zuppa soup olive garden recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best zuppa soup olive garden recipe

I’ve been making Olive Garden’s zuppa soup recipe for years, and it’s become a staple in our household.

My kids love it because it’s easy to make and is a great way to get them to eat vegetables.

I love it because it’s so versatile – we can have it as a quick weeknight dinner or as a special occasion soup for holidays and parties.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and some simple prep work.

The key to this recipe is the way the vegetables are cooked in a rich broth with cannellini beans, creating a hearty and satisfying soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

Zuppa Tuscana Soup Olive Garden Copycat

4.7 from 694 votes

A hearty and comforting soup featuring Italian sausage, kale, and potatoes. Rich and flavorful, this soup is a perfect copycat of the classic Olive Garden dish.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Soup Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups kale, chopped
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Topping

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through.
2Break up the sausage with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
3This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
5Add the diced onion to the pot with the sausage drippings.
6Cook the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
7This should take about 5 minutes.
8Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
9Stir frequently to prevent burning.
10Add the diced potatoes, chopped kale, diced tomatoes (with juice), and chicken broth to the pot.
11Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
12Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
13Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
14The potatoes should be tender and the kale should be wilted and bright green.
15Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
16Stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
17Cook for an additional 5 minutes over medium heat.
18The soup should be heated through and the flavors should be well combined.
19Do not let the soup boil after adding the cream.
Stir frequently.
20Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine.
21Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sausage is heated through.
22Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
23The soup should be rich and flavorful with a slight creaminess from the heavy cream.
24Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
25Serve immediately while hot.
26The soup should be thick and hearty with a comforting texture from the potatoes and kale.
27The sausage should be well-distributed throughout the soup, and the flavors should be well-balanced.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 30g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use turkey sausage for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

This Zuppa Toscana soup is a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a great option for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. The soup can be easily customized to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.

I love that it’s a simple and satisfying meal that can be made in large quantities and stored for later. It’s a great way to have quick and easy meals ready for the week. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and it freezes well too.

Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to serve. You can also add a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone in your family.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Zuppa Tuscana Soup Olive Garden Copycat

1. Can I use a different type of sausage in the Zuppa Toscana soup?

Yes, you can use a different type of sausage in this recipe. While Italian sausage is traditional, you can also use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a spicy sausage if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the soup.

2. Is it necessary to use heavy cream in this recipe?

Heavy cream adds a rich and creamy texture to the soup. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute it with half-and-half or milk. Keep in mind that the soup may not be as creamy.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic in a separate pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

4. How can I store leftovers of this soup?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little more broth or water to thin out the soup. You can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months, just thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

5. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the sausage and adding more vegetables. You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to make up for the sausage. You can also add beans or lentils for added protein.

6. Can I use a substitute for heavy cream?

Yes, you can use a substitute for heavy cream. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, or milk. If you are following a vegan diet or avoiding dairy, you can use coconut milk. This will add a slight coconut flavor, but it works well with the other ingredients.

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