Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup (Zuppa Toscana)

Love Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana? My homemade version is even tastier! Creamy, hearty sausage and kale soup ready in 45. Get the recipe!

May 20, 2025
By Sandra.

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave that olive garden soup but want something even better ? then, you need this zuppa toscana recipe in your life! honestly, it's got that classic flavor but taken up a notch.

Brief Overview

Zuppa toscana , meaning "tuscan soup" in italian, is a hearty, rustic soup. it is traditionally made with simple, fresh ingredients.

This version is easy, ready in about 45 minutes. it yields six generous servings.

Main Benefits

This zuppa toscana soup is packed with protein and vegetables. it’s a complete meal. the sausage and kale make it filling.

It is perfect for a chilly night or a casual weeknight dinner. this recipe is special because it's so easy to customize.

Ready to learn about the ingredients in our special Sopa Toscana ?

Ingredients That Make This Zuppa Toscana Recipe Shine

This Toscana soup is built on simple ingredients. First, you will need one pound of Italian sausage. Then, one medium yellow onion will give a nice aromatic base.

Garlic, chicken broth, and russet potatoes follow. add in some red pepper flakes for a kick. don’t forget your dried thyme and rosemary.

Now you should get some fresh kale and heavy cream! salt and pepper are to taste, of course. two tablespoons of olive oil will finish the soup.

Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward stuff. this is not the copycat recipes olive garden. we can make it easier if you want! did you know? adding heavy cream to soups dates back to medieval french cuisine.

So, it’s legit.

This recipe needs a large dutch oven or stockpot. you’ll also need a wooden spoon. get your measuring cups, cutting board, and chef's knife ready.

I'm sure you'll enjoy the soup. you could change the recipe by replacing the main ingredients for spinach, full fat coconut milk or half-and-half.

Alright, let's get real about making zuppa toscana . this toscana soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, you know? we're talkin' creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor.

I love a good copycat recipes olive garden, especially when it means i can control all the ingredients. i promise, this zuppa toscana recipe will blow the olive garden copycat out of the water! and it's totally doable for a weeknight meal.

I swear, even my picky eaters devour it.

Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup (Zuppa Toscana) Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or hot, your call!)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup/150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons/10g)
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 pound (450g) russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 4 cups (115g) kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
• Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
• Stir in red pepper flakes, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
• Stir in the chopped kale and cooked sausage. Cook until the kale is wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
• Reduce heat to low. Gently stir in the heavy cream. Do not boil.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450

Fat:30g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Soup

Cuisine:Italian

Ingredients & Equipment to Nail Your Zuppa Toscana Soup

Okay, let's dive into what you'll need. Honestly, nothing too crazy here.

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage. Use good quality! It really makes a difference. If you're feeling feisty, go for hot Italian sausage. Quality? Look for a tight casing and a good amount of marbling.
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. (About 1 cup/150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (About 2 teaspoons/10g). Fresh is always best, trust me.
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth. Low sodium is key so you control the salt.
• 1 pound (450g) russet potatoes, diced small. Yukon Golds work too if you're in a pinch.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Adjust this to your spice level, obviously.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary.
• 4 cups (115g) kale, chopped. That curly salad kale is the best.
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream. Don't skimp! It makes it creamy.
• Salt and pepper. To taste, always.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil.

Seasoning Notes

The spice combo is everything . the thyme and rosemary give it that earthy, zupa toscana vibe. red pepper flakes? a must for a little kick.

For flavor enhancers , consider a bay leaf while simmering. quick sub? if you're missing thyme, use italian seasoning.

I used to think dried herbs were okay, but then my Nonna set me straight. Fresh is always better! Honestly...

Equipment Needed

Just the basics!

• Large Dutch oven or stockpot.
• Wooden spoon. Gotta stir that sausage soup recipes !
• Measuring cups/spoons.
• Cutting board and knife.

No need for fancy gadgets here. a big pot and a spoon will do the trick. don't overthink it! if you don't have a dutch oven, any large pot will be fine.

I once made this in a slow cooker (oops!) and it still tasted amazing. but i would not recommend it haha!.

I feel that is important to take into consideration the type of sausage when we talk about Olive Garden Copycat , you know? The quality makes the whole dish.

Alright, let's dive into making a killer zuppa toscana recipe ! honestly, this is comfort food at its finest. we are talking about a hearty soup, like olive garden copycat version.

But trust me, this homemade version is way better. let me share my experiences with you.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Zuppa Toscana Launchpad

First, mise en place is key, folks. chop your veggies. measure your spices. seriously, it saves so much time. i always make sure i have everything ready.

Honestly, this helps me feel less stressed while cooking.

• Chop that Onion and Garlic : Dice one medium yellow onion (about 1 cup). Mince two cloves of garlic (about 2 teaspoons).
• Cube Potatoes : Peel and dice one pound of russet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Russets are ideal for thickening!
• Kale Prep : Wash and chop 4 cups of kale. Remove tough stems, trust me.

Remember, a sharp knife is your friend. Keep those fingers tucked in! This makes cooking a breeze and super safe, too.

From Simmer to Sensation: Zuppa Toscana Step-by-Step

This Sausage Soup Recipes is easier than you think.

1. Brown the Sausage : Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot. Crumble 1 pound of Italian sausage and cook until brown. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics : Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Broth and Potatoes : Pour in 8 cups chicken broth. Add diced potatoes. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer Time : Reduce heat and simmer for 10- 15 minutes , or until potatoes are tender.
5. Flavor Burst : Stir in 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon thyme, and ½ teaspoon rosemary. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Kale and Sausage : Add chopped kale and cooked sausage. Cook until kale wilts, about 3- 5 minutes .
7. Creamy Dreamy : Reduce heat to low. Gently stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Do not boil!

You'll know it's ready when your kitchen smells amazing. Think of this Zuppa Toscana Soup !

Zuppa Toscana : Secrets for a Symphony of Flavors

Want to take your Toscana Soup to the next level? Let's go.

• Brown the Sausage Properly : Don't rush it! Browning creates amazing flavor.
• Fresh Herbs : A sprig of fresh rosemary will elevate the soup.
• Make Ahead : This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy it later.

The most common mistake? boiling the cream! it curdles, and no one wants that. my tip for copycat recipes olive garden ? don’t skimp on the sausage.

Honestly, that's where a lot of the flavor comes from. another great salad that pairs well is salad kale .

Honestly, this recipe is one of my go-to's. There it is!

Alright, let's talk zuppa toscana . honestly, it's one of those soups that just gets you, you know? like a warm hug on a chilly day.

I swear, half the time i crave it, it's because i'm remembering those endless breadsticks at olive garden. don't judge! i'm all about my copycat recipes olive garden.

Recipe Notes: Making the Best Zuppa Toscana Soup

So, you've got the recipe down. but let's dive into some secrets that'll take your zuppa toscana recipe from good to amazing .

These tips are based on stuff i've learned making this toscana soup a million times. little tweaks, you guys, little tweaks! did you know that sopa toscana roughly translates to "tuscan soup?" makes sense, right?

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Soup Game

Presentation matters! nobody wants a bowl of beige slop. i like to ladle the zupa toscana into rustic bowls. swirl a little extra heavy cream on top.

Oh my gosh, and a sprinkle of parmesan. seriously, life changing! serve with crusty bread for dipping. think sourdough or ciabatta.

For a side, a simple salad kale with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. you know what else? garlic knots.

Always a good idea.

Storage Tips: Soup for Days

This sausage soup recipes are even better the next day. flavors meld, you know? store leftover zuppa toscana soup in an airtight container in the fridge.

It's good for 3-4 days. freezing? totally doable. let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Honestly, sometimes i make a double batch just to freeze half.

Variations: Make it Your Own

Got dietary restrictions? no problem! for a vegetarian version, skip the sausage. add cannellini beans instead. use vegetable broth. bam! vegetarian toscana soup .

For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk. it adds a subtle sweetness. in the fall, swap the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes.

It adds a lovely depth. you know? just play around!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, i'm no nutritionist. but this soup is packed with good stuff. it's got protein from the sausage. vitamins from the kale.

And fiber from the potatoes. plus, chicken broth is basically liquid gold when you're feeling under the weather. just be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you're using store-bought broth.

Honestly, making Olive Garden Copycat is not as difficult, It might not be as good as your home made soup, but it makes a very good meal!

So, there you have it. my tips and tricks for making the best zuppa toscana . don't be afraid to experiment.

Trust your taste buds. and most importantly, have fun! now go get cookin'!