Olive Garden Copycat Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Are you craving that creamy, dreamy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana? Don't worry, you don't need a reservation! This copycat recipe lets you recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make and tastes incredibly close to the original. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this comforting and flavorful soup!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. You likely already have many of them in your pantry!
- For the Sausage:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!) – remove casings before cooking
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best)
- 2 cups heavy cream – for that ultimate creamy texture!
- 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped kale or spinach – fresh kale can also be used
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps and you'll be enjoying a bowl of delicious Zuppa Toscana in no time.
1. Brown the Sausage:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. This step builds a rich flavor base for the soup.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. This enhances the overall flavor profile.
3. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
- Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, diced potatoes, kale (or spinach), thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer to Perfection:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Zuppa Toscana:
- Don't overcook the kale: Overcooked kale can become bitter. Add it towards the end of the simmering time.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the soup will taste!
- Spice it up: If you prefer a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect flavor combination. Consider adding a splash of white wine for extra depth.
- Leftovers are amazing: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Olive Garden, Zuppa Toscana, soup recipe, copycat recipe, Italian sausage, creamy soup, potato soup, kale soup, easy recipe, comfort food, dinner recipe
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