Here is a simplified recipe for Olive Garden’s famous Zuppa Toscana:
Ingredients:
1 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild, depending on your preference)
4 slices of bacon, chopped
1 large onion, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 large potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch thick slices or diced if preferred
1 cup heavy cream
2-3 cups chopped kale (or spinach if you prefer)
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional for additional heat)
Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Cook the Sausage and Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
Add the sausage to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary, but leave a little for flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the sausage. Cook until the onions start to become translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Base:
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Add the sliced potatoes to the pot. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Combine Ingredients:
Once the potatoes are nearly cooked, return the cooked bacon to the pot.
Stir in the heavy cream, simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Do not boil after adding the cream to avoid curdling.
Add Kale:
Add the chopped kale to the soup. Cook until the kale is wilted but still vibrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Season and Serve:
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes:
If you like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken the broth.
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
This recipe captures the essence of Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana with its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and a bit of spice.
Enjoy!
