Description
Zuppa Toscana Soup is a creamy and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender russet potatoes, and hearty kale all simmered in a rich chicken broth and finished with heavy cream. This comforting soup, popularized by restaurant chains like Olive Garden, is easy to prepare at home and perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, sliced thin
- 2 cups kale, chopped
Liquids & Seasonings
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Brown Sausage: Using the same pot and bacon fat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart into small crumbles with a spoon as it cooks.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the thinly sliced russet potatoes. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Kale: Stir in the chopped kale and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes until the kale wilts and softens.
- Incorporate Cream & Season: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream until fully combined. Return the crispy bacon to the pot. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir and heat through gently without boiling.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Using spicy Italian sausage enhances the flavor and adds a subtle kick.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your preferred heat level.
- Russet potatoes work best as they become tender and absorb flavors without falling apart.
- Ensure the soup simmers gently after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
