This Olive Garden Authentic Zuppa Toscana recipe is a rich, creamy soup packed with savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon bits. It’s the perfect comforting dish, full of robust flavors that will warm you from the inside out.

metal ladle holding up a scoop of overhead view Olive Garden Authentic Zuppa Toscana

If you love Olive Garden’s most popular soup, you’re going to love this easy recipe! This copycat recipe for Zuppa Toscana is the ultimate homemade version of this classic Tuscan soup, bringing all the comforting flavors of the real thing right to your kitchen. With tender potatoes, chunks of sausage, and crispy bacon bits, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.

Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight meal or something to impress your guests, this simple recipe of one of Olive Garden’s favorite soups delivers all the cozy flavors of the original.

Best of all, it’s easy to make and packed full of flavor, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving home. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a regular on your go-to dinner list! And if you want the real Olive garden experience I recommend serving this soup with the olive garden breadsticks for an even more delicious meal! Plus if you want something extra cozy for fall, you can pair this soup with a this delicious Starbucks caramel apple spice drink as a dessert!

Olive Garden Authentic Zuppa Toscana ingredients in individual bowls

Ingredients for this Olive Garden Authentic Zuppa Toscana Soup recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

Bacon: gives your soup a smoky and savory flavor.
Mild Italian Sausage: adds a bold and spicy kick. The fat blends well in the soup adding richness. You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage.
White Onion: is the aromatic base of the soup, adding a sweet flavor that helps balance the richness of the other ingredients.
Garlic: also adds an aromatic flavor and warmth to the soup. It also pairs perfectly with the onion without becoming overpowering.
Chicken Broth: serves as the base for the soup, giving it a savory and rich flavor.
Water: ensures the soup isn’t too salty from the chicken broth while adding extra liquid needed to cook the potatoes and kale.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: are creamy and hold their shape while cooking making them ideal for this soup. Their buttery flavor pairs well with the richness of the broth and cream.
Kale: adds a pop of color and slightly earthy flavor.
Heavy Cream: gives Zuppa Toscana its classic velvety texture and helps balance all of the flavors.
Salt and Black Pepper: enhances the flavors of the soup, feel free to adjust to your taste preference.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: adds a bit of heat, feel free to add as much or as little.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: is used as a garnish and adds a nutty and salty flavor. It enhances all of the flavors of the soup.

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana in white soup cup

How to make this Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until browned and crispy. Remove the bacon, place it on a paper-towel lined plate and keep about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
Cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Use a spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving a little bit of the fat in the pot. If you are left with too much fat from the sausage, remove some to keep your soup from being too greasy.
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, water, and potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Add the chopped kale and the sausage back to the pot, stir and let it wilt for about 5 minutes. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and cooked sausage. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes
Serve in your preferred bowls and garnish with the bacon pieces, and parmesan cheese and enjoy!

overhead view Olive Garden Authentic Zuppa Toscana in large pot garnished with red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese

Tips for the Perfect Olive Garden Authentic Zuppa Toscana

Deglaze the Pot: After browning the sausage, garlic, and onions, deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth. This lifts the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot which enhances the soup’s flavor.
Cut Potatoes Similarly: Slice your Yukon Golds evenly so that they cook at the same rate. This makes sure that the texture is consistent in every bite.
Simmer Gently After Adding Cream: Once the cream is added, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently. Overheating can cause the cream to curdle.
Serve with Bread: A crusty bread, soft breadsticks or rolls pair perfectly with the soup and for soaking up the rich broth.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Can I make Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time but there are a few things to keep in mind. Prepare the soup without adding the kale and cream if you plan to store it. When reheating, add the kale and cream just before serving to maintain the soup’s freshness and texture. Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to three days.

Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana?

Yes! But just like when storing in the fridge, I would hold off on adding the kale and cream. Both ingredients can lose their texture and quality during freezing. Let the soup cool completely to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, adding the fresh kale and cream before serving.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

While Italian sausage gives your soup the most authentic flavor, you can substitute it with other sausages like turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just make sure that they are well-seasoned like the flavors of traditional Italian sausage. You can also use spicy or hot Italian sausage for more of a kick.

close up of Olive Garden authentic Zuppa Toscana

What if I don’t have Yukon Gold potatoes?

Russet potatoes or red potatoes can work as a substitute. However, Yukon Golds are best because of their creamy texture and buttery flavor. If you plan on using russets, peel them first to avoid a grainy texture.

Can I add other vegetables to this Zuppa Toscana recipe?

While kale and potatoes are traditional ingredients, you can add other veggies like spinach, zucchini, or carrots for additional flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Olive Garden authentic Zuppa Toscana in white pot

What can I do if the soup is too greasy?

If the soup feels too greasy, skim off some of the excess fat after browning the sausage. You can also let the soup sit for a few minutes, which will allow the fat to rise to the surface for easier removal.

How can I make the soup thicker?

For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes or blend a portion of the soup before adding the kale and cream. This will naturally thicken the broth without additional ingredients.