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Toscana Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) Recipe

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4 from 73 reviews

This Toscana soup recipe is a delicious homemade copycat of the popular Olive Garden dish. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, fresh kale, and a creamy broth, this comforting soup is perfect for a hearty family meal. The combination of rich flavors and fresh ingredients creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that can be ready in just 40 minutes.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Sausage and Aromatics

  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium white onion, peeled and diced

Vegetables and Broth

  • 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
  • 5 to 6 cups chicken stock
  • 2 to 3 cups chopped fresh kale

Cream and Seasoning

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 6 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat and cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, reserving 1 tablespoon of the grease in the pot, and discard the rest of the excess grease. Optionally rinse the cooked sausage briefly in a strainer to remove additional grease. Set aside.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same stockpot with the reserved grease, add diced onions and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until translucent. Then add minced garlic and sauté for another minute, stirring to avoid burning.
  3. Simmer Potatoes and Sausage: Add diced Yukon Gold potatoes, chicken stock, and the cooked Italian sausage back into the stockpot. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Add Kale and Cream: Stir in the chopped fresh kale and heavy cream into the soup. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes to allow the kale to soften and the flavors to meld. Season the soup with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls while warm. Garnish each serving with crumbled cooked bacon for an added smoky crunch. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute kale with spinach if preferred, but kale adds a nice texture and flavor.
  • For a lower fat version, use turkey sausage and reduce or omit the heavy cream.
  • If you want a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the cream.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop.
  • Use freshly cooked bacon for garnish to add a smoky depth and crispy texture.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American