If you’ve ever enjoyed a warm bowl of Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup at the restaurant, you already know how comforting, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful it is. This homemade version delivers all the same rich flavors—but even fresher, heartier, and more budget-friendly. The combination of Italian sausage, tender potatoes, crisp bacon, kale, and creamy broth creates a bowl of pure comfort that tastes like it simmered all day.
In this article, you’ll learn what Zuppa Toscana actually is, the origin of the recipe, all the ingredients with exact quantities, step-by-step instructions, variations, FAQs, and a powerful conclusion wrapping it all up.
Let’s dive into the magic of this delicious Tuscan-inspired creation!
What Is Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup?
Zuppa Toscana, translated from Italian, means “Tuscan Soup.” While the Olive Garden version is not a traditional Tuscan soup, it takes inspiration from Italian flavors and turns them into a creamy, American-Italian comfort classic.
The Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup is a creamy, savory soup made with Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and bacon simmered in a luscious broth. The result is a perfect balance of richness, spice, creaminess, and freshness. What makes this soup stand out is the way the sausage fat enhances the broth, the kale adds freshness, and the cream ties everything together into a silky, luxurious texture.
Today, this soup is one of Olive Garden’s most popular menu items—and the copycat version has taken the internet by storm because it’s easy, affordable, and incredibly delicious.
Origin of Zuppa Toscana (and the Olive Garden Version)
While the Olive Garden soup is world-famous, the name “Zuppa Toscana” originates from Italy, specifically the Tuscany region. Traditional Tuscan soups often rely on vegetables, beans, bread, and local meats. A classic Tuscan-style soup might contain ingredients like kale, potatoes, and pancetta—very similar to the American recipe.
However, the Toscana Soup reinvented the traditional idea by making it:
Creamier, thanks to heavy cream
Heavier on meat, using Italian sausage
Spicier, with red pepper flakes
Richer, due to bacon being added
This American-Italian version has become more popular globally than the original Tuscan broth soup. And while Olive Garden’s recipe is delicious, this homemade Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup is even better because you control the ingredients, thickness, spice level, and freshness.
Ingredients for Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
Below are the exact quantities you provided, rewritten into a polished ingredient list for consistency and clarity.
Ingredients (with Exact Quantities)
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
4–6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
3–4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced or diced
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 cup heavy cream
3–4 cups chopped kale (remove thick stems)
Optional: grated Parmesan, for serving
These ingredients come together to create the perfect bowl of Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup—rich, creamy, and irresistibly comforting.
How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup (Step-by-Step Directions)
Below is a fully expanded, conversational, and easy-to-follow version of the instructions. This is optimized to be more detailed and SEO-friendly while keeping the process simple.
1. Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage and cook until beautifully browned, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks. This step builds the first layer of flavor in your Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup.
Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot but leave some of the flavorful fat behind—this will help sauté the next ingredients.
2. Cook the Bacon
To the same pot, add the chopped bacon. Allow it to cook until crisp and golden. Bacon adds richness and smoky depth that truly enhances the final soup.
Remove the bacon and place it with the sausage. Again, leave the rendered fat—it’s liquid gold for flavor.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Then add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute. Garlic burns quickly, so keep the heat moderate.
This step creates a fragrant base that gives the soup its signature aroma.
4. Add Broth & Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this adds incredible flavor).
Add the sliced potatoes, along with:
Red pepper flakes
Salt
Black pepper
Simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. When the potatoes soften, they release starch that naturally thickens the soup—another reason why this dish turns out so creamy.
5. Add Cream & Kale
Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to avoid breaking the potatoes.
Add the chopped kale, letting it wilt for 3–5 minutes. Kale adds freshness and balances the richness of the creamy sausage broth.
6. Return the Meats
Add the browned sausage and crisp bacon back into the soup. Let everything simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
This final step brings your Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup together into one cohesive, delicious masterpiece.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and crusty bread on the side.
Every spoonful is creamy, savory, smoky, and perfectly comforting.
Variations of Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
To help you customize this recipe, here are expanded, variations:
Lighter & Healthier Version
Use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even coconut milk for a lighter texture while still keeping the soup creamy.
Low-Carb or Keto Version
Swap potatoes for:
Cauliflower florets
Turnips
Radishes
This reduces the carbs while keeping the soup hearty and filling.
Extra Flavor Version
Add a splash of white wine after sautéing the onion.
You can also add:
A dash of paprika
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
These deepen the flavor profile even more.
Extra Spicy Version
Use hot Italian sausage and double the crushed red pepper flakes.
You can also add jalapeños or Calabrian chili paste for intense heat.
Vegetarian Version
Use plant-based sausage and substitute bacon with smoked paprika or vegetarian bacon.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
FAQs About Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
1. Can I make Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats beautifully. Just store the soup in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Add extra broth before reheating if it thickens.
2. Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana Soup?
You can freeze it, but note that potatoes and cream may change texture after thawing. For best results, freeze without cream, then add cream when reheating fresh.
3. Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Absolutely! Spinach is a perfect substitute and cooks even faster.
4. What type of sausage works best?
Both mild and hot Italian sausage work great, depending on your heat preference.
5. How do I thicken Zuppa Toscana Soup naturally?
The starch from the potatoes automatically thickens it. If you want it thicker, mash a few potatoes directly in the pot.
Conclusion
This recipe is more than just a comforting meal—it’s a rich, creamy, restaurant-quality soup you can make right at home with simple ingredients. From the flavorful Italian sausage and smoky bacon to the tender potatoes and fresh kale, every spoonful delivers warmth and satisfaction. With easy steps, delicious variations, and the ability to customize the flavor, this recipe is guaranteed to become a regular favorite in your kitchen. Whether you serve it for family dinners, cozy nights in, or holiday gatherings, this homemade Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup proves that the best comfort food is made right at home.
