Easy-to-Make Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
Craving Olive Garden? Make Their Famous Zuppa Toscana at Home!
Dreaming of a cozy night in with a bowl of warm, comforting soup? You don’t need a reservation to enjoy Olive Garden’s beloved Zuppa Toscana! This copycat recipe brings all the creamy, savory goodness of the restaurant classic right to your kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
This Zuppa Toscana is packed with flavorful Italian sausage, tender potatoes, hearty kale, and finished with a touch of cream. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings, a quick and satisfying lunch, or a comforting dinner. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour!
What makes this recipe so good?
- Flavorful Base: The combination of Italian sausage, chicken bouillon, and aromatics creates a rich and savory broth.
- Creamy Texture: The milk and heavy cream create a luxuriously creamy soup without being overly heavy.
- Hearty and Filling: The potatoes and kale add substance, making this soup a complete meal.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to adjust the amount of kale or potatoes to your liking.
Tips for the Best Zuppa Toscana:
- Sausage Selection: Mild Italian sausage is traditional, but you can use hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
- Kale Preparation: Make sure to remove the tough stems from the kale before chopping.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Whisking the cornsstarch with cold water is crucial to prevent lumps.
- Don’t Boil: After adding the milk and cream, bring the soup to a simmer, but avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! However, the potatoes may absorb some of the liquid as it sits. You may need to add a little extra milk or broth when reheating.
Q: Can I use a different type of kale?
A: Yes, you can! Lacinato (dinosaur) kale is a good substitute for curly kale.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture of the potatoes and kale may change slightly. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.
Q: What can I serve with Zuppa Toscana?
A: Crusty bread for dipping is a classic pairing! A simple side salad also complements the soup nicely.
Get ready to enjoy a bowl of restaurant-quality Zuppa Toscana in the comfort of your own home! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Easy-to-Make Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground mild Italian pork sausage
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 medium red potatoes cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 cups sliced fresh kale
- 3 cups 2% milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup cold water
- to taste crumbled cooked bacon
Instructions
- Place a large pot on a stove over medium heat, then add the Italian sausage, break it apart, and give them a good toss. Let them cook for about 4 to 6 minutes or until browned and no longer pink, then transfer them to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain off all the excess oil.
- Drain the excess grease and leave only about 1 tablespoon, then add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Add the chicken bouillon granules, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the cubed potatoes and kale. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the milk and heavy whipping cream. Bring to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour the mixture into the simmering soup and stir continuously until thickened.
- Serve immediately, garnished with crumbled cooked bacon.
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