This Zuppa Toscana soup recipe is quick and easy to make and full of rich flavor. Stovetop, Crock-Pot and Instant Pot options included!
Olive Garden Forever, xoxo
Like so many of us who grew up in the ’90s and early 2000s, I can still remember piling into a booth with friends, endless salad and breadsticks on the table, and that first spoonful of their creamy Zuppa Toscana. That rich, garlicky, cozy soup always hit the spot on a chilly evening — pure comfort in a bowl. ♡
I have to admit, it’s been ages since I’ve actually set foot in an Olive Garden, but I’ve loved making this soup at home for decades. It’s actually incredibly easy to make, and arguably even better when you can adjust the spice, creaminess, and all those crispy bacon bits to your own liking.
This homemade version comes together easily in one pot with spicy Italian sausage, creamy potatoes, kale, and a silky broth that’s pure comfort food perfection. It’s hearty enough for chilly nights but simple enough to whip up any day of the week. Serve it with some crusty bread for dunking, and you’ll see why this nostalgic classic is a forever favorite in our house.
Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe | 1-Minute Video
Recipe Tips
Here are a few quick tips to be sure that your zuppa toscana turns out perfectly each time:
- Use good-quality sausage: The sausage is the star here, so choose one with bold seasoning (spicy Italian is my favorite) to infuse the broth with lots of rich and zesty flavor.
- Don’t overcook the kale: Add it during the last few minutes of simmering so it stays vibrant green and tender, not mushy.
- Adjust the spice: If using mild sausage, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Do some multitasking: Feel free to cook the bacon alongside the soup while it simmers to save time, if you’d like.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few variations that you’re welcome to try with this classic zuppa toscana soup:
- Add extra veggies: Sliced bell peppers, carrots, celery, leeks, mushrooms or zucchini make delicious additions. Feel free to also swap fresh baby spinach for kale.
- Add beans: Add in a can of white beans (rinsed and drained) for extra protein.
- Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk in place of the cream for a lighter broth. You can also swap the cream for coconut milk for a plant-based, subtly sweet twist.
- Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable stock, and skip the bacon.
FAQ
“Zuppa Toscana” translates to Tuscan soup in Italian. The Olive Garden version is loosely inspired by traditional Tuscan flavors but made with a creamy American twist — featuring sausage, potatoes, and kale in a rich broth.
Unfortunately, no, I don’t recommend freezing this one.
Highly recommend it with crusty bread and a side salad (bonus points if it’s Olive Garden–style with Italian dressing!).
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the sausage and onion, then add the potatoes, garlic, and chicken stock. Pressure cook on High for 5 minutes, quick release, and stir in the cream and kale afterward.
Definitely. Brown the sausage and onion first, then transfer everything (except the cream and kale) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, stir in the cream and kale, and cook another 10 minutes until wilted.
Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Zuppa Toscana recipe (inspired by the classic dish at The Olive Garden) is easy to make, full of the most delicious zesty Italian flavors, and so cozy and comforting. See note above for Crock-Pot and Instant Pot instructions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (I recommend spicy)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium white onion, peeled and diced
- 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 5 to 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 to 3 cups chopped fresh kale
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
- 6 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Cook sausage in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, breaking the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate, reserving 1 tablespoon grease in the stockpot for later*, and discarding the excess grease. (I actually like to briefly rinse my cooked sausage in a strainer to remove even more excess grease.) Set aside.
- Add onions to the stockpot (with the grease), and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add the potatoes, chicken stock, and cooked sausage, and continue cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the kale and cream, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with the bacon bits.
This recipe is great. It’s my husband’s favorite. One negative comment, there are so many pop-up ads it’s almost impossible to read the recipe.
when do you cook the bacon? With the sausage
This is so delicious, it was my first time making this Olive Garden Soup, (I usually make their Pasta E Fagioli Soup) Zuppa Toscono is a keeper and it’s a favorite of my husband. Thanks.
Sooooo good! Making it again because we (my husband and 94 y/o mom and myself) in spite of the 91 degree heat outside! I highly recommend to ALL! So much flavor and so simple. Most of my soups take half a day to make, but, you only need an hour or so to complete. I added more chicken stock than suggested, a little more bacon…oh yeah! And a little more kale. I’ve also substituted fresh spinach and is just as good! Love it! ♥️
Where does the bacon go?
Added one pound of mild and one pound of spicy sausage and kept everything else the same. This is definitely a keeper.
I actually thought this was even better than OG!
Delicious. I used 1/2 sweet Italian sausage and 1/2 hot Italian sausage. Would like this a little less watery so added some cornstarch to the cream. Still yummy
Delicious and SO easy. I followed the recipe exactly, and literally have nothing to critique. So, so good!
This is a wonderful recipe. It’s easier than others I’ve seen. I use mild and spicy Italian turkey sausage. It is so tasty. My family and friends love it. I make it a least once a month. It’s now my fav soup. Thanks so much!!😋