How Much Is On My Olive Garden Gift Card?

Zuppa Toscana is Olive Garden's most popular soup. This one-pot, homemade Zuppa Toscana recipe is hearty and loaded with Italian sausage, kale, bacon and potatoes.

Some of our most popular recipes are restaurant copycat recipes like Creamy Shrimp Pasta and of course Chicken Madeira! You can make it better at home for a fraction of the price!

One-Pot Zuppa Toscana Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Zuppa Toscana Copycat Recipe:

We love re-creating restaurant quality soups at home like our popular Clam Chowder Recipe. My sister Tanya taught me how to make this Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana and it has been a family and reader favorite since we first published it in 2010. We have since made it heartier and more flavorful. The classic just got better!

What is Zuppa Toscana?

Zuppa means soup and Toscana means Tuscan. Tuscan Soup! It is classically made with kale, potatoes, onion, and garlic then served topped with cheese.

Zuppa toscana copycat recipes in bowl with spoon and served with bread

Is Zuppa Toscana Spicy?

We use "Hot" Italian sauce which does give this soup a spicy kick but you can substitute with medium or mild Italian sausage and make a less spicy version then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Do I really need 1 HEAD of Garlic?

YES! We used a full head of garlic (about 10 large cloves). Do not skip the fresh garlic. Garlic gives the broth incredible and authentic Italian flavor. Since the garlic is sautéed, then simmered with the broth, it doesn't overwhelm the soup. Garlic is also very good for you (a super food)!

Garlic, kale, potatoes, onion and hot Italian sausage ingredients for zuppa toscana

Is Zuppa Toscana Healthy?

This soup is naturally gluten free and grain free. To make a Keto-friendly Zuppa Toscana, you can substitute potatoes with cauliflower.

For Whole 30 (dairy free), substitute the heavy whipping cream for 1 can of full fat unsweetened coconut milk (using the solid white cream portion only and adding it at the very end just to heat through).

Zuppa toscana soup served in bowl next to pot of soup

More Copycat Recipes from Restaurants:

These recipes are inspired by some of our favorite restaurant dishes. In every case, we loved the homemade version even better because of higher quality ingredients, healthier fats (olive oil), less salt and of course a lower bill!

Beet Salad with Arugula – Cheesecake Factory inspired
Stuffed Chicken Parmesan – ridiculously easy dinner idea
Filet Mignon – read the reviews and plan a date night in
Chicken Mango Avocado Salad – you'll love the dressing here
Chicken Stir Fry – so saucy and healthier than takeout

Watch How to Make Zuppa Toscana:

Now wasn't that easy? Serve topped with crispy bacon, extra cheese and generous slices of crusty French Bread. I hope this Zuppa Toscana becomes a favorite in your home as well.

Zuppa Toscana - Olive Garden Copycat

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Zuppa Toscana in soup pot

Homemade Zuppa Toscana is loaded with Italian sausage, bacon, kale and potatoes. Learn how to make Zuppa Toscana soup as made popular by Olive Garden!

Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com

Skill Level: Easy

Cost to Make: $11-$15

Keyword: zuppa toscana

Cuisine: Italian

Course: Soup

Calories: 458

Servings: 8 bowls

6 oz bacon, chopped
1 lb Italian Sausage, The "Hot" variety
1 medium head garlic, 10 large cloves, peeled and minced or pressed
1 medium onion, finely diced
4 cups chicken broth/stock, (32 oz)
6 cups water, (48 oz)
5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/4" thick pieces
1 kale bundle, leaves stripped and chopped (6 cups)
1 cup whipping cream
Salt and black pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese to serve, optional

In a large pot or dutch oven (5.5 qt), over medium-high heat, add chopped bacon and sauté until browned (5-7 mins). Remove bacon to a paper-towel lined plate and spoon out excess oil, leaving about 1 Tbsp oil in the pot.
Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spatula and sauté until cooked through (5 min). Remove to paper towel lined plate.
Finely dice onion and add to the pot. Saute 5 min or until soft and golden then add minced garlic and saute 1 min.
Add 4 cups broth and 6 cups water, and bring to boil. Add sliced potatoes and cook 13-14 min or until easily pierced with a fork.
When potatoes nearly done, add chopped kale and cooked sausage and bring everything to a light boil.
Stir in 1 cup cream and bring to boil. Season to taste with salt and black pepper then remove from heat. Garnish with bacon and grated parmesan.

Nutrition Facts

Zuppa Toscana - Olive Garden Copycat

Amount Per Serving

Calories 458 Calories from Fat 279

% Daily Value*

Fat 31g 48%

Saturated Fat 14g 88%

Cholesterol 84mg 28%

Sodium 906mg 39%

Potassium 877mg 25%

Carbohydrates 29g 10%

Fiber 2g 8%

Sugar 2g 2%

Protein 19g 38%

Vitamin A 1150IU 23%

Vitamin C 18.6mg 23%

Calcium 71mg 7%

Iron 2.2mg 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

If you make this recipe, I'd love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.