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Bowl of Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup, kale, and potatoes topped with grated cheese, served with bread on the side.

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup

A rich and creamy Italian soup with savory sausage, tender potatoes, crisp bacon, and tender kale—perfect for a cozy dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 361
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage for savory base
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon diced (for crisp texture and flavor)
  • 1 small onion diced (about 1 cup, for aromatics)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced (for flavor)
  • 5 cups chicken broth 1.2 liters, for soup base
  • 3 cups water 720 ml, to adjust consistency
  • 4 cups russet potatoes peeled and cubed (about 600 g, for heartiness)
  • 1 ½ cups chopped kale about 90 g, for greens
  • 1 cup heavy cream 240 ml, for richness
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (for seasoning)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes for slight heat
  • Parmesan cheese grated (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground Italian sausage in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until fully cooked and crumbled. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add diced bacon and cook until fat is rendered and bacon begins to crisp.
  3. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Pour in chicken broth, water, and add cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  7. Add chopped kale and cook for an additional 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  8. Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 more minutes until heated through.
  9. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 361kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 11gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 882mgPotassium: 491mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1362IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This creamy Zuppa Toscana is the ultimate comfort soup—rich, hearty, and full of savory flavors. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, and topped with Parmesan, it’s irresistible.

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