Better Than Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
Craving Comfort? Make Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana at Home!
If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana, you’re in for a treat! This creamy, hearty soup is packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen. Forget the restaurant wait – you can enjoy a bowl of this Italian-American classic any night of the week.
Zuppa Toscana, meaning “Tuscan soup,” is known for its delicious combination of savory sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale, all swimming in a rich and creamy broth. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening or when you’re simply craving something satisfying.
This recipe captures all the authentic flavors of the original, but allows you to customize it to your liking. Feel free to adjust the amount of kale or sausage to suit your preferences. A touch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick!
What makes this Zuppa Toscana recipe so good?
- Flavorful Base: The combination of bacon and Italian sausage creates a deeply savory foundation for the soup.
- Creamy Texture: The heavy cream adds a luxurious richness that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
- Hearty and Filling: The potatoes and kale make this soup substantial enough to be a complete meal.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious bowl of Zuppa Toscana ready in under an hour.
Tips for the Best Zuppa Toscana:
- Use good quality Italian sausage: This will make a big difference in the flavor of the soup.
- Don’t skip the bacon: The bacon adds a smoky flavor that is essential to the dish.
- Chop the kale finely: This will ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t become tough.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and add more salt and pepper as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: While Italian sausage is traditional, you can experiment with other types, such as sweet Italian sausage or even chorizo, for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make Zuppa Toscana a day or two ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits.
Q: Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana?
A: While the texture of the potatoes and kale may change slightly, you can freeze Zuppa Toscana. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Q: Is it possible to make a lighter version of this soup?
A: You can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version. However, keep in mind that this will affect the creaminess and richness of the soup.
Q: What does Zuppa Toscana mean?
A: “Zuppa Toscana” translates to “Tuscan Soup” in Italian. It’s a hearty soup originating from the Tuscany region of Italy.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Zuppa Toscana – a taste of Italy in your own home!
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound bacon
- 1 pound Italian sausage casing removed
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 tbsp garlic minced (or 6 cloves)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano to taste
- 80 oz chicken stock
- 3 large potatoes cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 cups kale stems removed, leaves torn and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese for serving
- to taste salt and pepper
- as needed cornstarch slurry optional
Instructions
- Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Return the cooked bacon and sausage to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
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