Enjoy Olive Garden’s classic Zuppa Toscana at home — a savory, creamy, and well-seasoned soup that’s perfect for chilly days.
This comforting Tuscan-style soup combines Italian sausage, yellow onion, tender yellow potatoes, and leafy kale in a rich, creamy broth. Serve it with or without croutons and garnish with parsley or grated Parmesan.
What is Zuppa Toscana Soup?
Zuppa Toscana is a hearty Tuscan-inspired soup popularized by Olive Garden. It pairs crumbled Italian sausage with potatoes and kale in a creamy chicken-broth base, creating a satisfying bowl that’s both flavorful and filling.
Ingredients Needed for Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities and details.
- Ground Italian sausage – Use 80/20 or a similar variety for more flavor and richness; mild or spicy depending on preference.
- Unsalted butter – For sautéing the onions and adding depth to the broth.
- Yellow onion – Finely chopped; sweet onions work if you prefer a milder sweetness.
- Yellow potatoes – Chosen for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape; red or white potatoes may be substituted.
- Garlic – Minced; adds aroma and background flavor.
- Low-sodium chicken broth and water – Form the base of the soup; low-sodium broth lets you control salt.
- Heavy cream – Gives the soup its signature creaminess; can be reduced or swapped for a lighter option if desired.
- Kale – Chopped; other hearty greens like spinach or chard work as alternatives.
- Bacon – Optional chopped cooked bacon for garnish and extra savory flavor.
- Salt and black pepper – To taste.
Substitution Options
- Swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard if you prefer a milder green.
- Use ground turkey or beef in place of Italian sausage for a leaner option.
- Replace heavy cream with a lighter dairy option or a non-dairy creamer to reduce richness.
- Add extra broth or water to thin the soup if it becomes too thick.
- For more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chilies.
How to Make Zuppa Toscana Soup
In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the ground Italian sausage until browned and crumbled. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
In the same pot, melt butter and cook the diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and water, add chopped potatoes, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in the chopped kale and heavy cream, then return the sausage to the pot. Heat gently until everything is warmed through and the kale has softened. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve garnished with chopped bacon, parsley, or grated Parmesan.
Slow Cooker Method
Brown the sausage in a skillet, then add it to the slow cooker with onions, potatoes, butter, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until potatoes are tender. Stir in kale and cream during the last 5–10 minutes to heat through.
Is Zuppa Toscana Spicy?
Spiciness depends on the sausage you choose. Spicy Italian sausage adds heat, while mild or sweet varieties keep the soup mellow. Adjust to your taste by selecting the sausage or adding red pepper flakes.
Is this Olive Garden Soup recipe healthy?
This soup includes nutritious ingredients like kale, potatoes, and onions, but it can be high in saturated fat because of sausage, butter, and heavy cream. To make it lighter, use leaner ground meat, reduce the butter or cream, or increase the proportion of vegetables.
What can I serve with Tuscan Soup?
Zuppa Toscana is hearty enough to be a complete meal but pairs well with fresh bread, croutons, or a simple green salad. Garnish with grated Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp.
This Olive Garden–style Zuppa Toscana is easily customizable and makes a comforting bowl for family dinners or casual gatherings. Try it as written or adapt the ingredients and seasonings to suit your preferences.
More delicious soup recipes
- One Pot Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- White Chicken Chili
- Crock Pot Potato Soup
Best Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
April King
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 4–5 yellow potatoes, chopped
- 2 tsp. salt, more or less to taste
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 cups chopped kale
- 1/2 cup chopped bacon (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the sausage 5–6 minutes until browned and crumbly. Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add butter and sauté the diced onion over medium heat until translucent. Add garlic and cook an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, water, potatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender. Stir in kale and heavy cream, then add the cooked sausage back to the pot. Heat through and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve topped with chopped bacon or grated Parmesan if desired.
Have you tried this recipe?
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