This comforting Olive Garden (OG) Zuppa Toscana copycat is loaded with big, bold flavor and may even be tastier than it’s original!
Happy National Potato Day! Since it’s chilly out and Fall has surely made it’s presence known to all, we’re celebrating with a hearty potato soup. Who doesn’t love Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden?!?! This is probably my favorite soup of all time and I always order it on the rare occasion that I make it there. Perfect for chilly days like today. It’s creamy…it’s spicy…it’s so full of flavor! You know that I’m ALL about big flavors. It’s also incredibly hard to stop at just one bowl. I don’t know about you but the endless soup offer at Olive Garden is probably not the best option for my girlish figure. 🙂 It freezes well so divvy up your individual portions and enjoy it whenever the mood strikes you. Hopefully, that won’t be daily guys. 🙂
Not only is it tasty it’s a cinch to throw together as well. After cooking up the potatoes, sausage and bacon, everything is just tossed into a stockpot to be enjoyed in just about an hour. Serve it with breadsticks and you’ll feel just like you’ve been transported to the OG. I heard someone call it that once and it just kinda stuck with me. 🙂
I wonder if this soup really originated in Tuscany. Do you have any insight on this? Let me know if you do. I’ve never been through the Tuscan hills, but Venice was gorgeous. I don’t remember too much as I was only 12 when I visited with my Auntee Gail. Did I mention that God has blessed me so much through her. I’m forever grateful to Him that he saw fit to place her in my life. Love you Auntie Gail!
I’d love to get back to Venice someday and head over to Tuscany as well to see if this soup is actually on any Tuscan menus. Authentic or not… this copycat Zuppa Toscana is sure to please! Say grace (making sure to thank God for the right individuals He’s placed in your life 🙂 ) and enjoy!
Zuppa Toscana {Olive Garden Copycat}
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick cut bacon cooked and chopped
- 3 russet potatoes discs sliced 1/4 inch thick, then in half
- 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
- 1.25 lb. hot Italian sausage I used Rinaldi
- 1 small onion diced (about 1 cup)
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 3 c. kale chopped
- 6 c. chicken broth
- 2 c. heavy cream
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- kosher salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the potatoes until tender (7-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage breaking it up with a wooden spoon along with the onions and garlic and cook until browned. Drain and return to pot.
- Add chicken broth, cream, and oregano. Simmer for 30 minutes at medium-low heat.
- Add cooked bacon, kale, potatoes and simmer for 15 more minutes. Serve with garlic bread sticks. Say Grace and enjoy!
Adapted from Pioneer Woman’s, Sausage, Potato & Kale Soup
Amanda {Striped Spatula} says
This looks like a delicious and hearty soup as we’re heading into the colder weather! Great to know that it freezes well, too, for an especially busy night. I’ll be making a pot of your Zuppa Toscana soon!
Felesha says
It’s definitely a family favorite! Thanks for stopping by Amanda!
Tracy @ Served from Scratch says
Now THAT is a loaded bowl of deliciousness!!
Felesha says
Thanks Tracy!! It’s super tasty!!
Manal Obieda says
Delicious looking soup !!! I love the photos so much. I love Olive Garden as well …I need to give this a try . I also have never been to Italy not only to Tuscany…its my dream trip…I need to save money for it as I want to spend it touring all the unusual places and eateries…Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Felesha says
Thanks for stopping by Manal! Be sure to report back on its authenticity if you make it there before us! 🙂
Judy@ImBoredLetsGo says
This soup sounds amazing! I’ve never had it at Olive Garden but I’m sure homemade is even better. Pinning this!
Felesha says
Thanks for the pin love Judy! I’m sure you’ll enjoy this tasty version!
Sara - The Organic Dietitian says
This is my husbands favorite soup. He will love me for making it for him.
Felesha says
Thanks for stopping by Sara! Enjoy!!
Cassandrea @ chewsandbrews.ca says
What a fantastic looking bowl of soup!!!
Felesha says
Thanks Cassandrea!
Sandra @ Heavenly Home Cooking says
This looks wonderful! I would love to have a big bowl of that. I can tell from your ingredient list that you have some great flavors going on. I wonder if you can throw everything in the slow cooker and cook it that way too? Thank you for sharing! Pinning this one to my soup board. 🙂
Felesha says
I’m sure of it! Jut make sure that the sausage and bacon are cooked and add the kale and cream at the very end! Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy!
Sherri @ Watch Learn Eat says
This looks absolutely incredible! I have got to try this soup! Amazing! 🙂
Felesha says
Thanks Sherri! You’ll love it!!
simon says
Hey Felesha,
Your whole meal zuppa toscana looks delicious! I share your love for Italy! We’re planning to go back in 2 years. Maybe Tuscany! I’ll look for the soup 🙂
Cheers!
Felesha says
Thanks Simon! How wonderful! I’ll look for the full report!! 😉