Thereโs something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Zuppa Toscana. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, every spoonful warms you from the inside out. Inspired by the beloved Olive Garden classic, this version is not only easy to make in one pot but also bound to become a family favorite in your home, just like it is in mine.
Ingredients
- Bacon โ 170-226 g (6-8 oz)
- Hot Italian sausage โ 450 g (1 pound)
- Onions โ 1 large, chopped
- Garlic cloves โ 10 large, pressed or minced
- Chicken broth โ 960 ml (4 cups)
- Water โ 1440 ml (6 cups)
- Potatoes โ 4 large, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Kale leaves โ from 1 bunch, chopped
- Cream โ 240 ml (1 cup)
- Salt and pepper โ to taste
- Parmesan cheese โ to taste for garnish
Steps to Make the Soup
- Cook the Bacon
Chop the bacon and cook it in a large pot over medium-high heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 1-2 tablespoons of fat in the pot. - Brown the Sausage
Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until just browned then remove to a paper towel-lined plate. - Saute the Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, saute chopped onions over medium-high heat until they are soft and golden. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. - Add Liquids and Potatoes
Pour in chicken broth and water. As the mixture begins to boil, add the chopped potatoes. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 13-14 minutes. - Stir in the Kale and Sausage
Add kale and the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir and bring the soup to a light boil. - Add Cream and Season
Stir in the cream, bringing the soup to a boil once more. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat, serve warm, and top with crispy bacon and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
This Zuppa Toscana is the perfect remedy for a chilly day, or any day youโre in need of a little culinary comfort. With ingredients straightforward and abundant in flavor, it’s sure to bring smiles all around the table. Donโt hesitate to customize the heat level with your choice of sausage to suit your family’s preferences.
