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If you love Olive Garden's famous Zuppa Toscana Soup, you are going to fall head over heels for this homemade version! This Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup is loaded with savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy broth.

The best part? You can make this delicious restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen with just a handful of simple ingredients.

There is something so comforting about a big bowl of homemade soup, especially when the weather starts getting chilly. This hearty, creamy soup is one of those recipes that tastes like you spent hours making it, but it actually comes together in about 40 minutes.

Serve it with warm, crusty bread or homemade breadsticks, and you have a restaurant-quality dinner that the entire family will love.

Why You'll Love This Copycat Zuppa Toscana Soup

I am a huge fan of recreating restaurant favorites at home, and this soup is one of my favorites for several reasons.

• Easy to make: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Budget-friendly: Making a big batch at home is an affordable way to enjoy your favorite restaurant soup.
• Full of flavor: Italian sausage, bacon, garlic, and creamy broth create an incredible combination.
• Perfect for leftovers: The flavors get even better after sitting overnight.
• Great for cold weather: This hearty soup is perfect for cozy fall evenings and chilly winter nights.

And honestly, there's nothing better than having a big pot of homemade soup simmering away on the stove.

What Is Zuppa Toscana Soup?

Zuppa Toscana literally translates to "Tuscan soup" in Italian.

Traditional Tuscan soups can include beans, vegetables, potatoes, and leafy greens. However, the version made famous by Olive Garden is a creamy American restaurant-style variation featuring Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and bacon.

The combination of smoky bacon, flavorful sausage, and rich cream makes this soup absolutely irresistible.

If you've ever ordered the soup, salad, and breadsticks at Olive Garden, you already know how delicious this soup is!

Ingredients for Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup

One of the things I love most about this recipe is that the ingredients are simple and easy to find at just about any grocery store.

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced or cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups chopped fresh kale, stems removed
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

A Few Notes About the Ingredients

Italian sausage: This is where so much of the soup's flavor comes from. I like using mild Italian sausage, but if you enjoy a little heat, spicy Italian sausage is delicious.

Potatoes: Russet potatoes work beautifully because they become tender and help thicken the soup slightly. Yukon Gold potatoes are another great option.

Kale: Fresh kale is the traditional leafy green used in Olive Garden's version. Remove the tough stems before chopping.

Heavy cream: This gives the soup its signature rich, creamy texture.

Bacon: Don't skip the bacon! It adds a wonderful smoky flavor that brings everything together.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup

This homemade soup is incredibly easy to prepare, and you only need one large soup pot or Dutch oven.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot and discard the rest.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage

Add the Italian sausage to the same pot.

Break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and completely cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

Remove any excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Add the Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion to the sausage and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until softened.

Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.

Cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Your kitchen should be smelling pretty amazing by now!

Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Broth

Add the sliced potatoes, chicken broth, and water to the pot.

Give everything a good stir, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

If your potatoes are cut into larger chunks, they may need a few additional minutes.

Step 5: Add the Kale and Heavy Cream

Once the potatoes are tender, reduce the heat to low.

Stir in the chopped kale, heavy whipping cream, and most of the cooked bacon.

Let the soup gently warm for another 3–5 minutes, until the kale is tender and everything is heated through.

Avoid bringing the soup to a rolling boil after adding the cream.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Ladle into bowls and top with the remaining crispy bacon and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately with warm breadsticks or crusty bread for dipping.

Trust me, you're going to want something to soak up every last drop of that creamy broth!

Tips for Making the Best Zuppa Toscana Soup

After making homemade soups over the years, I've learned a few tricks that help take a simple recipe from good to absolutely delicious.

1. Slice your potatoes evenly.

Whether you prefer thin slices or bite-sized chunks, keeping the potatoes about the same size helps them cook evenly.

2. Don't drain all the bacon grease.

A little bacon grease adds wonderful flavor to the soup. Just be sure to remove most of it so your soup doesn't become greasy.

3. Use freshly minced garlic.

Fresh garlic gives this soup a more pronounced flavor than garlic powder.

4. Add the cream toward the end.

Adding heavy cream during the final few minutes keeps the broth smooth and creamy.

5. Adjust the spice level.

If you love a little heat, use hot Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder soup, use sweet or mild Italian sausage.

What to Serve With Zuppa Toscana Soup

This soup is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but I love pairing it with something delicious on the side.

Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

• Homemade breadsticks: Perfect for dipping into that creamy broth.
• Crusty sourdough bread: A thick slice of homemade sourdough is wonderful alongside this soup.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with Italian dressing balances out the richness.
• Garlic bread: Because you can never have too much garlic bread!
• Homemade dinner rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for soaking up every bit of soup.

If you're making this for a family dinner, set out a basket of warm bread and let everyone help themselves.

How to Store Leftover Zuppa Toscana Soup

If you happen to have leftovers, you're in luck because this soup is just as delicious the next day.

Refrigerating

Allow the soup to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating

Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

The potatoes may absorb some of the broth as the soup sits, so you can add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed.

Can You Freeze Zuppa Toscana Soup?

You can freeze it, but creamy soups containing potatoes don't always have the best texture after thawing.

The cream may separate, and the potatoes can become slightly grainy or mushy.

My favorite freezer tip: Prepare the soup without adding the heavy cream or kale. Freeze the cooled sausage, potato, and broth mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.

When you're ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator, reheat thoroughly, and stir in the fresh kale and heavy cream at the end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zuppa Toscana Soup spicy?

It depends on the Italian sausage you use.

Mild Italian sausage creates a flavorful soup without much heat. If you use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes, the soup will have a little kick.

Can I make Zuppa Toscana Soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely!

Brown the sausage and cook the bacon before adding them to the slow cooker.

Add the onion, garlic, potatoes, chicken broth, water, and seasonings.

Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

Stir in the heavy cream and kale during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.

Can I use frozen kale?

Yes! Frozen kale works well in this recipe.

Just make sure it's chopped into manageable pieces and add it toward the end of cooking.

What kind of potatoes does Olive Garden use?

The restaurant-style version typically features thinly sliced potatoes with the skins left on.

Russet potatoes are a great choice for recreating that texture at home.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the soup a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

For the best texture, consider waiting to add the cream and kale until you're reheating the soup.

More Delicious Homemade Soup Recipes

If you love cozy, comforting soups like this one, be sure to check out more of my homemade soup recipes here on Jen Around the World.

• Butternut Squash Soup
• Japanese Clear Soup (Copycat Hibachi Onion Soup)
• Easy Stuffed Pepper Soup

From hearty chicken soups to creamy comfort food favorites, there is nothing better than a homemade bowl of soup on a chilly day.

Final Thoughts

Making your favorite restaurant recipes at home is one of my favorite ways to save money while still enjoying a delicious meal.

This Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup has everything you love about the restaurant version: savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh kale, and that wonderfully creamy broth.

It's easy enough for a busy weeknight but comforting enough to serve for a cozy Sunday dinner.

The next time you're craving Olive Garden's famous soup, skip the takeout and make a big pot right in your own kitchen. And if you love all things Olive Garden, be sure to check out my recipes for Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe and Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup.

And don't forget the breadsticks!