Zuppa Toscana – Olive Garden Copycat (VIDEO)

Zuppa Toscana is Olive Garden’s most popular soup. This one-pot, homemade Zuppa Toscana recipe is hearty and loaded with Italian sausage, kale, bacon and potatoes.

Some of our most popular recipes are restaurant copycat recipes like Creamy Shrimp Pasta and of course Chicken Madeira! You can make it better at home for a fraction of the price!

One-Pot Zuppa Toscana Recipe

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Zuppa Toscana Copycat Recipe:

We love re-creating restaurant quality soups at home like our popular Clam Chowder Recipe. My sister Tanya taught me how to make this Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana and it has been a family and reader favorite since we first published it in 2010. We have since made it heartier and more flavorful. The classic just got better!

What is Zuppa Toscana?

Zuppa means soup and Toscana means Tuscan. Tuscan Soup! It is classically made with kale, potatoes, onion, and garlic then served topped with cheese.

Zuppa toscana copycat recipes in bowl with spoon and served with bread

Is Zuppa Toscana Spicy?

We use “Hot” Italian sauce which does give this soup a spicy kick but you can substitute with medium or mild Italian sausage and make a less spicy version then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Do I really need 1 HEAD of Garlic?

YES! We used a full head of garlic (about 10 large cloves). Do not skip the fresh garlic. Garlic gives the broth incredible and authentic Italian flavor. Since the garlic is sautéed, then simmered with the broth, it doesn’t overwhelm the soup. Garlic is also very good for you (a super food)!

Garlic, kale, potatoes, onion and hot Italian sausage ingredients for zuppa toscana

Is Zuppa Toscana Healthy?

This soup is naturally gluten free and grain free. To make a Keto-friendly Zuppa Toscana, you can substitute potatoes with cauliflower.

For Whole 30 (dairy free), substitute the heavy whipping cream for 1 can of full fat unsweetened coconut milk (using the solid white cream portion only and adding it at the very end just to heat through).

Zuppa toscana soup served in bowl next to pot of soup

More Copycat Recipes from Restaurants:

These recipes are inspired by some of our favorite restaurant dishes. In every case, we loved the homemade version even better because of higher quality ingredients, healthier fats (olive oil), less salt and of course a lower bill!

Watch How to Make Zuppa Toscana:

Now wasn’t that easy? Serve topped with crispy bacon, extra cheese and generous slices of crusty French Bread. I hope this Zuppa Toscana becomes a favorite in your home as well.

Zuppa Toscana - Olive Garden Copycat

4.99 from 1804 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Zuppa Toscana in soup pot
Homemade Zuppa Toscana is loaded with Italian sausage, bacon, kale and potatoes. Learn how to make Zuppa Toscana soup as made popular by Olive Garden!
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 8 bowls
  • 6 oz bacon, chopped
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage, The "Hot" variety
  • 1 medium head garlic, 10 large cloves, peeled and minced or pressed
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth/stock, (48 oz)
  • 4 cups water, (32 oz)
  • 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/4" thick pieces
  • 1 kale bundle, leaves stripped and chopped (6 cups)
  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese to serve, optional

Instructions

  • In a large pot or dutch oven (5.5 qt), over medium-high heat, add chopped bacon and sauté until browned (5-7 mins). Remove bacon to a paper-towel lined plate and spoon out excess oil, leaving about 1 Tbsp oil in the pot.
  • Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spatula and sauté until cooked through (5 min). Remove to paper towel lined plate.
  • Finely dice onion and add to the pot. Saute 5 min or until soft and golden then add minced garlic and saute 1 min.
  • Add 6 cups broth and 4 cups water, and bring to boil. Add sliced potatoes and cook 13-14 min or until easily pierced with a fork.
  • When potatoes nearly done, add chopped kale and cooked sausage and bring everything to a light boil.
  • Stir in 1 cup cream and bring to boil. Season to taste with salt and black pepper then remove from heat. Garnish with bacon and grated parmesan.

Nutrition Per Serving

458kcal Calories29g Carbs19g Protein31g Fat14g Saturated Fat84mg Cholesterol906mg Sodium877mg Potassium2g Fiber2g Sugar1150IU Vitamin A18.6mg Vitamin C71mg Calcium2.2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Zuppa Toscana - Olive Garden Copycat
Amount per Serving
Calories
458
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
31
g
48
%
Saturated Fat
 
14
g
88
%
Cholesterol
 
84
mg
28
%
Sodium
 
906
mg
39
%
Potassium
 
877
mg
25
%
Carbohydrates
 
29
g
10
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
19
g
38
%
Vitamin A
 
1150
IU
23
%
Vitamin C
 
18.6
mg
23
%
Calcium
 
71
mg
7
%
Iron
 
2.2
mg
12
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: zuppa toscana
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 458
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

4.99 from 1804 votes (1,306 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Hope
    October 1, 2025

    I love all of you your recipes!
    I pour about 1/3 of the soup into my blender
    and it makes a nice thickener. Also can use coconut milk to make it dairy free.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 1, 2025

      That’s a great idea, Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Hope!

      Reply

  • DeAnn Sewell
    September 28, 2025

    This soup is a big hit with the family. It is easy to make and tastes delicious.

    Reply

  • Peggy
    September 28, 2025

    We always love this recipe but I do add a red pepper flakes at beginning and a can of rinsed Cannellini beans at the end. It’s a quick & delicious soup.

    Reply

  • Lisa
    September 26, 2025

    This is such a fabulous recipe so delicious and so easy to make!!! This soup is so healthy to eat! We love it!!! Thank you!

    Reply

  • Jennifer Rose Cook
    September 26, 2025

    CAN YOU REPLACE THE POTATOES WITH SOMETHING ELSE

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 26, 2025

      Hi Jennifer! I haven’t tested an alternative but some of my viewers have made this low-carb using cauliflower.

      Reply

    • Annette
      September 27, 2025

      Hello, I have used radishes in place of potatoes. Delicious!

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        September 27, 2025

        Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Annette!

        Reply

  • Cindy
    September 22, 2025

    Can you freeze this recipe?? Is there any modifications needed to freeze?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 22, 2025

      Hi Cindy! You can freeze it for up to 3months but soups with cream tend to get grainy when reheated from frozen. When you reheat it, reheat it on low heat.

      Reply

  • Karl
    September 21, 2025

    Good copycat recipe, always a family pleaser! One thing to note is that the ingredients list says to chop the potatoes into 1/4″ thick pieces. Then, in the instructions it says to “add sliced potatoes”. A bit confusing, are they chopped or sliced? Perhaps clarify. Just a suggestion.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 21, 2025

      Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it! Ypu can peel the potatoes and chop them into ~¼‑inch thick pieces.

      Reply

  • Patricia
    September 21, 2025

    I’m an old-timer, so I don’t remove the bacon or sausage; I leave it in the whole time to extract all the flavor they have to give. I know… you don’t have the pretty bacon crumbles for the top of the soup, but that’s OK by me. It really is a good soup and I find myself craving it if I haven’t had it for a while. Thanks, Natasha

    Reply

  • Audrey
    September 17, 2025

    Super yummy! I make this recipe all the time. Wouldn’t always recommend, but just in case you’re desperate for this soup like I am sometimes, I’ve subbed half and half for the cream and it worked well. Also, I can only ever find regular Italian sausage so I add a bunch of red pepper flakes and it’s delicious.

    Reply

  • Barbara
    September 15, 2025

    Absolutely delicious!! Made it exactly how the recipe reads. My husband loved it. And so easy to make. The crumbled bacon on top was a nice touch.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 15, 2025

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Barbara!

      Reply

  • Sandy
    September 14, 2025

    Hi, Natasha… After I make this soup, how many days can it be refrigerated? I would like to make it ahead of time. Also, can it be frozen for later use? Thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 15, 2025

      Yes, you can refrigerate it for a few days but you can freeze it for up to 3months but soups with creamy tend to get grainy when reheat from frozen. When you reheat it, reheat it on low heat.

      Reply

  • Dougherty Kimberly
    September 10, 2025

    Natasha, this is my favorite Olive Garden Soup. I made it tonight and it came out delicious. I used Italian Sweet Sausage. Next time I’ll use a little less Kale.😋

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 10, 2025

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Kathy C.
    September 1, 2025

    I cannot do kale. Would this work with spinach instead?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 1, 2025

      Yes, spinach is a great substitute! Enjoy the recipe!

      Reply

    • Patricia
      September 21, 2025

      I always use spinach if I can’t find baby kale. I cannot do regular kale either.

      Reply

  • Marlen
    August 25, 2025

    Natasha
    I love the soup, one of my favorites. You explain it so well that I want to see more of your recipes.
    Thank you

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 25, 2025

      Hi Marlen! Thanks so much. I’m happy to know you’re enjoying the recipes!

      Reply

  • Sophie
    August 18, 2025

    One of the first recipes I tried from your cookbook and it was INCREDIBLE! 5*

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 18, 2025

      Hi Sophie! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for the wonderful review.

      Reply

  • Phil
    August 14, 2025

    Excellent soup. I always first go to Natasha’s recipes first. Hers always seem spot on.

    1 discrepancy Natasha, in the video you say to add 4 cups of chicken broth, in the ingredients it says 6 cups. Thank you

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 14, 2025

      Hi Phil! Thanks so much for the feedback. We updated the recipe and cannot edit the video. The written recipe is the most up to date version.

      Reply

  • JOHN
    August 11, 2025

    Wonderful recipe and so easy to make. Absolutely delicious. We have always been pleased with other recipes from Natasha we have tried.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 11, 2025

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, John!

      Reply

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