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Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana | Easy Olive Garden Copycat Recipe

Zuppa Toscana Recipe

Katerina | Diethood
If you like Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana, you're going to love this amazing homemade version! A delicious creamy soup with Italian sausage, bacon, kale, and gnocchi.
Servings : 8
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage, hot or mild, casings removed
  • 6 to 8 cups low sodium fat free chicken broth
  • salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups packed chopped kale
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving, optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a soup pot set over medium-high heat.
  • Add in the diced bacon and diced onions; cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the onions begin to soften. Add garlic and continue to cook for 15 seconds or until fragrant.
  • Stir in the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 more minutes.
  • Add chicken broth, salt, and pepper; bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and stir in gnocchi and kale. Cook for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 2 more minutes.
  • Remove from heat; taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and serve.

Notes

  • Sausage: Opt for mild Italian sausage for a subtler flavor, or go bold with the spicy version.
  • Veggie Variations: Toss in additional veggies like spinach or Swiss chard.
  • Dairy Swap: Whole milk or half-and-half make excellent substitutes if you’re out of heavy cream.
  • Bacon Bits: Fry the bacon until it's crisp to enrich the soup with a smoky flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to balance the creamy richness with a spicy kick.
  • Creamy Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a different flavor profile and less fat.
  • Herb Garnishes: Enhance the aroma and flavor with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or oregano before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 437 kcal | Carbohydrates: 26 g | Protein: 16 g | Fat: 30 g | Saturated Fat: 11 g | Cholesterol: 70 mg | Sodium: 745 mg | Potassium: 436 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 0 g | Vitamin A: 1890 IU | Vitamin C: 22.7 mg | Calcium: 69 mg | Iron: 3.4 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: gnocchi, italian sausage, potato soup recipe, potatoes, soup recipe