The Coziest Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Recipe

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty Olive Garden zuppa toscana soup that reimagines a classic Italian favorite.

Savory turkey sausage brings robust flavor to every spoonful of this warm, inviting dish.

Creamy potatoes and tender greens dance together in a rich broth that whispers of rustic kitchens.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet satisfying recipe that feels like a culinary hug.

Home cooks can easily master this soul-warming soup with just a few straightforward ingredients.

Crisp kale and smoky sausage create a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it part of your regular meal rotation.

Why Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Is Loved

• Craft with Ease: This potato salad recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or home cooks looking for a simple side dish.
• Quick and Convenient: Prepare the ingredients in just a few steps, with most of the time spent letting the salad chill and develop rich, tangy flavors.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A classic dish that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents, guaranteed to be a hit at family gatherings, picnics, and summer barbecues.
• Fresh Herb Delight: The addition of fresh dill brings a bright, zesty flavor that elevates this traditional potato salad from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a memorable taste experience.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana

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

• Onion: A foundational aromatic that provides a sweet and savory depth to the soup's flavor profile.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall taste and adds complexity to the dish.
• Kale: A nutrient-dense leafy green that introduces a slight bitterness and robust texture to the soup.
• Potatoes: A starchy vegetable that helps thicken the soup and provides a satisfying, comforting element.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy cooking fat that helps sauté the vegetables and develops initial flavor.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid base that adds depth and richness to the soup.
• Water: Helps to adjust the soup's consistency and volume.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth texture and adds richness to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Classic seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's overall taste, with red pepper flakes offering optional heat.

How to Make Zuppa Toscana With Sausage

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Gently sauté diced onions until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 2: Infuse with Aromatic Garlic

Toss in minced garlic and cook for a brief moment, allowing its fragrant essence to permeate the pot.

Step 3: Brown the Savory Sausage

Add turkey sausage to the pot, breaking it into small pieces.

Cook until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and develops a rich, caramelized exterior.

Step 4: Create the Soup Base

Pour in chicken broth and water.

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.

Step 5: Introduce Hearty Potatoes

Drop in diced potatoes and let them simmer until they become tender and easily pierced with a fork, typically around 15 minutes.

Step 6: Add Creamy Richness and Greens

Reduce the heat and gently stir in heavy cream and chopped kale. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 7: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming, fragrant soup into bowls and serve immediately. The combination of creamy broth, hearty sausage, and tender vegetables creates a comforting meal that warms both body and soul.

Helpful Notes for Zuppa Toscana

• Replace traditional pork sausage with lean turkey sausage for a healthier, lower-fat version of the classic soup.
• Chop kale into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution and easier eating throughout the soup.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and customize the soup's seasoning to personal taste preferences.
• Allow soup to simmer gently to prevent cream from curdling and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.

Flavor Twists for Zuppa Toscana Soup

• Vegetarian Zuppa: Replace turkey sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or spicy lentils. Add extra mushrooms for meaty texture and depth.
• Spicy Southwest: Swap kale for spinach, add diced green chiles, and use jalapeño-infused sausage. Top with crispy tortilla strips for crunch.
• Lean Green Version: Use chicken sausage instead of turkey, double the kale, and add zucchini noodles for extra nutrition. Garnish with fresh herbs.
• Creamy Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with roasted cauliflower florets. Use coconut cream for dairy-free option and add smoked paprika for rich flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Zuppa Toscana

• Pair this hearty soup with crusty sourdough bread, perfect for soaking up the rich, creamy broth and catching every delicious morsel.
• Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of savory flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Serve in deep ceramic bowls with a side of warm garlic breadsticks to create a comforting, restaurant-style experience at home.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to add brightness and depth to the soup's robust profile.
• Create a complete meal by adding a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness.

How to Store Zuppa Toscana Soup Properly

• Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of extra broth if the soup seems too thick.
• For best quality, store kale separately and add when reheating to maintain its texture and prevent wilting.

FAQs

• Is turkey sausage healthier than traditional pork sausage?

Turkey sausage is leaner, contains less fat, and offers a lower-calorie alternative to pork sausage while maintaining great flavor in the soup.

• Can I make this soup spicy?

Add red pepper flakes during cooking or sprinkle them on top when serving to increase heat levels according to your preference.

• How do I prevent kale from becoming too tough?

Add kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking to keep it tender and maintain its bright green color and nutritional value.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture when cooked in the soup.

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Olive Garden zuppa toscana soup combines hearty turkey sausage with classic Italian flavors for a comforting meal. Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant favorite with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey sausage
• 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (237 ml) water
• 4 cups (600 g) russet potatoes, sliced thin
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (100 g) kale, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and soft.
2. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Incorporate turkey sausage into the pot, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until it develops a rich, golden-brown exterior.
4. Stream chicken broth and water into the pot, elevating the heat to generate a robust boil.
5. Carefully add cubed potatoes, allowing them to simmer and tenderize for roughly 15 minutes, ensuring they reach a fork-friendly consistency.
6. Reduce the heat to a gentle setting, then fold in velvety heavy cream and vibrant kale, letting the ingredients meld together for 5 minutes.
7. Enhance the soup’s flavor profile by seasoning with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle heat.
8. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, presenting a comforting and hearty dish ready to be savored immediately.

Notes

• Swap spicy turkey sausage with mild version for kid-friendly meal or sensitive palates.
• Reduce cream or use milk alternatives like coconut milk for lighter, lower-calorie option.
• Chop kale into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution and easier eating experience.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and minimize kitchen time.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg