Home > Soup > Zuppa Toscana – Olive Garden Copycat (VIDEO)

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

4.98 from 1259 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: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 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: $11-$15
Calories: 458

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

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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

Read comments/reviewsAdd comment/review

  • Heather
    March 27, 2022

    Haven’t made this soup yet but interested in where you got your wooden ladle. It appears to be practical.

    Thank you

    Reply

  • Anna Marie
    March 24, 2022

    Would I be able to substitute escarole for the kale? Not a fan of kale.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 24, 2022

      Hi Anna. I have not tried this but I think it would work. Let us know if you try.

      Reply

      • Valarie
        March 28, 2022

        Great recipe! Made a minor tweak and left put the potatoes and used frozen Tuscan blend vegetables because my husband is diabetic. Will definitely be making this again!

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          March 28, 2022

          I’m glad the substitutions that you used worked well in this recipe. Thank you for the review, Valarie!

          Reply

  • Renee G
    March 19, 2022

    This turned out excellent!! Much better than Olive Garden’s Zuppa. After reading the comments about it being watery, I omitted the water and used just chicken stock. Wonderful!!! My family loved it!! I will be making this often. This recipe is a keeper!! Thank you for this recipe..

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 19, 2022

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

      Reply

    • Angelica
      March 29, 2022

      How much chicken stock did you use? Just the amount the recipe called for or did you add more to replace the water? Thank you

      Reply

  • Liz
    March 17, 2022

    I made this for supper and it was fantastic! I always tweak recipe’s a bit, and I like a thicker soup so made a roux, put in less water, and added oregano (from last summer’s harvest)… didn’t have cream so I doubled up on goats milk. Also, had frozen swiss chard from my garden last summer, so put a quart of that in instead of kale. oh my goodness! Fantastic flavor. Love all the garlic.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 17, 2022

      Hello Liz, that’s great! Feel free to make some minor adjustments according to your preference. Glad you loved it!

      Reply

  • Joe
    March 15, 2022

    Too much water. Also needs butter to transluce the onions. Very weak!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      March 15, 2022

      Hi Joe, make sure to add enough of everything else in the recipe so it doesn’t come out watery. If using spicy sausage and the correct amount of garlic, it definitely should not be lacking in flavor though. If you like a thicker soup, you can add a little flour after adding garlic and stir for a minute or two before adding the liquids. That will make it slightly thicker.

      Reply

    • ERIN
      March 20, 2022

      Have you had Olive Gardens version? It is a watery broth soup.

      Reply

  • Wanda Clarke
    March 11, 2022

    Hi Natasha,
    It looks so good I’m gonna try it. Love your cooking.
    Wanda Clarke

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 11, 2022

      Hi Wanda! I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply

  • Celeste
    March 10, 2022

    Do you have a recipe for making this in the crockpot? Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 10, 2022

      Hi Celeste, one of my readers shared the following great review on making this in a crockpot/ slow cooker: “We make it in a crock pot. We add the cooked sausage and all ingredients minus the kale and heavy cream. We add the cream and kale 30 mins before serving. It is perfect.” Another reader reported cooking on low for about 8 hours.

      Reply

  • Robin
    March 9, 2022

    I love this soup. Sometimes I make it with chicken breast, sometimes with both the sausage and the chicken breast, and sometimes with only the sausage depending on who is eating it. The chicken is great!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 9, 2022

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Robin! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!

      Reply

  • Jeff Forrester
    March 7, 2022

    Sorry there isn’t 10 stars to select – because this was all of that. I honestly thought it would be a bit crazy to use 10 cloves of garlic, but wow!!! I have used several recipes for this soup and this is by far WAY better than all the rest. Thanks for this rock star recipe!

    Reply

    • Jeff Forrester
      March 7, 2022

      Oh one last add to the comment – after grating Parmesan Reggiano, I carved off the rind and threw it in the soup.

      Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 7, 2022

      That is fantastic news! I am so happy you enjoy this recipe. Thank you for the great review.

      Reply

  • Linda Goodman
    March 7, 2022

    Is there a good substitute for the kale? Would spinach work?
    Anxious to try it!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 7, 2022

      Hi Linda, spinach is a great substitute!

      Reply

  • Alena
    March 4, 2022

    You know a recipe is good when you memorized it by heart. I have this soup at least twice a month. Very good staple to have and love how quick it is to make it!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 4, 2022

      Wonderful to hear! We love this soup as well. Thank you for the great review.

      Reply

  • Anais
    March 2, 2022

    Made it tonight and it was the best soup we’ve had in a long time. I added a fresh farmers’ market carrot with the onion, and fresh corn off the cob with the chard (instead of kale); amazing! I also topped with fresh chopped parsley. Thanks so much for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 2, 2022

      Sounds great! I’m happy to know that you loved the result. Thank you for sharing that with us.

      Reply

  • SueZan
    February 27, 2022

    Nailed it! This soup is even better than the restaurant’s I think. And I used to work there! Haha

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 27, 2022

      Love it, thanks for the awesome feedback!

      Reply

  • Gabby
    February 25, 2022

    At what step do you add the bacon back in? Is it when you add the sausage and kale?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 25, 2022

      Hi Gabby, we serve it topped with crispy bacon 🙂

      Reply

  • R
    February 25, 2022

    I made this with half broth and half water. I also used spinach. Had mild sausage so I had some red pepper flakes for some heat. It was delicious. My wife wants it again this week! Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 25, 2022

      That’s so great! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Valerie
    February 23, 2022

    i was not impressed with this one since it used beef brother versus normal chicken broth.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 23, 2022

      Hi Valerie, did you use beef broth? The recipe calls for chicken stock/broth. Both can be used but we prefer Chicken.

      Reply

  • Rosemary
    February 21, 2022

    Have made this 3 times in 2 weeks, love it. Each was a bit different because I used what sausage I had on hand. Italian, Cuban and Portuguese sausages were delicious. Made it with spinach once too instead of kale. Soup pots are made to be versatile using sometimes what’s on hand. I also had sautéed carrots and celery. Thx for this amazing recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 21, 2022

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Rosemary!

      Reply

  • Key
    February 20, 2022

    I made this and it is very yummy! I only used half of the garlic and it still has a garlicky taste!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 20, 2022

      Good to hear that you enjoyed the soup!

      Reply

  • Loving and living life
    February 18, 2022

    I made this last night, as written, and it was excellent. Directions were extremely easy to follow. I will be adding this to my monthly dinner rotation. Thank you for this recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 18, 2022

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!!

      Reply

  • GinaP
    February 17, 2022

    I was cooking for 8 tonight (including 4 boys ages 7-13). Everyone loved the soup! The boys commented on how flavorful it was. I used sweet sausage in casings (took it out) and baby kale since it’s what we had on hand. I doubled the recipe and we will finish it tomorrow I’m sure. I found a recipe for copycat OG salad and we had some thick crusty bread and it was a hit all the way around. I think I have found my “company” meal….been looking for a standby meal that I can easily make for a crowd. I can freeze the soup and bread and then add a quick salad for unexpected guests. My husband doesn’t like kale and he did not even complain and really enjoyed the soup. Thank you!

    Reply

    • GinaP
      February 17, 2022

      PS: Since two in the family are sensitive to dairy, I used the coconut milk and it was great! Also I did make the bacon ahead of time in the oven, but after tasting the soup, decided to leave it out…it was so good without it.

      Reply

      • NatashasKitchen.com
        February 17, 2022

        That’s good to know. Thank you for sharing with us.

        Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 17, 2022

      Thanks for sharing that with us, Gina. I’m happy to know that your family enjoyed this soup! That is so heart warming and inspiring to know.

      Reply

  • Leann
    February 14, 2022

    Thank you! My boys and husband said “You nailed it” Everyone loved it!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 15, 2022

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Leann!

      Reply

  • Jet
    February 14, 2022

    Can you use heavy whipping cream instead of regular whipping cream? If so, would it be the same portion?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 14, 2022

      Hi Jet! It will make it even richer! So that will work great!

      Reply

  • Sarah Anderson
    February 8, 2022

    Excellent Zuppa Toscana copycat recipe!!! I did alter it a bit. First we used baby kale as opposed to regular. It was nice because it gave my daughter a job to do by tearing off the stems 😉 We did add more cream and bacon than the recipe called for as my family loves decadent meals. The only other thing I found different was the prep and cook time. I’m not a super versed chef per se so I do chop more slowly than someone who’s super comfortable with knives. Overall, a very, very delicious meal!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 9, 2022

      Thank you for sharing that with us, Sarah. I’m so happy that you loved this recipe!

      Reply

  • Norma
    February 7, 2022

    My Italian sausage is in casing. Can I just slice it thin and cook that way?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 7, 2022

      Hi Norma, one of our readers took the casing off her sausage and cooked it that way – she said it worked great! I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply

    • Shawna Shewey
      February 22, 2022

      I used a gluten-free sausage in casing and just cut it up into halves and quarters. This was a huge hit in our home!

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        February 22, 2022

        Thank you so much for sharing that with us!

        Reply

  • Sandy Hemp
    February 5, 2022

    I made the Zuppa Toscana and it was better than Olive Garden! My whole family loved it. I didn’t have any bacon and it wasn’t missed. It was delicious!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 5, 2022

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new family favorite, Sandy!

      Reply

  • Linda
    February 3, 2022

    Made this delicious soup and shared it with two other couples. We loved it and when the one couple returned container said “better than olive gardens and couple we please have the recipe. The second couple sent me an email to say “soup was delicious, and said it was 10 out of 10. Will definitely make it again.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 3, 2022

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Linda!

      Reply

  • Jessica W
    February 1, 2022

    ive been making zuppa for a while, I enjoy your video’s so much! wish i could leave a photo of how great it turned out. Keep being you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 1, 2022

      Hello Jessica, great to hear that you’re enjoying my videos. You will not be able to share a photo here but feel free to share them on our Facebook group or page so others can see them too.

      Reply

  • Nora
    January 31, 2022

    Absolutely amazing recipe. I was craving it from OG and decided to make it at home. I went to OG recently and it is official, this copy cat is BETTER than the original! Thank you so much!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 31, 2022

      Love it! You can now make this recipe anytime you crave it, I’m glad you loved it!

      Reply

  • Veronica
    January 28, 2022

    I was wondering why you use 6 cups of water. Why not add 6 cups of chicken broth instead? Wouldn’t that have more flavor?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 28, 2022

      Hi Veronica, you can do all broth. You may need to adjust to the salt, but that should work well if that’s your preference.

      Reply

  • Lauren G
    January 26, 2022

    Delicious! I used 1% milk, spinach, and red/gold/russet because they are what I had on hand, so it looked different but tasted so good.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 26, 2022

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Lauren!

      Reply

  • Carol Troendle
    January 25, 2022

    Can this soup be made ahead and reheated or made in a crockpot? I’d like to make it for company .

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 25, 2022

      Hello Carol, I haven’t tried freezing this soup myself, but one of our readers wrote: “I freeze this soup all the time! I usually make a triple recipe so I can freeze some for later… It’s as good, or better!” I hope this helps.

      Reply

      • Dave Russell
        January 27, 2022

        I’ve been making this for years and I often refer to your recipe to keep me straight. I use thick sliced, center cut bacon and simmer it with the potatoes after browning. I also sautee 8 ounces of sliced portabella mushrooms with my onions and add a half teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Good job!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          January 27, 2022

          I’m so glad you always come back to this one! That’s so great, Dave!

          Reply

  • Barbara Schnauder
    January 24, 2022

    WOW!!!! Tuscan soup was supber. Left out the bacon. Spot on, delicious. Can’t say enough

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 24, 2022

      Isn’t it the best! I’m so happy you enjoyed that, Barbara!

      Reply

    • Sally Miller
      April 21, 2022

      I was never aware that OG used bacon in their Zuppa Toscana. Eat it often at OG and make it at home.

      Reply

  • Jamie K.
    January 23, 2022

    This was so good and so easy to make! I used a combo of regular pork sausage and added some chorizo for some zip. I used 4 cloves of garlic, which seemed to be just the right amount. Lastly, I used a 5.5 oz package of power greens (kale, chard, spinach) and it tasted pretty good.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 23, 2022

      I’m glad you loved the result, Jamie! Thanks for the review.

      Reply

  • Janine W.
    January 22, 2022

    Oh, my gosh! I made this tonight for supper and it was awesome!! It was every bit as good as Olive Garden’s version. My husband said it may be even better. I thought it had more kale and sausage than theirs, and thus was more hearty. This is definitely a winner! Thank you very much, Natasha, for this recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 22, 2022

      I’m so glad this was a winner, Janine! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Angie
    January 18, 2022

    I was hesitant to make this today because the first time I made this I had Covid and I couldn’t taste and I blamed the soup and my cooking skills lol, but I’m glad I decided to make this again because wow so much flavor it’s absolutely delicious thank you for a fantastic recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 18, 2022

      I’m so glad you gave it another try! I’m so happy you enjoyed it and are hopefully feeling better!

      Reply

  • Sophia
    January 18, 2022

    Hi…I just wanted to ask/comment…the opening photograph of the video for this recipe clearly shows pieces of chopped red bell peppers and carrots. Why are these delicious ingredients in the photo, but not in the recipe?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 19, 2022

      Hi Sophia, are you possibly looking at a different recipe? I looked through all the recipe images, including the video, and I don’t have any carrots or peppers on there. I’m curious if your site cookies are stuck and default to another recipe?

      Reply

    • Setsu
      January 22, 2022

      I’m pretty sure those are the bacon bits, though it does look like carrots/red peppers.

      Reply

  • TD33
    January 16, 2022

    Very easy to make. I substituted collard greens for kale as my store didn’t have any. So I added the greens after sautéing the onions and let boil for 45 minutes. Then added potato and bit more water following the recipe as written. It was very good, thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 16, 2022

      You’re welcome! great to hear that the substitution that you used worked well too, thank you for sharing that with us.

      Reply

  • Melanie
    January 16, 2022

    I find I don’t like to add that much cream, also I like to add some red pepper flakes

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 16, 2022

      That sounds like a good idea too!

      Reply

  • Maggie
    January 15, 2022

    My Son is a Le Cordon Bleu Chef, he thought I went to Olive Garden and bought this soup. So that’s pretty incredible. My beloved husband asked for seconds and he NEVER does that. My dear, this recipe is fantabulous. ❤

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 15, 2022

      That’s amazing! I’m so glad you both loved it! Thank you for your excellent review, Maggie!

      Reply

    • Ian
      January 16, 2022

      If your son really is a La Cordon Bleu chef and he thought you bought homemade soup at Olive Garden where it comes out of a plastic bag, that is FAR from high praise!

      Reply

      • Stacey
        February 3, 2022

        Obviously you should KNOW what you’re talking about BEFORE DISSING OTHERS. OG is made FRESH daily and only bagged because we make it in large batches. Feel slightly STOOPID now?

        Reply

  • Mrs. Colantuono
    January 13, 2022

    Oh my goodness! I’ve been having insane pregnancy cravings for this soup from Olive Garden, but I don’t want to eat outside food. You are an angel! My craving is completely satisfied by this delicious recipe! Thank you so very much!!!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 13, 2022

      Congratulations on your pregnancy! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Maggie Balandis
    January 12, 2022

    Has anyone replaced the kale with spinach? I fine kale to be chewy and my kids don’t like it

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 13, 2022

      Hi Maggie! That should work great! I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply

    • MrsGator7
      January 28, 2022

      I only use spinach for this recipe. I tried kale once and wasn’t happy. My husband loves this.
      I use the 10 oz box of frozen chopped spinach. Of course you can use fresh.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        January 28, 2022

        Spinach works great! Thank you so much for sharing that with us!

        Reply

  • Eileen
    January 11, 2022

    Recipe looks great! Can I use fresh spinach instead of kale?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 11, 2022

      Hi Eileen! That should work great! I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply

  • CANDACE TAUAESE
    January 10, 2022

    I made Zuppa Toscana with cauliflower in place of potatoes (no cream). The family loved it! Thank you. I look foward to more of your recipes.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 11, 2022

      Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Candace! I know our readers will find that helpful!

      Reply

  • Blythe
    January 10, 2022

    Hi there! Looks delicious but wondering if I could use regular breakfast sausage? Not much of an Italian sausage fan. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 10, 2022

      Hi Blythe, we love it for the flavor! I recommend making the soup without substitutions the first time around and then comparing it with regular sausage!

      Reply

    • TaNae McMillan
      February 2, 2022

      I always use either hot or regular breakfast sausage! I don’t like Italian sausage either.

      Reply

  • Kylie
    January 9, 2022

    I used 9 cups of broth made with better than bullion as directed on the jar and no extra water. I used a tad of extra bacon because the 6 oz pile looked kind of tiny compared to all the other ingredients. I also swapped for a sweet Italian sausage because my husband is wimpy when it comes to spices. He loved it and I brought some to my grandparents and they said they are never going to olive garden again! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 10, 2022

      You’re most welcome, Kylie, Thanks for sharing your experience trying out this recipe. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Lisa
    January 9, 2022

    I used hot chicken Italian sausage and half/half to make it a bit lighter and perfection! Thank you for the wonderful recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 10, 2022

      You’re welcome, Lisa! Thanks for your excellent feedback.

      Reply

  • Sabrina
    January 6, 2022

    Easy recipe delicious and oh so copy cat!! Family loves it! We’ll definitely keep this in rotation.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 6, 2022

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review, Sabrina!

      Reply

  • Mary
    January 4, 2022

    Made it tonight, it was very delicious? My husband says it’s better than Olive Garden.

    Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 4, 2022

      Wow! That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Mary!

      Reply

  • Rach
    January 4, 2022

    My boyfriend loved this the first time I made it, and now he asks me to make it all the time lol. If I get a ring out of this, I’m convinced this recipe was the tipping point.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 4, 2022

      Wow, that’s fantastic! I think he just found a new favorite, that’s so nice. Thanks for the review and good luck!

      Reply

  • Lisa
    January 2, 2022

    Perfect dinner for a cold winters night!!! Will definitely be making this again and again!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 2, 2022

      Yay, thank you for the nice review!

      Reply

  • Austin
    January 2, 2022

    Just perfection. There’s nothing more to say. So delicious on a cold Sunday afternoon. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 2, 2022

      You’re most welcome! Thank you for your great comments and feedback, Austin.

      Reply

  • Tonya Erwin
    December 30, 2021

    Very good! Tried to make it a bit healthier and subbed in zucchini and yellow squash for some of the potatoes. Just added them a little later. It was still delicious! My husband really liked it too!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 30, 2021

      That’s a great substitution! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Crys
    December 30, 2021

    My husband’s favorite from OG. Ever since I’ve made this soup, we
    Have no desire to go back to OG. It was so good, my husband enjoyed leftover for days

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 30, 2021

      Hi Crys, happy to know that you both enjoyed this soup! You can now make your favorite anytime you want to at home.

      Reply

  • Sarah Kirbach
    December 29, 2021

    Delicious! Made it for lunch and hubby and I greatly enjoyed! I didn’t have enough kale in the garden so I subbed some bok choy. Will definitely make again!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 29, 2021

      Glad you loved this recipe, Sarah. Thank you for the review!

      Reply

  • liz
    December 21, 2021

    I used the instapot on saute for meat in the beginning to fully cook and used stovetop fry pan for onions separately and boiled the potatoes separately. Everything added to instapot at end. A nice dish in cold weather.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 22, 2021

      That’s great to know it works well in the instant pot. I love that tool for speeding up processes.

      Reply

  • Angel
    December 20, 2021

    Soup is delicious but way longer than 10 min prep time not sure where that came from. Maybe not all from scratch? E.g. store bought minced garlic, etc. Serving size is alot! I’m begging my one other meat eating roommate to help finish it off. But seriously delicious recipe and one of my most favorites. Enjoy!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 21, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Angel! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Claudia
    December 20, 2021

    This is my husband’s favorite Olive Garden soup so I had to make it. It was absolutely wonderful and makes a big pot so we have enjoyed leftovers. Thank you for this great recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 20, 2021

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Claudia!

      Reply

      • Lisa jones
        January 22, 2022

        Delicious! I used Cajun hot sausage, all I had on hand. I also used all chicken broth rather than any water. I didn’t have bacon so didn’t add that and only had fresh spinich rather than kale. It was great and will continue to make it! Thank you!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          January 22, 2022

          Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Lisa! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

          Reply

  • Steve Thrash
    December 14, 2021

    Hi Natasha,
    I just made this tonight and it is fantastic! This is my favorite when we go to OG, but I really think this is better. I have made several of your recipes and they always come out really good. Thank you for all you do!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 15, 2021

      I’m happy to hear that you’re enjoying my recipes, Steve. I hope you’ll enjoy all the recipes that you will try.

      Reply

  • Lisa
    December 12, 2021

    I saw a few people made this in the instapot. If doing so how long would you cook it and would it be on high pressure?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 12, 2021

      Hi Lisa, I haven’t tested that yet to advise of the timing but I saw some comments below the recipe wherein they shared their experience making this recipe in an instant pot. Feel free to check out their tips and comments.

      Reply

  • Marisela
    December 7, 2021

    Sooo sooo sooo delicious! My family said it’s better than Olive Garden. I did all spicy sausage but I doubled up the recipe. It was the perfect spice, right on point. Thanks so much for sharing, I’ll never get out of this one hahaha

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 8, 2021

      Wow, that’s really awesome feedback! Thank you for sharing that with us.

      Reply

  • Bev
    December 6, 2021

    Deliziosa! My family loved this. Your recipes are becoming very popular in our house. I’m also sharing them with my daughter whose family is loving them as well. Thanks Natasha for sharing your wonder talents in the kitchen with us ❤️

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 6, 2021

      I’m so glad this was a hit with your family, Bev! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Erin Bennett
    December 6, 2021

    Very good when following the recipe. However, I am curious if I cut it in half would is still be just as good? This always just makes too much for my husband and me!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 6, 2021

      Hi Erin, yes, this can easily be halved! I hope you give it a try soon!

      Reply

  • Heather
    December 6, 2021

    This recipe was amazing. Easy to follow and full of flavor. Tastes just like the restaurant version. Love natasha’s kitchen. Her recipes really never fail!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 6, 2021

      Aaaw, that is so sweet of you, Heather. Thanks for the amazing feedback, I appreciate it!

      Reply

  • Beck & Bulow
    December 4, 2021

    Absolute delicious. Turned out just as you said it would and the smoked paprika made it the best-skinned chicken breast I’ve ever tasted. Thanks for sharing! and please visit us

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 4, 2021

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

      Reply

  • Rae
    December 1, 2021

    I made this for the first time & my husband loved it.. he loves to eat this soup whenever we go Olive Garden… He couldn’t believe how identical it tasted..
    Instead of using 6 cups of water, I just used 4 cups.. Thank you for such a great recipe

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 1, 2021

      Sounds good and great to hear that you loved the result! It is so similar and you can now make this wonderful recipe at home.

      Reply

  • Cathy Suddarth
    November 30, 2021

    I have a keto version on the soup that I find delicious! Only 4 ingredients. 1 lb. italian sausage (I prefer hot) 32 oz (one carton) chicken broth, half bunch (I like the pre-cut bag – use half) kale, and 1 quart (one carton) heavy cream or half and half.
    Brown the sausage in the soup pot, add the chicken broth to boil, add the kale till wilted and tender, add the cream bring to second boil. Done!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 30, 2021

      That’s nice, Cathy. Thank you for sharing that version with us, we appreciate it!

      Reply

  • Kelly
    November 24, 2021

    Thank you Natasha for this delicious recipe! I’ve already made it few times and my husband and I love it.
    I am going to make it for Thanksgiving dinner but totally forgot to buy heaving whipping cream (pregnancy brain😔) can I substitute with cream cheese? I don’t even have milk or half and half☹️

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 24, 2021

      Hi Kelly, I haven’t tried that but I did come across a recipe online that used cream cheese and they stirred in 8 oz of cream cheese (probably best to cut it into chunks for easier dissolving), adding it to the liquid after potatoes are nearly done then simmering for 5 minutes to dissolve the cream cheese before adding kale. I’d be curious to know how it turns out with cream cheese! Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply

  • Kelly Josh
    November 23, 2021

    Love this fast easy spot on recipe! My teens and hubby absolutely love it and yes, it’s a staple in our home for sure! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 24, 2021

      You’re so welcome, Kelly. Thanks for your good comments and feedback, we appreciate the review!

      Reply

  • TG
    November 23, 2021

    Delicious. Instead of cream I added coconut milk. Husband was asking about leftovers for the next day! Great recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 24, 2021

      Hello TG. Yes, coconut milk is a great substitute and I’m glad you liked it!

      Reply

  • Kaire
    November 23, 2021

    This is my meat and potato loving family’s favourite… yummy and hearty. I don’t thick I measure everything exactly, but it turns out perfect every single time. Thank you!!+

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 23, 2021

      That is the best when the family loves what we parents make. That’s so great!

      Reply

  • Nancy Copland
    November 23, 2021

    Just made this again with fresh kale form the garden and New York brand Hot Italian Sausage. It is delicious. Thank you for this super recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 23, 2021

      Fresh ingredients are always the best! Thanks for your review, Nancy.

      Reply

  • Pastor Howard
    November 21, 2021

    Wow my wife and I like it a lot.
    I had turkey kielbasa and spinach. It was delicious.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 21, 2021

      Thanks for sharing, I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Emily
    November 18, 2021

    I’m pregnant and crave this from Olive Garden….. it’s perfect! It’s identical and easy to make! So glad I decided to be brave and try it!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 19, 2021

      Congratulations Emily! I’m so happy to hear you’re loving and craving this recipe!

      Reply

  • Julia
    November 16, 2021

    I skipped water, but next time will do a half of water and a half of broth, added 2 tbsp of flour as Paul suggested (thanks, Paul!) and substituted kale with spinach. Yummy! Thanks, Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 16, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Julia!

      Reply

  • Paul Kuykendall
    November 14, 2021

    Finishing last bowl of my version of this as I type. As above with these variations. I use a 19oz package of Johnsonville Italian Hot sausage, peeled, cut in half & slice into 1/2″ chunks. browned & drained. I use only chicken broth as needed, no water. I like to add 2-3 mushrooms diced & 1/2 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper. When done, 2 tablespoons of flour mixed with 1 cup heavy cream until smooth & a double handful of chopped Kale. Cook additional 30 minutes.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 14, 2021

      Thanks for sharing that with us, Paul.

      Reply

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