Best Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup

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Best Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup – A Hearty Bowl of Comfort

When it comes to iconic comfort food, few dishes match the flavor and heartiness of Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana Soup. Rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, this soup has become a staple for soup lovers everywhere. Fortunately, you don’t need to dine out to enjoy it — with this easy, homemade Zuppa Toscana recipe, you can bring the authentic Italian-inspired flavors into your own kitchen.

This recipe captures everything you love about the restaurant version: spicy sausage, savory bacon, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth, all brought together with fresh cabbage and garlic.

Why This Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is the Best

What makes this recipe truly special is the balance of textures and flavors — the crispiness of bacon, the boldness of Italian sausage, the creaminess of the broth, and the earthiness of potatoes and cabbage. It’s a one-pot wonder that is:

  • Perfect for weeknight dinners
  • Family-friendly and filling
  • Great for meal prep
  • Freezer-friendly

Ingredients for the Ultimate Zuppa Toscana Soup

Here’s everything you need to make a big pot of this comforting classic:

Protein and Flavor Base

  • 1 pound hot Italian sausage – Adds bold, spicy flavor
  • ½ pound bacon, minced – Provides a smoky, savory depth

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed – Hearty and starchy, perfect for soup
  • 1 medium onion, chopped – Sweet and aromatic
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for flavor
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage – Adds texture and fiber

Broth and Cream

  • 7 cups water
  • 3 chicken-flavored bouillon cubes – For a rich, savory broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream – Makes the soup velvety and indulgent

Seasonings

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Zuppa Toscana Soup – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Sausage

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the minced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Next, add the hot Italian sausage to the same pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in the 7 cups of water and add the 3 chicken bouillon cubes, stirring until dissolved. Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Simmer

Add the cubed potatoes to the boiling broth. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Add Cabbage and Bacon

Stir in the shredded cabbage and the reserved cooked bacon. Let simmer for another 5–7 minutes to soften the cabbage.

Step 6: Stir in Cream and Season

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy whipping cream. Simmer gently until everything is heated through and the flavors meld.

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy, hearty soup hot, garnished with:

  • A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Crusty bread or garlic breadsticks
  • A side of simple salad for a full Olive Garden-style meal

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup before adding cream. When reheating, stir in the cream at the end.
  • Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat to preserve the creamy texture.

Variations to Try

This Zuppa Toscana recipe is versatile and easy to customize:

  • Use kale instead of cabbage for a more traditional version.
  • Swap in turkey sausage for a lighter option.
  • Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream.
  • Add spice: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

  • One-pot meal: Easy to prepare and minimal cleanup.
  • Bold and comforting: Ideal for cold days or when you need a satisfying dinner.
  • Family approved: Even picky eaters enjoy the creamy, savory flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Zuppa Toscana in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the sausage and bacon beforehand, then add all ingredients except cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours, add cream at the end, and cook an additional 15 minutes.

Can I substitute cabbage for kale?

Absolutely. While traditional Zuppa Toscana uses kale, cabbage gives a milder, sweeter taste and softens beautifully in soup.

How spicy is this soup?

Using hot Italian sausage gives the soup a pleasant kick. For a milder version, use mild sausage and skip optional spicy toppings.

Conclusion: A Restaurant-Quality Soup You Can Make at Home

This homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With rich, creamy broth, hearty chunks of potato, flavorful sausage, and a hint of garlic and spice, it delivers every time. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal or cooking for a crowd, this soup will warm your heart and satisfy your soul.

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