I’m kind of a soup freak. I think I’ve already established this fact here on this little blog o’ mine, but for the record– soup freak.
I’m thrilled that spring is peaking it’s head out of the ground in the form of flower bulbs and budding trees, but it also means that my justifiable soup making days are few. So I’ve got soup for you today.
It’s been a while since we’ve lived close to an Olive Garden, but I’ve always been a fan of their Zuppa Toscana. Now in all honesty, it’s been years since I’ve had their version but I think this recipe comes pretty darn close. The best part about this soup is that it is 100% a meal on its own. With lots of meat, potatoes, and a serving a greens, this is a perfectly hearty meal when served with a good loaf of crusty bread. I believe that the original version has bacon in it but I like it without– I’m not much for multiple pork products in a meal. Also, I like to use a mix of regular Italian sausage and turkey Italian sausage to cut some calories but still keep it flavorful.
Are you one of those people that don’t qualify soup as a full meal? Stop that silly logic! Seriously, people.
Love it. Eat it. And let your bellies be filled by soup and soup alone!
Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copy-Cat)
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb Italian Sausage mild or hot
- 1/2 lb Turkey Italian Sausage
- 4 sm.-med. russet potatoes cut in half and then in 1/4" slices
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 C chicken broth
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 C kale washed and chopped
- 1 C heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
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In a soup pot or dutch oven, brown and crumble the sausages until cook through over medium heat.
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Leaving behind about 1 tbsp of the rendered fat, remove the sausage from the pan and transfer on to paper towels to drain.
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Add onion and garlic to the fat in the pot and cook until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir chicken broth into the onions and garlic and stir in the potatoes and salt. Bring pot to a simmer and let cook until the potatoes are tender, about 12-15 minutes.
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Stir the kale into the soup followed by the cream. Serve with crusty bread and Parmesan cheese.
Stacey says
I just stumbled upon your blog again…it’s been a while. Love, love your humor you make me lol. Love, love your recipes too!! I saw the “perfect bacon” one and my family of boys will thank you. I have cooked it in the oven for a while now, so much easier, but your tricks were awesome, I’ll have to try them. Thanks!
Heather says
Hey Stacey! Yeah, it’s the only way to cook bacon for that many boys :). Glad you found it again, hope you guys are well!
Virginia Kahler-Anderson, aka HomeRearedChef says
Well, I am a huge fan of the Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana, I order it everytime we are there. And this recipe looks spot-on! Thank you for sharing.
~Virginia
Michelle says
I’ve made this last night. but didn’t have sausage on hand, so i used some turkey smoked sausage. delightful!!! and easy. Thanks!!
Lizzie says
Thanks for the idea and recipe. It turned out delicious. Perfect for soothing my winter cold!
Sheila says
Thank you so much Heather!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
This is one of my favorite soups. My mom makes a great version of this soup and I always requested it for my birthday dinner. This version looks very similar and delicious.
Sheila says
This looks great but what happened to your recipe for Creamy Slow-Cooker Tortellini Soup? I can’t find it and it was a mega-hit with my family!
Heather says
Here’s the link: http://heatherlikesfood.com/creamy-slow-cooker-tortellini-soup/
I’m working on making the site more easily navigable. I know it’s hard to find things sometimes. Thanks for reading!