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 tender potatoes. It’s on my family’s regular menu rotation!
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Helpful Reader Review
“Soup was delicious! Best copycat Olive Garden recipe ever! Taste so authentic; I thought I was eating at Olive Garden!” – Marianne ★★★★★
Zuppa Toscana Video
Now wasn’t that easy? Serve topped with crispy bacon, extra cheese and generous slices of Sourdough Bread, or crusty French Bread. I hope this Zuppa Toscana becomes a favorite in your home as well.
Zuppa Toscana Copycat Recipe
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!
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 from scratch 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! This American adaptation is classically made with kale, potatoes, onion, and garlic, then served topped with Parmesan cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano.
Is Zuppa Toscana Spicy?
I 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 that’s more kid-friendly, then season with salt and pepper to taste. You can spice up individual bowls later with red pepper flakes if you prefer.
Zuppa Toscana Ingredients
- Bacon – the bacon adds an extra layer of flavor to the soup and a crunchy salty bite when sprinkled as garnish. Parmesan is also a nice touch to serve the soup.
- Italian Sausage – I prefer using ‘hot’ Italian sausage, but you can use mild if you prefer less spice. Remove casings if present.
- Aromatics – I use a whole head of garlic (more on that below) and a diced onion.
- Chicken stock – you can use chicken broth or stock here, or even substitute with turkey stock. Homemade always tastes best, especially bone broth! For richer flavor, you can replace the water in the recipe with more stock.
- Potatoes – you can peel or leave the skins on for a more rustic soup. Russet, or yello wpotatoes work great.
- Kale – strip the leaves from one kale bundle then finely chop. It will seem like alot of kale, but it softens and shrinks down in the soup.
- Whipping cream – heavy cream creates a rich broth. You can use a light cream if desired.
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 an incredible and authentic Italian flavor. Since the garlic is sautéed and 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).
Everyone in my family makes this Zuppa Toscana regularly. I love it when my Mom has a pot simmering on the stove when all of my sisters’ families come over for Sunday lunch. It’s the first thing I reach for, even with plenty of other options on the table (Mom always makes a feast on Sundays!). I hope this Zuppa soup 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 head of garlic, about 10 large cloves, peeled and minced or pressed
- 1 onion, medium, finely diced
- 6 cups chicken broth, or chicken stock
- 4 cups water
- 5 russet potatoes, medium, peeled and chopped into 1/4" thick pieces*
- 1 kale bundle, leaves stripped and chopped (6 cups)
- 1 cup whipping cream, or 1 can full fat unsweetened coconut milk
- salt and black pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, optional, to serve
Instructions
- Brown Bacon – 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.
- Brown Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spatula, and sauté until cooked through and browned (5 min). Remove to a paper-towel-lined plate.
- Add onion to the pot and saute 5 min, stirring occasionally, or until soft and golden, then add minced garlic and saute 1 min.
- Add broth and water, and bring to a boil. Add sliced potatoes and cook 13-14 min or until easily pierced with a fork.
- Add chopped kale and cooked sausage, and bring everything to a light boil.
- Stir in cream and bring to a boil. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, then remove from heat. Ladle into bowls and serve garnished with bacon and grated parmesan.
Notes
- Fridge: once completely cool, cover and refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Soups with cream and potatoes do not freeze well, so I don’t recommend freezing this soup.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot. Avoid boiling.
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
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
- Stuffed Chicken Parmesan
- Filet Mignon
- Chicken Mango Avocado Salad
- Chicken Stir Fry
- Shrimp Scampi
- Monterey Chicken
- Homemade Salsa
- Chicken Piccata
Made this soup last night and family loved it! I used spinach instead of kale, and it was delicious. Will definitely be making it again!
Hi Karen! That’s wonderful! Thank you for trying my recipe. I’m glad you loved it.
I prepared this Sunday night. My hubby loves soups for his lunches. It was great the first night and only improves throughout the week. This one is probably going to be one of our all-time-favorites.
So glad you found a favorite to put on repeat! Thank you for the review. 🙂
If I double the recipe, do I still need double the garlic? That seems like a lot of garlic.
Hi Ron! Yes, but you can also add the garlic amount to your preference.
I just made this last night. Perfect for a cold rainy night…and my family loved it! They had seconds and thirds or maybe more. I just mixed in the crispy bacon bcoz I knew it wouldn’t be enough if we used it for garnish. The parmesan topping was a great addition as well.
Hi Jesse! Thank you for sharing. I’m so glad you loved this recipe.
Natasha this is not exactly like Olive Gardens recipe. Could you check again and repot any discrepancies in your recipe.
Hi Kathleen! This is a “copycat” version, not identical. Is there a specific ingredient or part of the recipe that you’re concerned about?
This soup was delicious! We have a local place that started making this but they are always sold out by the time I get off work so I decided to make it myself.
I did add a tad more extra cream, and let it simmer for a few minutes before serving. It was wonderful.
Some fresh grated parmigiano reggiano really sets this dish off.
Great to hear that you loved this recipe, Michael! Thanks for sharing that with us.
Natasha, thanks SO much for your incredible, copycat recipe of OG’s Zuppa Toscana. It tastes exactly like their soup. I DO agree the amount of garlic is absolutely necessary and adds a warmth & authentic Italian flavor. Thanks to this recipe, I will save money and make it myself. I always asked for more greens when I ordered it. Now I can add as much as I like.
Thanks again!
I’m glad you liked it, Linda. It’s my pleasure!
Wow, so good! My hubby hates veggies and even he didn’t mind the kale. Thank you Natasha!
That’s wonderful, Cindy! I’m glad it was enjoyed.
This recipe is AMAZING! I’ve never tried it at Olive Garden but I’m sure this recipe beats that! The only minor thing I changed, was that I added some cream cheese! My husband and (very picky) 3 year old daughter devoured it! I will keep this recipe in my “favorites” book.
Hi Ana! That’s wonderful. I’m so glad it’s a hit. It’s amazing that your 3yr old would eat this. Thank you for sharing.
Absolutely delicious! One of my favorite recipes. The only thing I do differently is using regular pork sausage instead of the italian.
Thank you for sharing, Vanna! Glad you love the recipes.
Just like Olive Garden! Holy cow, so dang good! I used spinach instead of kale, and it was still amazing!’
Wonderful to hear, Amelia! Thank you.
Hi Natasha, i would like to try this recipe but not a fan of kale, is there a good substitution?
Hi Wendy! Many of my readers will replace it with other greens such as spinach, mixed greens, escarole, and swiss chard.
The soup looks like it would be awesome! However when I hit the print button – all the video ads are still included. I’m not spending ymthe ink to print all the ads as well 🙄 smh
Hi Janice, The print-friendly recipe is at the bottom of each post. Once you scroll there, click on the print icon in that recipe card, which will open a print screen, then you would need to click file —> print. I hope that helps! If not, please let me know exactly what steps you are taking and where you are navigating to print our recipes.
I ended up just making this wonderful soup without printing it out. It IS to die for! Thank you so much – and I do apologize for my first grouchy comment! ❤️❤️❤️
That’s wonderful, Janice! I’m glad you loved it. 🙂
I live in Scotland and every time we holiday in USA I have to research where the nearest Olive Garden restaurant is located as my wife loves their cooking. Unfortunately we don’t have Olive Garden in Scotland so this recipe was a godsend, have made it twice now and tastes the same if not better than Olive Garden. Thank you much.
Hi Steven! That’s wonderful. I’m so glad you love it!
I made your Zuppa Toscana and it was to die for. My family loved it & wants it again. Thank you so much for sharing it. Your recipe was easy to follow. It’s definitely a keeper.
You’re very welcome, Janie! I’m so glad your family loved the recipe.
This is my new favorite soup! The family lives it so much, we have it 3-4 times a month. I do cut down on the water just a cup or two and replace what I cut out with half and half. Also I use a Greek seasoning called Cavender’s in it that really adds in the flavor.
Hi Candice! I’m glad you found a new family favorite. We love this soup! Thank you for sharing.
Had to make some adjustments as I live in Central Europe and some ingredients are impossible to get. Replaced kale with cabbage and combined minced pork with some red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder and chili flakes to substitute Italian sausage.
Worked really well, I don’t know the original, but it’s delicious!
Thank you for sharing!
Hi Adam! That’s wonderful. I’m glad you still loved the recipe. Thank you for sharing your experience.
This nice fresh one pot,homemade Zuppa Toscana recipe is loaded with nice Italian sausage, kale, bacon and potatoes. You’re missing out on a lot if you don’t give this a try
Thank you! I’m glad you love the recipe. 🙂
Adam, try using spinach or chard or other dark leafy green to replace kale. Cabbage sounds good as well!
Great soup family loves it, except when I use hot sausage the broth gets very red and even the heavy cream doesn’t clear it up, so I use Italian sausage and pepper flakes works well
Hi Bob! I’m glad your family loves the recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Bob, I use half hot / half sweet italian sausage. It’s a nice mix.
I am in complete agreement! I also use regular Italian sausage and add chili flakes for heat rather than the hot Italian sausage which leaves red oil floating on the top. Chili flakes make the soup “prettier” and flavour is still great!
Thank you for sharing, Britt!
Such an easy recipe to follow and now a new favorite for my family. We thought it was very flavorful and definitely better than what you can get at the Olive Garden. Thank you for sharing!
That’s great to hear, Koda! I’m so glad your family loved it. Thank you for the feedback.
It tasted ok. A little bland just because there was too much water. I will try to remake it and only add half the water called for to see how it goes
I made zuppa toscana , it was the best I ever made. Better than Olive Garden 🥣
We love this recipe. I’m so glad you loved it too!