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!
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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.
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)!
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).
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!
- Beet Salad with Arugula – Cheesecake Factory inspired
- Stuffed Chicken Parmesan – ridiculously easy dinner idea
- Filet Mignon – read the reviews and plan a date night in
- Chicken Mango Avocado Salad – you’ll love the dressing here
- Chicken Stir Fry – so saucy and healthier than takeout
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
Ingredients
- 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
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
Just made this last night. It was delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
You’re so welcome Ashley! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
I always added Italian seasoning as well makes it more italian☺️
That sounds great!
AWESOME copycat recipe!
Isn’t it the best?! Thank you for reading our blog!
Oh, AND, I usually make zuppa in a slow cooker and it tastes great! I just saute the garlic and onions and sausage on the stove first and then put all the ingredients (except the heavy cream) into the slow cooker for several hours and then add the cream in right at the end!
Super, that tip will come in handy for a lot of folks! Thanks again Jordyn!
Hi Natasha! I just stumbled onto your blog and it’s fantastic! This is the first time I’ve felt eager to try all of a blogger’s recipes! I plan to try your BBQ pulled pork tonight 😉
Just some personal notes/suggestions for you and others about zuppa: I make a different copy cat version all the time and I like to:
1. Substitute cauliflower (fresh or frozen) instead of potatoes just because fewer carbs
2. Substitute spinach for kale. It tastes great and unless you’re looking for the texture of kale, spinach is a perfect sub.
3. I love adding crushed red pepper flakes in at the beginning and at the end. It’s also great if you have to use mild sausage if family doesn’t like spicy because then you can personalize the spicy with the flakes in your own bowl.
I’m glad you’re enjoying my site so much. Thanks for following and sharing your helpful review with other readers!
I had never tried this soup before until I made your recipe…i just recently went to the olive garden and tried this soup. I must say your recipe was much better.
I love your recipes…looking forward to more delicious recipes.
I’m happy to hear how much you enjoy the recipe Deborah! Thanks for sharing your wonderful review!
I tried your Suppa Tuscana recipe and it was really good. Thank you. Maria Z.
You’re welcome Maria! I’m glad you enjoy the recipe, thanks for sharing your great review!
This soup is AMAZING! It has quickly become one of my go-to’s. Thanks for the recipe.
You’re welcome Rhianna! I’m happy to hear how much you love the recipe. Thanks for sharing your fantastic review!
I made this soup before, but something was a bit different when I made it yesterday. I think 10 cups of liquid is too watery, especially with 6 cups of it being water. Last time, I used 3 cups of broth, 3 cups of water. I used a different copycat recipe last time, and this was the only difference (the liquid amount). Otherwise, delish!
Hi Linda, you can definitely scale it down if you prefer a heartier Zuppa 🙂
Awesome so yummy ! And I never like this soup at the restaurant but decided to try your receipe ! Thank you
You’re welcome Yulia! I’m glad you enjoy the recipe so much! Thanks for sharing!
WOW!!! Thank you very much for this recipe! I made this at home and absolutely everyone in my family loved it! I was shocked! It was very delicious!!! For sure, gonna make it later.
You’re welcome Julie! I’m glad to hear how much everyone enjoys the recipe. Thanks for sharing your excellent review!
Hi Natasha
This soup looks wonderful. I use your recipes weekly and they are always delicious.
I’m wondering if you or another reader has a suggestion for a whipped cream substitute that is also non dairy. I don’t have a problem with it but some of the people I cook for have a dairy allergy (different from lactose intolerance). It seems like soy or almond milk would be too thin. Don’t know if there are heavy cream versions of these products.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Chris
Hi Chris, one of my readers recommended canned coconut milk (the cream part) to make it creamy and dairy free.
Sorry my letter left me hope you get it. I have been looking for a Salmon recipe called tequila salmon, hope you can help.
Hi Fleeta, I don’t have a recipe like that and haven’t heard of it. Is it from a restaurant? I’d love to try it! 🙂
Did you try this?
http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/grilled-tequila-salmon-57297
Love love this soup. I make it at least once a month. My husband and friends love it served with crusty bread hot or not. Thank you Ms. Natasha. I have made several of you recipes and haven’t made one we didn’t like. Keep them coming. Fleeta
My pleasure! I’m glad to hear how much you’re enjoying the recipes. Thanks for following and sharing your great review!
Omg made this and it was so delicious! Definitely way better than Olive Garden in my opinion. My hubby loved it so much he had seconds and ate some more few hours later! This was definitely a big hit and is an all time favorite for us now. Thanks Nastasha!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you both enjoy the recipe as much as I do! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review!
Is it spicy hot?
Hi there- great recipe, appreciate that you note how many minutes you sauté/cook each thing. What’s the calorie count? I ran through this a few times looking and didn’t spot it. Thanks!!
Due to time constraints, I don’t typically include nutritional info, but check out this nutrition analyzer – you can plug in the ingredients from any recipe, select the serving size and it will give you nutritional info, calories, etc. I hope that is helpful to you Sara!
This is an awesome soup. For sake of time you can use Del Monte Fresh Cut potatoes which has a great taste.
I use mild Italian sausage and put red flakes on table for those that want more spice.
I’m happy to hear you enjoy the recipe as much as I do Catherine! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review with other readers!
Hi Natasha, What a tasty soup! I made this for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it. Thanks again for another wonderful recipe, always a fan.
Hello Amy! I’m glad to hear the recipe is such a success! Thanks for sharing your great review!
Hi Natasha; I made the Zuppa Toscana for dinner tonight . It was a big hit . The only different thing I did was add some Chopped carrots to it with the potatoes . Love your recipes. Hits home . Love it . And Thank you so much . You made cooking fun again . Sincerely Nelly
Hello Nelly! My pleasure, I’m happy to hear how much you enjoy the recipes! Thanks for following and sharing your great review with other readers! 🙂
I just made this soup it is really good. Thank You so much for the recipe.
You’re welcome Karla! I’m glad to hear that! Thanks for sharing!!