This zuppa toscana recipe is perfect for a cozy fall night, a romantic date night, or a girl’s night! It’s layered with textures to delight your palate and a flavor that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
Let me tell you a semi-embarrassing story. When I was in high school, I would make my mom take me to Olive Garden at least once per week so I could have endless Zuppa Toscana and breadsticks. I did not hold back on the endless soup at the time. This was before I started focusing on health and learned anything about calories and nutrition.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with this soup. It is hardier because of the sausage, potatoes, and heavy cream. But it is mostly a broth-based soup with some cream plus it contains kale! If you have one portion of this soup served with a crisp Italian salad, it’s a great meal! But in the amounts I was eating it… it was not so great for my health or waistline.
Once I started learning about nutrition, I took a long break from Olive Garden and Zuppa Toscana altogether. But a few years back, I was reminded of this soup that I loved so much and started making my own at home. This may sound cliche, but the homemade version is ten times better than Olive Garden! Needless to say, I am super excited to share this recipe with you.
I am making this recipe again this weekend to serve for a girl’s night! This recipe is perfect for an Italian-themed girl’s night OR plan a romantic date at-home night for your spouse. I guarantee they will love this soup!
In this recipe, I use my salt-free Italian spice blend from my spice company – The Spice Girl Kitchen. I’m completely biased because it is, after all, my spice recipe and the best salt-free Italian seasoning on the market. But feel free to use whatever Italian spice you have on hand!
This post is all about Zuppa Toscana!
Zuppa Toscana Origin
This rustic Italian soup originally came from Tuscany and was popularized and Americanized by Olive Garden. Tuscany is famous for its rustic and flavorful cuisine. Even though this soup is an Italian-American version, it still tastes like the Italian countryside in my opinion!
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s take a look at all of the ingredients and what they bring to this rustic soup:
Hot Italian Sausage
Typically, Zuppa Toscana uses spicy Italian sausage for added flavor. But if you aren’t a fan of heat, opt for mild Italian sausage!
Potatoes
The potatoes are either sliced or large diced and add a hearty base to the soup. I recommend using russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best result.
Kale or Swiss Chard
It’s important to use a green that is tougher so it keeps its structure in the soup. Using spinach or any other more delicate green could break down too much in the soup and get lost. The structured greens add great color and an earthy flavor and texture to the soup. Plus, it boosts the micronutrient profile!
Chicken Broth
This soup is primarily a broth-based soup with added heavy cream. Keeping the base of the liquid primarily chicken broth keeps the soup lighter even though it has a hearty feel.
Heavy Cream
The cream adds richness to the soup! You can substitute it for non-dairy cream, but a higher fat content will yield the best result.
Onion and Garlic
These aromatics enhance the overall flavor.
Spices
My rustic Italian seasoning is PERFECT for this rustic Tuscany soup. If you like a touch of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Parmesan Cheese
This nutty cheese pairs perfectly with this soup as a lovely garnish to finish it off.
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Store & Reheat
As a general rule of thumb, soup tends to store and reheat well. That’s another reason I love this recipe!
Store
Fridge: Transfer the dish to a large glass storage container with an airtight lid. Allow it to cool to room temperature before securing the lid (about 30-45 minutes; the exact time depends on the amount of stew). Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Place the dish in the fridge to thaw overnight for best results.
Reheat
Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave on high for 1-3 minutes or until heated through. If reheating larger amounts, stir halfway through to warm it evenly.*
Stovetop: Place soup in a pot over medium heat. Once the soup is simmering, reduce to low and cover for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. You can add a splash of chicken broth if it is too thick. Stir occasionally.*
Oven: Not recommended.
* Total time depends on the amount you are reheating.
Zuppa Toscana
Ingredients
- 1 lb spicy or mild Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- parmesan rind, optional
- 1 tbsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 3-4 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional
- freshly shaved parmesan and fresh cracked pepper, for serving
Instructions
- In a large soup pot over medium heat, add the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. The sausage should contain enough fat to keep it from sticking, but you can add a drizzle of olive oil if it sticks. It's okay if the bottom of the pot gets a little brown. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add in the onion and saute for 3-4 minutes, until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute. The sausage should be fully brown by this point.
- Add the potatoes, chicken broth, parmesan rind, Italian seasoning, and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add in the kale, stir, cover again, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Test to see if the potatoes are tender by sliding a fork into one. The potatoes should be easily pierced by the fork. Add in the heavy cream and red pepper flakes, stir, and simmer for 1-2 additional minutes.
- Remove from heat, ladle into bowls, and serve with freshly shaved parmesan cheese and fresh cracked pepper. Enjoy!
Notes
Store & Reheat
As a general rule of thumb, soup tends to store and reheat well. That’s another reason I love this recipe!Store
Fridge: Transfer the dish to a large glass storage container with an airtight lid. Allow it to cool to room temperature before securing the lid (about 30-45 minutes; the exact time depends on the amount of stew). Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezer: You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Place the dish in the fridge to thaw overnight for best results.Reheat
Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave on high for 1-3 minutes or until heated through. If reheating larger amounts, stir halfway through to warm it evenly.* Stovetop: Place soup in a pot over medium heat. Once the soup is simmering, reduce to low and cover for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. You can add a splash of chicken broth if it is too thick. Stir occasionally.* Oven: Not recommended. * Total time depends on the amount you are reheating.This post was all about Zuppa Toscana.
Did you make this recipe? Make sure to tag me @thespicegirlkitchen_ on Instagram or @thespicegirlkitchen on TikTok! I love seeing your recreations! I will be your ultimate hype woman!
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