Description
A cozy, creamy one-pot Zuppa Toscana soup inspired by Olive Garden, made with Italian sausage, crispy beef or bacon, potatoes, kale, and a rich broth. It's hearty, comforting, and easy to prepare—perfect for chilly days or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
4 slices beef or bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups russet potatoes, sliced into thin half-moons
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups chopped kale
1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
Optional: grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped beef or bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving the grease in the pot.
- Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add sliced potatoes, chicken broth, water, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add chopped kale and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Simmer gently for 5 minutes without boiling.
- Serve hot, topped with crispy beef or bacon and grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb alternative.
Spinach or Swiss chard can be used instead of kale.
Soup thickens as it sits—add broth or water when reheating.
Not recommended for freezing due to cream and potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
