Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
Bring restaurant-quality comfort home with this rich and creamy Zuppa Toscana soup! Loaded with savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and crisp kale simmered in a seasoned broth, this hearty one-pot recipe is ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian Sausage, mild or sweet (hot if you desire)
- 5 slices cooked and fully crisped bacon, chopped or crumbled
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced and to taste
- 6 cups unsalted chicken broth
- 4 cups russet potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces (about 2-3 potatoes depending on size)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
- ½ tsp salt, or more to taste
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 packed cups baby spinach, stems removed (you may use kale with ribs removed and chopped if desired)
- 1 Parmesan rind, used while simmering the soup (optional, if you have it)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 can (15-ounce) Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- Grated, shredded or shaved parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Prep all the ingredients and fry the bacon. Crisp it well and move to a plate and cover.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, over medium-high heat cook the sausage through, not yet browned. Then drain the fat and place it back in the pot.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the onion and saute with the sausage until both are slightly browned. Then add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the potatoes, the parmesan rind, black pepper and salt. Bring to a slow rolling boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and cook for about 12-18 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and add the chopped or crumbled bacon and cook for 2-3 minutes until the soup just begins to thicken but just silky. Taste and adjust seasonings
- Lower the heat to low, remove the Parmesan rind and add in the spinach. Cook for a minute until the spinach is wilted and still bright and fresh. Remove from the heat.
- Ladle into soup cups or bowls and top with fresh grated Parmesan, if desired.
