Print Friendly

This soup is so comforting.  I associate it with winter and specifically the Christmas season.  It is one of our family favorites!

This is a copy cat version of the soup from Olive Garden, but I think it is much better.  The main thing that determines how this soup tastes is the type and quality of sausage you use.  I like spicy Italian sausage, but you can use mild and still get great results.  Make sure you use a good quality sausage, it will make or break the soup.

You can make this soup hours ahead of time (or even the day before) just make sure the kale and cream are added just before serving the soup!

  • 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or hot
  • 6 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2-4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 4 cups water
  • 4-6 red potatoes, sliced in half and then 1/4 inch slices
  • 2-3 cups kale, chopped rough
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • salt and pepper to taste

Zuppa Toscana

In a large stock pot brown the sausage and the bacon pieces.  Drain the fat.  Add in the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the chicken broth, water and potatoes.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover, cooking until potatoes are done, 10-15 minutes or until it is time to serve the soup.

Just before serving stir in the kale and heavy cream over low heat.  Do not let the soup boil after adding the cream.  Adjust salt and pepper as desired. Heat the soup through and serve.