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.

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Zuppa Toscana - Olive Garden Copycat

4.99 from 1683 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

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

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

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Comments

  • PATRICIA A. RICE
    March 25, 2024

    I’m thinking of using half and half in place of whipping cream. Any thoughts?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 25, 2024

      Hi Patricia! That would be fine, several of my readers have made this substitution too.

      Reply

  • Karen Smith
    March 23, 2024

    The best ever, the most easiest, true tooth, flavor, enjoyable, Mephisto thank you

    Reply

  • Andrew
    March 21, 2024

    Great stuff going on here. I threw a can of fire roasted tomatoes in for a little acidity and, although it changed the flavor a bit, I think it was a great addition!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 21, 2024

      That sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Mary
    March 19, 2024

    Very tasty. Easy to follow recipe. Enjoyed very much. Husband always liked this particular soup before.

    Reply

  • Kim
    March 18, 2024

    We do not live close to an Olive Garden and I was craving this soup. Outstanding recipe!!!! My husband loved it. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 18, 2024

      I’m so happy you both loved it, Kim! That’s so great!

      Reply

  • EW
    March 17, 2024

    I made this soup at the request of my 15yr’s old son for his birthday dinner. He was so pleased. The whole group really enjoyed it. It was really easy to double, too.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 18, 2024

      That’s great to hear! Thank you for sharing that with us.

      Reply

    • EW
      March 18, 2024

      I wanted to add that I used my food processor which made chopping and slicing a lot easier.

      Reply

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