There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s inspired by a restaurant favorite. This Creamy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana captures that essence perfectly. With hearty ingredients and rich flavors, it’s a dish that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or the main course, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, bringing a touch of Italian flair to any meal.
Steps
- Brown the spicy Italian ground sausage in a large pot for 5-6 minutes and then remove it with a slotted spoon, setting it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté diced onions over medium heat until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the chopped potatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in chopped kale and heavy cream into the pot. Return the browned sausage to the pot and mix well.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with grated parmesan cheese and chopped bacon or bacon bits.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage (use mild for a kid-friendly version)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 4-5 yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups chopped kale
- Optional toppings: chopped bacon or bacon bits and grated parmesan cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3332 kcal | Carbohydrates: 64 g | Protein: 100 g | Fat: 304 g | Saturated Fat: 152 g | Trans Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 984 mg | Sodium: 15396 mg | Potassium: 4336 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 8 g | Vitamin A: 34252 IU | Vitamin C: 440 mg | Calcium: 964 mg | Iron: 12 mg
FAQ
- What is Zuppa Toscana?
- Zuppa Toscana translates to “Tuscan soup” in Italian and traditionally includes vegetables, beans, potatoes, olive oil, spices, Italian bacon, and Tuscan bread. The American version typically adds Italian sausage, bacon, garlic, and heavy cream.
- Is Zuppa Toscana a healthy option?
- Zuppa Toscana can be a relatively healthy choice as it contains kale, potatoes, onions, and garlic, which provide essential nutrients. However, the sausage, butter, and heavy cream contribute to high saturated fat content. Consider using leaner meats and lighter cream alternatives for a healthier version.
- Can you freeze Zuppa Toscana?
- Yes, you can freeze Zuppa Toscana for up to two to three weeks. Be aware that the kale may brown and the potatoes could change color slightly, but the taste will remain good. Avoid freezing it for extended periods to prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy.
- What sides pair well with Zuppa Toscana?
- Although Zuppa Toscana is quite filling on its own, it pairs well with a crusty baguette, a simple side salad or Tomato Cucumber Salad, Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus, rolls, or oyster crackers.
- How can I adjust the recipe for dietary preferences?
- For a kid-friendly version, use mild Italian sausage instead of spicy. To reduce fat content, substitute heavy cream with fat-free half-and-half or plant-based milk, and consider using leaner meat options like chicken or turkey sausage.
Tips
- Opt for Leaner Meat Options: Consider using chicken or turkey sausage instead of traditional Italian sausage to reduce saturated fat content while maintaining flavor.
- Freeze with Care: If freezing leftovers, consume within two to three weeks for best quality. Be mindful that the texture of kale and potatoes may alter slightly upon reheating.
- Enhance with Herbs: If you’re using regular ground sausage, enhance the flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herb seasoning or Herbs de Provence along with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Lighten Up the Cream: Substitute heavy cream with fat-free half-and-half or a plant-based cream to reduce calories and fat, keeping in mind that the soup may not be as rich or thick.
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven – A large pot is essential for cooking the soup, especially if you don’t have a sufficiently large one at home.
- Slotted Spoon – Useful for transferring the cooked sausage from the pot without taking too much liquid along with it.
- Chef’s Knife – For dicing the onion and cutting potatoes into pieces.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and other ingredients.
- Garlic Press or Mincer – If you don’t have a way to mince garlic, a garlic press can be handy.
