Savor the Taste of Italy: Homemade Zuppa Toscana – Olive Garden Copycat Recipe

If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana, you’re in for a treat! This beloved creamy soup, bursting with the flavors of Italy, can now be recreated in the comfort of your own kitchen. Our copycat recipe captures the essence of this favorite, blending spicy Italian sausage, hearty potatoes, and nutritious kale in a creamy broth. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this Zuppa Toscana recipe is a perfect choice. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to bring a piece of Italy to your dining table.

Ingredients

To make this delightful soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 pound bacon, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 64 ounces chicken broth
• 4-6 medium potatoes, scrubbed and sliced
• 1 small bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped (about 3-4 cups)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

These simple yet flavorful components combine to create a comforting bowl of soup that’s both hearty and delicious.

Directions

1. Prepare the Meat: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, crumble and brown the Italian sausage with the red pepper flakes over medium-high heat. Once fully cooked, drain the sausage and set aside. Using the same pot, cook the diced bacon until crisp, then remove and place on paper towels, keeping about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the reserved bacon grease, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions become soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Combine Broth and Vegetables: Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and chopped kale, then reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Final Touches: Return the cooked bacon and sausage to the pot. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and continue to heat through until the soup is thoroughly warmed.
5. Serve: Dish out the hot soup into bowls, garnishing with additional red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips for Perfect Zuppa Toscana

• Adjust the Heat: The red pepper flakes add a nice kick to the soup, but feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
• Choose the Right Potatoes: For the best texture, choose potatoes that hold their shape well during cooking, such as Yukon gold or red potatoes.
• Kale Alternatives: If kale isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with spinach or Swiss chard, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth.

Conclusion

This homemade Zuppa Toscana recipe brings the rich flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen. With its combination of spicy sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and kale, all simmered in a creamy chicken broth, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please any crowd. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can create a restaurant-quality soup that rivals the Olive Garden classic. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s bring the taste of Italy home!

Remember, the key to a great Zuppa Toscana is in the quality of ingredients and the love you put into making it. Buon appetito!