Go Back
Adam

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana – Creamy, Hearty & Comforting

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana is one of the most loved restaurant soups, famous for its creamy broth, tender potatoes, flavorful sausage, and fresh kale. Traditionally made with pork sausage, this version stays true to your dietary rules by using beef sausage or chicken sausage while keeping all the richness and savory comfort that makes the soup so irresistible. Every spoonful delivers a perfect balance of textures — soft potatoes, juicy sausage, silky broth, and bright green kale that adds freshness and nourishment. The light heat from red pepper flakes warms the soup without overpowering it, while heavy cream adds a luxurious richness that ties everything together. This cozy bowl is ideal for cold nights, rainy days, easy weeknight dinners, and comforting meals that feel indulgent yet simple. This creamy Tuscan-inspired soup tastes like it came straight from the Olive Garden kitchen, but with wholesome ingredients, a one-pot technique, and your healthier no-pork twist. It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of authentic comfort.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat (pork-free)
  • 1 lb beef sausage or chicken sausage casings removed
Vegetables
  • 1 cup onion diced
  • 3 –4 garlic cloves minced
  • 4 cups potatoes diced
  • 2 cups kale torn into pieces
Liquids
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
Oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle
  • Bowl for serving

Method
 

Step 1 — Cook the sausage
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add beef or chicken sausage and break it apart with a spoon.
  3. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
  4. Remove sausage from the pot and set aside.
Step 2 — Sauté onions and garlic
  1. In the same pot, add diced onion.
  2. Cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Step 3 — Add potatoes & broth
  1. Add diced potatoes to the pot.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4 — Simmer
  1. Lower heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Step 5 — Add sausage & kale
  1. Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
  2. Add the kale and stir until it wilts slightly.
Step 6 — Add heavy cream
  1. Pour in the heavy cream and mix until the soup becomes creamy.
Step 7 — Adjust seasonings
  1. Taste and adjust heat or salt if needed.
Step 8 — Serve warm
  1. Ladle into bowls and enjoy a creamy Tuscan-style comfort soup.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store for 3–4 days in airtight containers.
Freezer
Freeze without the cream for up to 2 months.
Add cream after reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat.
Add broth if the soup thickens.
🥄 Variations
1. Extra Creamy Version
Add ½ cup more heavy cream.
2. Veggie-Loaded Version
Add carrots, celery, or spinach.
3. Spicy Zuppa Toscana
Increase red pepper flakes.
4. Lightened-Up Version
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
5. High-Protein Version
Add white beans.
6. Keto / Low-Carb Version
Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets.
7. Herb-Enhanced Version
Add basil or Italian seasoning.
8. Chicken Breast Version
Replace sausage with diced seasoned chicken.
9. Brothier Soup
Add 1–2 cups more broth.
10. Parmesan Finish
Stir in grated Parmesan for richer flavor.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Is Zuppa Toscana normally made with pork sausage?
Yes — but this version uses beef or chicken sausage.
2. Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Yes — spinach works beautifully.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk for a creamy dairy-free option.
4. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes — freeze before adding the cream.
5. Can I use turkey sausage?
Absolutely — it’s a great lean option.
6. How do I keep potatoes from falling apart?
Use Yukon gold or red potatoes.
7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes — add cream during the last 10 minutes.
8. Can I make it thicker?
Simmer uncovered to reduce the broth.
9. Can children eat this soup?
Yes — reduce red pepper flakes for mild flavor.
10. What should I serve with it?
Garlic bread, salad, focaccia, or roasted vegetables.
🏁 Conclusion
This Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana delivers rich, creamy comfort with every bite. Tender potatoes, savory sausage, vibrant kale, and a silky broth come together to create a warm, inviting soup that feels like a restaurant classic but tastes even better homemade. With the no-pork version using flavorful beef or chicken sausage, this cozy dish becomes perfect for the whole family.
Easy, hearty, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying — it’s the kind of soup you’ll crave all year long.