Description
This Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup is a rich and hearty blend of sausage, potatoes, kale, and bacon in a creamy, flavorful broth. Inspired by the Olive Garden favorite, this version is even better—fresh, comforting, and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups russet potatoes, sliced thin
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2–3 cups kale, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of the fat in the pot.
- Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the sliced potatoes, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale. Simmer for 5 minutes until kale is wilted and soup is heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with crispy bacon and optional Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Substitute spinach for kale if preferred.
- Yukon gold potatoes can be used instead of russets.
- Make it dairy-free by skipping the cream or using a plant-based alternative.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days—best reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: zuppa toscana, homemade soup, Olive Garden copycat, sausage potato soup, creamy kale soup