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.

Read more posts by Natasha

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Ashley
    August 20, 2018

    Just made this last night. It was delicious! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 20, 2018

      You’re so welcome Ashley! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Anna
    August 1, 2018

    I always added Italian seasoning as well makes it more italian☺️

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 1, 2018

      That sounds great!

      Reply

  • Mike Harvey
    July 12, 2018

    AWESOME copycat recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 12, 2018

      Isn’t it the best?! Thank you for reading our blog!

      Reply

  • Jordyn
    March 18, 2018

    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!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 19, 2018

      Super, that tip will come in handy for a lot of folks! Thanks again Jordyn!

      Reply

  • Jordyn
    March 18, 2018

    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.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 19, 2018

      I’m glad you’re enjoying my site so much. Thanks for following and sharing your helpful review with other readers!

      Reply

  • Deborah
    March 11, 2018

    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.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 12, 2018

      I’m happy to hear how much you enjoy the recipe Deborah! Thanks for sharing your wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Maria Z.
    February 23, 2018

    I tried your Suppa Tuscana recipe and it was really good. Thank you. Maria Z.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 24, 2018

      You’re welcome Maria! I’m glad you enjoy the recipe, thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Rhianna
    February 16, 2018

    This soup is AMAZING! It has quickly become one of my go-to’s. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 16, 2018

      You’re welcome Rhianna! I’m happy to hear how much you love the recipe. Thanks for sharing your fantastic review!

      Reply

  • Linda
    February 13, 2018

    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!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 13, 2018

      Hi Linda, you can definitely scale it down if you prefer a heartier Zuppa 🙂

      Reply

  • Yulia
    February 5, 2018

    Awesome so yummy ! And I never like this soup at the restaurant but decided to try your receipe ! Thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 5, 2018

      You’re welcome Yulia! I’m glad you enjoy the recipe so much! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

  • Julie
    January 26, 2018

    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.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 27, 2018

      You’re welcome Julie! I’m glad to hear how much everyone enjoys the recipe. Thanks for sharing your excellent review!

      Reply

  • Christine Mollison
    January 18, 2018

    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

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 18, 2018

      Hi Chris, one of my readers recommended canned coconut milk (the cream part) to make it creamy and dairy free.

      Reply

  • Fleeta Stephens
    January 18, 2018

    Sorry my letter left me hope you get it. I have been looking for a Salmon recipe called tequila salmon, hope you can help.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 18, 2018

      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! 🙂

      Reply

    • Chica Natasha
      January 18, 2018

      Did you try this?
      http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/grilled-tequila-salmon-57297

      Reply

  • Fleeta Stephens
    January 18, 2018

    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

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 18, 2018

      My pleasure! I’m glad to hear how much you’re enjoying the recipes. Thanks for following and sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Saray W.
    January 16, 2018

    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!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 16, 2018

      You’re welcome! I’m glad you both enjoy the recipe as much as I do! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review!

      Reply

    • Susan Rayfield
      February 3, 2018

      Is it spicy hot?

      Reply

  • Sara
    January 14, 2018

    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!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 15, 2018

      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!

      Reply

  • Catherine
    January 11, 2018

    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.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 11, 2018

      I’m happy to hear you enjoy the recipe as much as I do Catherine! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review with other readers!

      Reply

  • Amy
    November 24, 2017

    Hi Natasha, What a tasty soup! I made this for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it. Thanks again for another wonderful recipe, always a fan.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 25, 2017

      Hello Amy! I’m glad to hear the recipe is such a success! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Nelly Peck
    November 8, 2017

    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

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 8, 2017

      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! 🙂

      Reply

  • Karla Simmons
    November 2, 2017

    I just made this soup it is really good. Thank You so much for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 2, 2017

      You’re welcome Karla! I’m glad to hear that! Thanks for sharing!!

      Reply

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