If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, chances are you’ve tried their famous Zuppa Toscana Soup.
This hearty and creamy soup has become one of the most beloved items on the menu, thanks to its comforting flavors and satisfying ingredients.
With a rich broth, Italian sausage, tender potatoes, kale, and a touch of cream, it’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.
The best part? You don’t have to head to the restaurant to enjoy it—you can easily make it at home.
Why People Love Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana
There’s a reason this soup is such a fan favorite:
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Savory sausage flavor – The seasoned Italian sausage gives the broth depth and richness.
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Creamy yet light – The addition of heavy cream makes it indulgent without being overly heavy.
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Nutrient-packed kale – This leafy green balances the richness of the sausage and cream.
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Hearty potatoes – Thinly sliced russet potatoes add texture and help make the soup filling enough to serve as a meal.
Many people even say the homemade version tastes better than the restaurant’s.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your own Zuppa Toscana Soup Olive Garden style, gather these simple ingredients:
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1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
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5–6 cups chicken broth
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4–5 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
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1 large onion, diced
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
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1 cup heavy cream
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4–6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional but authentic)
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2–3 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
How to Make Zuppa Toscana Soup at Home
Here’s a simple step-by-step method to recreate Olive Garden’s famous soup:
Cook the sausage – In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics – In the same pot, heat olive oil and cook onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add broth and potatoes – Pour in chicken broth and add sliced potatoes. Simmer until potatoes are tender (about 15–20 minutes).
Stir in sausage and kale – Return the sausage to the pot and add chopped kale. Let it cook for a few minutes until wilted.
Finish with cream – Stir in heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Top with bacon – If using, sprinkle crumbled bacon on top before serving.
Tips for the Best Zuppa Toscana
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Slice potatoes thinly so they cook quickly and evenly.
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Use spicy sausage if you want a little kick, or mild for a family-friendly version.
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Make it lighter by substituting half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
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Meal prep friendly – The soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with warm breadsticks, a fresh green salad, or even garlic bread to complete the Olive Garden experience at home. It’s filling enough to enjoy on its own, but pairing it with bread makes it even more satisfying.
Zuppa Toscana Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, cook Italian sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in the same pot. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft and fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and add sliced potatoes. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and chopped kale. Cook for 3–5 minutes until kale is wilted.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Top with crumbled bacon before serving.
The Zuppa Toscana Soup Olive Garden is a classic for good reason—it’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor.
By making it at home, you can enjoy the same creamy, comforting taste anytime you crave it.
Whether for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.
