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Reading: What’s for dinner when you’re craving something comforting and deliciously Italian-inspired? Look no further than this creamy Zuppa Toscana recipe from Cookies & Cups!
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Top 100 Recipes > Recipes > What’s for dinner when you’re craving something comforting and deliciously Italian-inspired? Look no further than this creamy Zuppa Toscana recipe from Cookies & Cups!
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What’s for dinner when you’re craving something comforting and deliciously Italian-inspired? Look no further than this creamy Zuppa Toscana recipe from Cookies & Cups!

November 10, 2024
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Zuppa Toscana Recipe | Cookies & Cups
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Is this a simple Olive Garden-inspired dish? This hearty, one-pot Italian-inspired soup is packed with juicy sausage, fluffy potatoes, tender beans, pungent garlic, and nutritious kale, all swimming in a rich and velvety broth. Savor the dish alongside generous slices of artisanal bread, perfectly suited for mopping up the rich and vibrant flavors of Tuscany.

Craving more cozy soups? Experience the convenience of a one-pot wonder with our delectable recipes: try our mouthwatering chicken gnocchi soup, hearty lasagna soup, and zesty lemon chicken orzo soup.

Overhead view of a bowl of Zuppa Toscana.

Tuscan sunshine pours into every spoonful as Zuppa Toscana masterfully captures the essence of Italy’s rolling hills and verdant landscapes in a rich, comforting bowl of creamy goodness. Here’s an improved version: This is my home-cooked rendition of Olive Garden’s signature Zuppa Toscana, a hearty and flavorful Tuscan kale soup. Here is the rewritten text: Rich and comforting, this hearty dish bursts with flavors of juicy Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and an assortment of fresh vegetables, all infused with the savory essence of garlic, complemented by creamy beans and nutritious kale. Here’s why making it at home is a recipe for success:

  • Indulging in warm and comforting Italian-inspired meals like creamy Tuscan chicken and hearty Tuscan kale soup is a delightful way to beat the winter blues. Packed with nutrient-dense filling ingredients and offering the versatility to enhance its richness with a drizzle of heavy cream.
  • With this creamy soup a distant memory, I’ve broken free from its Olive Garden allure. This homemade recipe is surprisingly swift to prepare, effortlessly straightforward, and honestly, its flavor profile rivals that of a restaurant.
  • One-pot wonders: a culinary delight where every ingredient gets harmoniously cooked, then presented in a single vessel for effortless serving. Cleaning up becomes effortless with this method, and it allows the rich, savory flavors to meld together beautifully.
Zuppa Toscana ingredients with text labels overlaying each ingredient.

Here’s a serving of creamy, comforting goodness in every spoonful of this Zuppa Toscana. No mystery ingredients, nada. Here: Some suggestions for modifying ingredients are included below.

  • Thick-cut bacon or pancetta is my go-to choice for adding smoky depth to any dish. If regular bacon is all you’ve got on hand, feel free to use it – the dish will still turn out delicious.
  • Purchase high-quality Italian sausage packaged in natural casings, then carefully extract the meat from its casing before cutting it into substantial portions. Available for purchase are packages of both sweet and spicy ground Italian sausage.
  • Sliced carrots, finely chopped celery, and diced white or yellow onion.
  • – Freshly minced. While I appreciate a hearty garlicky soup, the number of cloves is easily customizable to suit individual preferences. 
  • For a rich and creamy potato soup, opt for waxy potatoes such as baby potatoes or red potatoes. Starchy potatoes, such as russets, often fall apart easily. Prepare the potatoes by cutting them into uniform, manageable pieces suitable for a satisfying bite.
  • These versatile legumes can be substituted with kidney beans or other white bean varieties, such as cannellini or butter beans. Before adding canned beans to your soup, always rinse and drain them to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
  • When using this recipe, consider substituting your homemade chicken stock whenever available; if not, a low-sodium store-bought option is also suitable. You may opt to employ vegetable broth instead.
  • When the seasons align, I delight in preparing a hearty Zuppa Toscana dish, showcasing the robust flavor of Tuscan kale – also known as Lacinato – at its peak. Regardless of the kale variety – curly, Russian red, baby kale, or others – they all work well in this soup. 
  • I often indulge in recreating Olive Garden’s iconic Zuppa Toscana soup by adding a luxurious touch of heavy cream for an unparalleled flavor experience. Consider using cream cheese for an even more indulgent and creamy soup experience.
See also  30 Minute Haluski
Overhead view of two bowls of Zuppa Toscana next to a small dish of grated parmesan and a large pot of soup.

As a lazy Sunday indulgence, I revel in whipping up this hearty one-pot soup, and I always set aside enough for satisfying mid-week pick-me-ups. Making this dish on the stovetop is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort and attention.

Diced bacon inside a large pot.
Cook the bacon.
Browned sausage inside a large pot.
Brown the sausage.
  • As the sizzle of the bacon fills the air, place the strips into a sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot, allowing the savory aroma to waft and tease your senses. As soon as the ingredients are nicely caramelized, transfer them to a serving dish using a slotted spoon to drain off any excess liquid. Subsequently, sear the sausage in the same skillet until it reaches a deep brown, then transfer it to a plate alongside the chicken.
Sautéed vegetables inside a large pot.
Sauté the veggies.
Broth being poured into a pot over top of potatoes, beans, and sausage.
Combine and simmer.
  • Sauté the aromatics – onions, carrots, and celery – until they’re tender, then stir in the pungent flavor of sautéed garlic.
  • With the potatoes, beans, and stock added, the sausage is returned to the pot, where it will simmer alongside its companions in a flavorful medley of textures and tastes. Simmer the soup gently over low heat for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
Kale added to a pot of soup.
Add kale.
Heavy cream and bacon being added to a pot of Zuppa Toscana.
Savoring the flavors of indulgence? Add a crispy strip of smoky bacon and a dollop of rich, velvety cream to elevate your culinary experience.
  • After adding the chopped kale leaves, allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 10 minutes before removing the pot from the heat source.
  • Finally, fold in the crispy bacon and rich heavy cream, and your dish is now ready to delight.
A ladle lifting Zuppa Toscana from a pot.

  • When browning the bacon and sausage, you may notice a considerable amount of excess grease remaining in the pot. To avoid any potential issues, consider draining some of this residue before proceeding with the vegetable preparation.
  • When enhancing your soup with heavy cream, ensure the pot has been removed from the heat source prior to its addition. If the soup is excessively hot, the cream is likely to curdle and separate. While it’s understandable to want to reduce fat content, substituting milk for heavy cream may not be the best approach due to the risk of separation when heated.
  • This Tuscan kale soup already boasts an impressive depth of flavor, yet for those seeking an added boost, consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes, sliced cherry tomatoes, or a splash of citrus from freshly squeezed lemon juice, along with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil and parsley.
  • Add a spicy twist with hot Italian sausage and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to elevate the flavor profile.
  • To create a vegetarian rendition, omit the bacon and sausage or replace these meats with additional beans, potatoes, or vegetables, ensuring a hearty and satisfying meal. Why not try pairing it with a hearty serving of rice or noodles for added texture and flavor? Alternatively, you might enjoy my vegetarian white bean soup as a delicious and nutritious accompaniment.
See also  Banana Sushi Roll Ups
Two bowls of Zuppa Toscana next to a bowl of grated parmesan cheese.
Overhead close up view of a spoon resting in a bowl of Zuppa Toscana.

  • Store leftover Tuscan kale soup in an airtight container and refrigerate it. This product will remain effective for a duration of up to four consecutive days.
  • Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in short increments in the microwave until it reaches a comfortable eating temperature.
  • While you can freeze this Zuppa Toscana, it’s generally recommended to freeze the soup without added heavy cream for optimal results. Store the soup in an airtight, freezer-safe container and preserve it for up to three months. Refrigerate the soup overnight to thaw it slowly and evenly. Consider adding a dollop of rich, velvety heavy cream to give your dish an extra layer of indulgence and sophistication.

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Description

This indulgent, comforting one-pot soup is a masterclass in simplicity, combining the hearty flavors of Italian sausage, crispy bacon, buttery potatoes, creamy beans, and nutritious kale for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please. Like a refined version of the Olive Garden.


  • slices thick-cut bacon, sliced
  • pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and broken apart into 1-inch chunks
  • small yellow onion, diced
  • medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • celery sticks, chopped
  • kosher salt
  • cloves garlic, minced
  • medium waxy potatoes, cubed
  • One 15-ounce can of kidney or white beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained (if desired).
  • chicken stock, or vegetable broth
  • chopped Tuscan kale, packed
  • heavy cream, optional
See also  Easy Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs


  1. Bring a sturdy pot with a thick bottom to a robust simmer on medium-high heat.
  2. Crisp the bacon in a pan over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a golden brown. Carefully lift the crispy bacon strips with a slotted spoon, allowing excess fat to drip off, before setting them aside to dry.
  3. Add the sausage to the pot, browning it thoroughly on all sides over a period of approximately 10 minutes. Carefully lift the cooked sausage from the pot using a slotted spoon and reserve it for later use.
  4. The aromatic trifecta – onions, carrots, and celery – sautéed in a flavorful fusion of savory sea salt. Cook the onions for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they reach a translucent state.
  5. Sauté minced garlic until its pungent aroma wafts through the air, approximately one minute.
  6. Combining the diced potatoes, beans (if you’re incorporating them), rich chicken stock, and already cooked sausage. Ensure that canned beans are thoroughly rinsed and drained prior to incorporating them into the soup recipe.
  7. Prior to serving, bring the soup to a rolling boil and then adjust the heat to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  8. With the kale added, allow the mixture to simmer for another 10 minutes.
  9. Remove from the heat. Combine the cooked bacon with the dish, and if utilizing heavy cream, stir that in as well.
  10. Serve! Enjoying this soup with a crusty slice of bread is the epitome of comfort food bliss?

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Reading: What’s for dinner when you’re craving something comforting and deliciously Italian-inspired? Look no further than this creamy Zuppa Toscana recipe from Cookies & Cups!
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