Easy Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Copycat Soup is my go to dinner when it is cold outside, I am tired, and I still want something that tastes like I tried. You know those nights when everyone is hungry right now and you do not want to babysit a complicated recipe? This is exactly for that. It is cozy, creamy, and just a little spicy, plus it makes the kitchen smell amazing. I started making it at home after one too many restaurant trips where I thought, okay I can totally do this myself. And honestly, once you do it once, it becomes one of those recipes you can make from memory.
WHAT IS ZUPPA TOSCANA?
Zuppa Toscana is a hearty Italian style soup that usually has sausage, potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth. The name points to Tuscany, but the version most of us know is the restaurant style bowl with that rich, savory taste and a little kick. It is the kind of soup that feels like a full meal, not a sad starter.
What I love is the balance. You get salty sausage, tender potatoes, and greens that make you feel like you are doing something good for yourself. Then the broth ties it all together with that creamy finish.
If you are a soup person like me, you might also like other copycat comfort bowls. I rotate this one with this easy chicken gnocchi soup Olive Garden copycat when I want something a little softer and pillowy.
IS ZUPPA TOSCANA HEALTHY?
It can be, depending on how you make it and what you mean by healthy. The classic restaurant style version is richer because of the cream and sausage. But homemade is where you get control, which is my favorite part.
Here is the real life way I think about it. This soup has protein from sausage, fiber and vitamins from kale, and carbs from potatoes. It is filling, so you are not hunting for snacks an hour later. If you want to lighten it up, you can do that without ruining the flavor.
Easy ways to make it lighter without losing the cozy vibe
You do not have to turn it into diet soup. Just a few small swaps help.
- Use **turkey Italian sausage** or chicken sausage instead of pork.
- Use **half and half** instead of heavy cream, or do half broth and half milk.
- Keep the potatoes, but do not overdo it. A medium amount still makes it hearty.
- Add extra kale if you want more greens per bowl.
- Watch the salt. Sausage and broth already bring a lot.
On weeks when I am doing a full soup streak, I also make a pot of easy chicken wild rice soup Panera copycat for a lighter, earthy option. Different vibe, same comfort.
I made this for my family and even my picky eater asked for seconds. It tastes just like the restaurant, maybe even better because the kale stayed bright and the potatoes were perfect.
ZUPPA TOSCANA INGREDIENTS + SWAPS
This is one of those recipes where the ingredient list looks simple, but each thing really matters. The sausage gives the base flavor. Potatoes make it hearty. Kale keeps it from feeling heavy. And the creamy part is what makes it feel like the real deal.
Here is what you will need
- Italian sausage, mild or hot
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes
- Kale (curly kale is classic, but any works)
- Heavy cream or half and half
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes, optional but nice
Ingredient swaps I actually use
If you are missing something, do not panic.
Sausage: If you only have ground beef, add fennel seeds and a pinch of Italian seasoning to fake that sausage vibe. Not perfect, but it works in a pinch.
Kale: Spinach works, but stir it in at the end because it wilts fast. Swiss chard is also great if you want something a little softer.
Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are not traditional, but they are delicious with spicy sausage. I do this when I want a slightly sweeter balance.
Broth: Chicken broth is standard, but vegetable broth works too.
If you love restaurant style soups, you might also want to bookmark this easy pasta fagioli soup Olive Garden copycat recipe for another weeknight win.
HOW TO MAKE ZUPPA TOSCANA FROM SCRATCH
This is the part where you realize it is way easier than you thought. You do not need fancy tools. Just a big pot and a little stirring.
Step by step directions that stay simple
1. Brown the sausage
Put a large pot on medium heat. Add the sausage and break it up as it cooks. When it is browned and no longer pink, scoop it out onto a plate. Leave a little bit of the drippings in the pot for flavor.
2. Cook onion and garlic
Add chopped onion to the pot. Let it soften for about 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until it smells good.
3. Add broth and potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot a bit to lift all the tasty browned bits. Add sliced potatoes. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork tender. Usually 12 to 15 minutes, depending on how thick you sliced them.
4. Add sausage back in
Stir the cooked sausage back into the pot. This is when it starts looking like the soup you want.
5. Add kale
Stir in chopped kale. Let it simmer just until the kale softens but still looks green, around 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Make it creamy
Turn the heat to low and pour in the cream. Do not boil it hard after adding cream. Just warm it through. Taste and add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want more heat.
My small but important tips
Slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same speed. If your soup seems too thick the next day, just add a splash of broth or water when reheating. And if you like a richer bowl, a tiny extra splash of cream at the end is never a bad idea.
Also, if you are in a cozy soup mood and want something fun and different, try this cozy easy crockpot lasagna soup sometime. It is like comfort food in a bowl.
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS & FREEZE
This soup might be even better the next day. The flavors settle in, and it tastes like you worked harder than you did.
Storing in the fridge
Let the soup cool down, then store it in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you reheat it, do it gently over medium low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Can you freeze it?
Yes, but with one note. Creamy soups can change texture a little after freezing. It is not unsafe, it is just sometimes a little less silky.
If you want the best results, freeze the soup before adding the cream. Then when you reheat it, stir in the cream at the end. If it is already creamy and you still want to freeze it, it will be fine. Just reheat slowly and stir well.
For freezing, use freezer containers or freezer bags laid flat. Label them because future you will be grateful.
If chicken and rice soups are more your thing for meal prep, I have also made and loved this copycat Panera chicken wild rice soup. It is another great one to keep in the freezer.
Common Questions
1) What kind of sausage is best for Easy Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Copycat Soup?
Italian sausage is the classic. I usually do mild for family dinner, but hot sausage is amazing if you like a little spice.
2) Can I make Easy Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Copycat Soup dairy free?
Yes. Use full fat coconut milk or an unsweetened dairy free cream. Coconut adds a slight flavor, but with sausage and garlic it still tastes really good.
3) How do I keep the kale from getting too soggy?
Add it near the end and simmer just a few minutes. If you know you will have lots of leftovers, you can even add kale to each bowl when reheating.
4) Why did my soup turn out too thick?
Potatoes release starch and thicken the broth, especially after sitting. Just add a splash of broth or water when reheating until it looks right.
5) Can I make Easy Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Copycat Soup in a slow cooker?
You can. Cook sausage separately first, then add everything except cream and kale to the slow cooker. Cook on low until potatoes are tender, then add kale and cream at the end.
A cozy bowl you will want on repeat
If you have been craving that restaurant style comfort at home, Easy Zuppa Toscana Olive Garden Copycat Soup is such a satisfying one to keep in your back pocket. It is simple, forgiving, and it makes enough for leftovers, which is honestly a gift. Once you try it, you can tweak the spice, the creaminess, and the greens to fit your house perfectly. And if you want to compare notes with another solid version, check out Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup – Creme De La Crumb for more inspiration. Now go grab a spoon and make it happen.
Easy Zuppa Toscana
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the sausage in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, remove it from the pot, leaving some drippings for flavor.
- Add chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened, then stir in minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift the browned bits. Add sliced potatoes and bring to a gentle boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.
- Stir the browned sausage back into the pot.
- Add chopped kale and simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the kale has softened but remains vibrant.
- Turn the heat to low and stir in the cream without boiling it. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
