
Lower the heat a bit and gently mix in the heavy cream. This makes the soup rich and creamy, which is just heavenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and if you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a little kick! Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You want it to be just right before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make, ready in just 40 minutes!
- Rich, creamy flavor that warms your soul
- Hearty and filling—perfect for chilly nights
- Uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand
- Great for leftovers; it tastes even better the next day!
- Versatile—customize with your favorite veggies or spices
Tips for Success
To truly nail this *zuppa toscana soup olive garden*, start with quality ingredients—fresh kale and good-quality sausage make all the difference! Don’t rush the browning process; that’s where the flavor develops. A common mistake is overcooking the potatoes, so keep an eye on them; they should be tender but not mushy. If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just a heads up: the flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s even better the next day! Reheat gently on the stove to keep it creamy.
Nutritional Information Section
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. Each serving of this delicious *zuppa toscana soup olive garden* typically contains:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 2g
This soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to your meal rotation! Enjoy every spoonful, knowing it’s good for you too!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of sausage for this *zuppa toscana soup olive garden* recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage gives it that classic flavor, you can use turkey sausage for a lighter option or even a spicy sausage if you want to kick up the heat. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day or two in advance, and the flavors will actually deepen and improve as it sits in the fridge. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
How do I store leftovers of *zuppa toscana soup olive garden*?
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just remember to leave a little space at the top of the container since it will expand when frozen!
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! This soup is versatile, so feel free to toss in any veggies you have on hand, like carrots, zucchini, or even corn. Just be mindful of cooking times, as some veggies may need more time to soften than others.
What should I serve with *zuppa toscana soup olive garden*?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad. It’s a complete meal on its own, but a little something on the side makes it even better!
Serving Suggestions
This *zuppa toscana soup olive garden* is delicious on its own, but to elevate your meal, serve it with some warm, crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs perfectly, adding freshness to the rich, creamy soup. Enjoy your cozy feast!
For more delicious soup recipes, check out this tortellini soup recipe or this creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup recipe!
Print
Zuppa Toscana Soup Olive Garden: 5 Steps to Perfect Comfort
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and hearty Tuscan soup inspired by Olive Garden.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion softens.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add diced potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped kale and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Reduce heat and mix in the heavy cream.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh kale for best flavor.
- Feel free to substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: zuppa toscana, soup, Olive Garden, Italian soup, comfort food
