Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe 🥣🇮🇹




This Zuppa Toscana, meaning "Tuscan Soup," is a creamy, hearty, and flavorful dish inspired by the iconic Olive Garden favorite. Packed with tender potatoes, savory sausage, fresh kale, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. The best part? You can make it easily at home with this simple recipe.


Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

For the Soup:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced or cubed
  • 2 cups fresh kale, chopped (stems removed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled (for extra flavor)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon, and cook until browned.
  3. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

  1. Pour in the chicken broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  2. Add the potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Add the Kale and Cream

  1. Stir in the chopped kale and cooked sausage. Let the soup simmer for 5 minutes until the kale is wilted.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  3. Add crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
  2. Garnish with crumbled bacon and grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
  3. Serve with warm, crusty bread or breadsticks on the side.

Tips for Perfect Zuppa Toscana

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh kale and high-quality sausage make all the difference.
  2. Customize the Potatoes: Thinly slice potatoes for a classic look, or cube them for a chunkier soup.
  3. Control the Heat: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
  4. Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for the heavy cream to make it dairy-free.

Why You’ll Love It

This Zuppa Toscana Soup is:

  • Rich and Creamy: The combination of sausage, potatoes, and cream is indulgently satisfying.
  • Full of Flavor: From the savory sausage to the earthy kale and creamy broth, every bite is packed with taste.
  • Comforting: Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a bowl of comfort food.
  • Simple to Make: Minimal ingredients and easy preparation make this a go-to recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this delicious soup with:

  • Crusty Artisan Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
  • Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the soup.
  • Garlic Breadsticks: Classic Italian-style accompaniment.

Conclusion

This Zuppa Toscana Soup is a delightful combination of creamy, savory, and hearty flavors that transport you straight to Italy. It’s an ideal dish for family dinners, gatherings, or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal.