Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana Soup: A Deliciously Close Copycat Recipe
Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana is a creamy, comforting soup that's a fan favorite. While the exact recipe remains a secret, this copycat version comes remarkably close to capturing the restaurant's signature taste. Get ready to savor the rich flavors of potatoes, sausage, kale, and cream in the warmth of your own kitchen!
What Makes This Zuppa Toscana Recipe So Good?
This recipe focuses on achieving the authentic Olive Garden taste profile. We've paid close attention to the key ingredients and cooking techniques that contribute to the soup's signature creamy texture and savory flavor. The use of Italian sausage, russet potatoes, and fresh kale are crucial for replicating that restaurant-quality experience.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped (about 10 ounces)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the Potatoes and Broth: Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
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Incorporate Tomatoes and Kale: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chopped kale. Continue to simmer until the kale is wilted and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
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Creamy Finish: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Heat through, but do not boil.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Zuppa Toscana soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. This soup is delicious served with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for Zuppa Toscana Success:
- Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the soup will taste. Fresh kale makes a significant difference!
- Don't overcook the kale: Overcooked kale will be mushy. Aim for tender but still slightly vibrant green.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, Olive Garden, Copycat Recipe, Soup Recipe, Creamy Soup, Potato Soup, Kale Soup, Sausage Soup, Italian Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Homemade Soup
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