Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Copycat + Video

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Our Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is an easy Olive Garden® copycat of their sausage potato soup. You’ll save money with our Italian Zuppa soup! The texture of this creamy soup is one of my favorite things! 

titled (shown on spoon above bowl) zuppa toscana soup


 

Craving more of your favorite Olive Garden soups? Try my copycat recipes for the minestronechicken gnocchi soup, and my personal favorite — Olive Garden pasta fagioli.

Having an Olive Garden copycat recipe like this is the perfect recipe to share with family and friends. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser! 

sausage potatoes spinach and other ingredients in small bowls on counter

Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

This simple homemade version of the restaurant Zuppa soup is so hearty and delicious, it will be a hit from the first spoonful. 

Plus, it’s a simple, one pot meal — you can’t go wrong!

For a hands-off option, check out my recipe for Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana.

It’s just as tasty as this stovetop version, and you can have it on the table in 30 minutes. It is the perfect solution when you’re pressed for time.

If you’ve never tried this Italian Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup, we think you’ll love it! It’s a classic, featuring potatoes, sausage, and fresh kale in a perfectly seasoned, creamy broth.

 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Russet potatoes – Not only is this what the restaurant uses in their Zuppa Toscana soup recipe, but I find that the flavor and texture can’t be beat!
  • Not a fan of kale? Fresh baby spinach tastes just as delicious in this dish. Just be sure to remove the stems first.
  • Italian sausage – Our Zuppa Toscana soup recipe calls for hot Italian sausage links. For a less spicy flavor, use a mild variety instead. 

    You’ll need to remove the sausage casings before making the soup. If you prefer, you can use bulk ground Italian sausage.
  • Add some cheese! Feel free to add some freshly grated Parmesan over the top of each bowl before diving in.
potatoes cooking in large pot of beef broth

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

  • 4 Quart Stock Pot – Great for stews, roasts, frying, and more! This is a staple in my kitchen.
  • Ladle – A must for dishing up homemade Olive Garden soups!
  • Cheese Grater – Fresh Parmesan or Romano sprinkled on top makes the Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup even better!

Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe Notes

  • Time saving tip 

Did you know that you can cook bacon in the oven while you prep your other ingredients? Plus, you’ll keep your stovetop clean from grease splatters!

  • Want a thicker, heartier soup?

Before adding your kale, smash a few of the softened potatoes. This will naturally thicken the broth, giving it an extra creamy texture.

If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply increase the amount of chicken stock.

Serving Suggestions

As with any other hearty Italian soup, placing a basket of bread on the table is a must. Go full restaurant style and make our Olive Garden breadsticks recipe.

You could even make a salad and top it with black olives, homemade croutons, pepperoncini, and Olive Garden Italian dressing!

olive garden toscana soup in a white pot

Storing and Reheating Italian Zuppa Soup

Before storing leftover Olive Garden Toscana soup, allow it to cool down to room
temperature. 

Transfer it to an airtight container where it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Or, you can microwave a bowl in 30 second increments, stirring once or twice.

Keep in mind that cream-based soups, especially those with potatoes, do not freeze well. 

Dairy tends to separate or curdle when reheated, causing the potatoes to become mushy and grainy.

Zuppa Toscana Soup FAQ

Why is it called Zuppa soup?

The term Zuppa Toscana translates in English to “Tuscan soup”. The recipe was first created in Tuscany, and it’s a classic Italian dish!

Can I make this recipe without cream? 

While omitting the cream will change the flavor and texture a bit, this soup is just as delicious without it! 

If dairy is a concern, you can also substitute a plant-based alternative or use coconut cream instead.

Can I add extra kale to this flavorful soup?

Of course! I’d recommend cutting the kale into small pieces if you’re going to add extra cups of kale. Just remember that the more ingredients that you add, the more of a hearty soup that it’s going to turn into. 

How do I store leftover soup?

This olive garden version soup recipe is a delicious hot soup fresh, but there’s a good chance that you’re going to have leftovers. You can store leftover soup in containers for individual portions or in a large container to eat later.

Be sure to let this homemade soup cool down all the way before adding it to an airtight container. To reheat the next day, you can heat in a Dutch oven low and slow on the stove or zap it in the microwave. 

What toppings can I add to this copycat Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana Soup recipe?

This delicious soup was made for toppings. I always add black pepper, but there is room for other toppings like red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, crispy bacon, a diced small onion, and a little salt.

I also like to toast up some crusty bread for homemade croutons to add on top as well. 

ladle with sausage and potatoes in italian soup

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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zuppa toscana soup in bowl, close up

olive garden zuppa toscana on spoon

Zuppa Toscana Soup + Video

Donna Elick
Our Zuppa Toscana soup is an easy Olive Garden® copycat of their sausage potato soup. You’ll save money with our Zuppa Toscana soup recipe!
5 stars from 3 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Italian
Method Stovetop
Servings 6

Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound hot Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 3 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 bunch curly kale, leaves stripped and chopped
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • kosher salt
  • black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook sausage until browned and no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Break into smaller pieces with your spatula as you cook, Transfer to a plate to drain.
  • Add onion to pot and cook until soft, 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add chicken broth and potatoes and cook until potatoes are tender, 23 to 25 minutes. Smash a few of the potatoes to create a creamy texture.
  • Stir in kale and let cook until leaves are tender and bright green, 3 minutes, then stir in heavy cream, sausage, and bacon and simmer 5 minutes more.
  • Garnish with Parmesan or Romano and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 604cal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 793mg | Sugar: 3g | Fiber: 4g | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 3mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
titled pinterest collage for zuppa toscana soup recipe

Originally published January 2018, updated and republished January 2024

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8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    You can never go wrong with a good soup recipe, especially when you don’t feel like actively cooking, you can throw together a nice tasty soup so easily!

  2. 5 stars
    I’ve been making this soup for several years and it is so flavorful and delicious. I sometimes sub out the kale with spinach but otherwise follow the recipe. It is easy and quick to make on a weekday night but the next day it is even better.

  3. 5 stars
    This recipe is a total winner! I’m a huge fan of Donna and Chad’s recipes from The Slow Roasted Italian, and this Zuppa Toscana Soup did not disappoint. It was so easy to make, and the flavors were amazing. 5 stars!

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