Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe: A Copycat Recipe to Warm Your Soul
Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana is a beloved soup known for its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and comforting flavor. While the restaurant's exact recipe remains a secret, this copycat recipe comes remarkably close, allowing you to enjoy this delicious soup from the comfort of your own home.
What is Zuppa Toscana?
Zuppa Toscana, meaning "Tuscan soup" in Italian, is a creamy soup traditionally made with potatoes, kale or spinach, sausage, and cream. Olive Garden's version has gained immense popularity for its rich flavor and satisfying texture. This recipe aims to recreate that experience.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields about 6 servings of delicious Zuppa Toscana.
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (Mild or spicy, your preference!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
- 1 pound fresh kale or spinach, chopped (or a mix!)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions to Zuppa Toscana Success:
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth
Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 3: Incorporate Greens and Sausage
Stir in the chopped kale or spinach. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until wilted. Add the cooked sausage back into the pot.
Step 4: Creamy Perfection
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Do not boil after adding the cream.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the Zuppa Toscana soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, or a swirl of cream, if desired.
Tips for the Best Zuppa Toscana:
- For a thicker soup: Use less broth or simmer uncovered for a longer time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- For a spicier kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the Italian sausage with mushrooms or crumbled plant-based sausage.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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