Cozy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup with Turkey Sausage Recipe

My culinary journey with zuppa toscana soup has been a delightful exploration of comfort and flavor.

Hearty ingredients dance together in this rustic Italian-inspired dish that brings warmth to chilly evenings.

Rich potatoes and savory turkey sausage create a satisfying blend of textures and tastes.

Kale adds a vibrant green freshness that brightens the entire bowl.

Fragrant herbs and spices weave through each spoonful, promising a memorable meal.

Creamy broth embraces every ingredient with gentle intensity.

Let this recipe transport you to a cozy trattoria with its soul-warming magic.

FAQs

• Is turkey sausage healthier than traditional pork sausage?

Turkey sausage is lower in fat and calories compared to pork sausage, making it a leaner protein option for those watching their diet.

• Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to boost the heat level according to your preference.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Add extra potatoes or include additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase the soup’s volume and nutritional value.

• Is kale necessary for this recipe?

While kale adds nutrition and authentic flavor, you can substitute with spinach or Swiss chard if kale is unavailable or not to your liking.

Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana Soup with Turkey Sausage Magic

• Healthier Twist: Swap traditional pork sausage with lean turkey sausage, creating a nutritious soup packed with protein and lower in fat.
• Quick Comfort Food: Prepare a hearty, restaurant-inspired meal in under 30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleasing Soup: Delivers bold flavors with kale, spicy red pepper flakes, and creamy broth that appeals to both adults and kids, making it an ideal family dinner option.
• Versatile One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Ingredients to Recreate This Classic Italian Soup at Home

• Turkey Sausage: A lean and flavorful alternative to traditional pork sausage that adds a rich, hearty taste to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic aromatics provide a deep, savory foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
• Potatoes: Starchy and comforting potatoes add substance and a creamy texture to the soup.
• Kale: A nutrient-dense, slightly bitter green that brings a fresh and earthy element to the dish.

• Chicken Broth, Water: The primary liquid base that creates the soup's consistent texture and helps develop the overall flavor.
• Heavy Cream: A rich dairy ingredient that adds smoothness and luxurious thickness to the soup.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A spicy ingredient that provides a subtle heat and warmth to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Prepare Zuppa Toscana with Perfect Turkey Sausage Flavor

Step 1: Brown Turkey Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium flame and cook turkey sausage until it develops a rich, golden color. Transfer the browned sausage to a separate plate, leaving behind delicious drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot, toss chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent.

Step 3: Simmer Potatoes in Broth

Pour in chicken broth and water, then add diced potatoes.

Allow the mixture to gently simmer until the potatoes become tender and soft.

Step 4: Add Hearty Ingredients

• Chopped kale
• Red pepper flakes

Cook the mixture for approximately 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Incorporate Creamy Texture

Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, creating a rich and velvety consistency.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately with crusty bread on the side.

Tips for Achieving the Ideal Balance of Spices and Creaminess

• Swap traditional pork sausage with lean turkey sausage for a healthier protein option that cuts down on fat without sacrificing flavor.
• Chop kale into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking and easier eating, helping distribute the greens throughout the soup.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with less and add more gradually to suit personal heat preferences.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to manage salt content, allowing diners to season individually according to taste.
• For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, maintaining the soup's rich and creamy texture.

Unique Twists to Personalize Your Zuppa Toscana Soup

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu, maintaining the soup's hearty texture and spicy flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the soup's creamy consistency.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and ensure plant-based sausage for a lactose-free version that preserves the original soup's richness.
• Spicy Herb Boost: Add fresh rosemary and increase red pepper flakes for an extra zingy, aromatic version of the classic zuppa toscana.

What to Serve with This Hearty Italian Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty soup into deep ceramic bowls, creating a warm and inviting presentation that feels like a hug from the inside.
• Rustic Farmhouse Style: Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread or garlic toast, allowing diners to soak up the rich, creamy broth with each delicious bite.
• Winter Wellness Feast: Pair with a light mixed green salad to balance the soup's richness, making it a complete and nutritious meal perfect for chilly evenings.
• Game Night Favorite: Offer in small mugs or ramekins as a satisfying appetizer during movie nights or sports gatherings, letting guests enjoy a taste of Tuscany.

Best Storage Practices for Zuppa Toscana Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep kale separate if possible to prevent wilting and maintain its texture.
• Cool soup completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent bacterial growth.
• Avoid freezing this soup due to cream's tendency to separate when thawed.

Hearty Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive Garden zuppa toscana soup delivers hearty Italian comfort with lean turkey sausage and crisp kale. Creamy potato base and savory herbs create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) turkey sausage, casing removed

Vegetables and Greens:

• 4 medium russet potatoes, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups kale, chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 3 cups (710 milliliters) water
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown turkey sausage in a large pot over medium heat, breaking into crumbles until fully cooked. Transfer to a separate plate.
2. In the same pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth and water, then add sliced potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil and reduce heat, allowing potatoes to simmer until fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Return cooked turkey sausage to the pot, then incorporate chopped kale and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly and allow ingredients to meld together for 4-5 minutes.
5. Lower heat and slowly pour in heavy cream, gently stirring to integrate and prevent curdling. Maintain a low simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
7. Ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve immediately while hot, garnishing with optional fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Swap traditional pork sausage with lean turkey sausage for a healthier, lower-fat version of this classic Italian soup.
• Use gluten-free chicken broth and skip flour-based thickeners to make the recipe completely gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• For a dairy-free alternative, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to maintain the soup’s rich, creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 282 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg