Zuppa Toscana

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Creamy, hearty, and brimming with bold Italian flavor, Zuppa Toscana is the ultimate comfort soup for chilly nights or cozy weekends. Packed with crumbled sausage, tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and fresh kale swimming in a silky, garlicky broth, it’s a satisfying one-bowl meal that delivers both rustic simplicity and luxurious taste.

Whether you’re replicating your favorite Olive Garden experience or simply want a homemade dish that hits all the right notes, this soup is your go-to. It’s easy to make, wildly flavorful, and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. And best of all? It tastes even better the next day!

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Why You’ll Love This Zuppa Toscana

• Comfort food at its finest: Creamy, savory, and layered with textures.
• Family favorite: Even picky eaters love it!
• Meal prep-friendly: Tastes great when reheated.
• One-pot simplicity: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
• Perfect for any season: Rich enough for winter, light enough for spring.

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Can I Use a Different Sausage in Zuppa Toscana?

Absolutely. While traditional Zuppa Toscana uses spicy Italian sausage for its signature kick, you can swap it with mild Italian sausage or even chicken sausage for a lighter variation. For a smoky twist, try using andouille or chorizo, but note that these will change the overall flavor profile.

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Ingredients for the Zuppa Toscana

Each ingredient in Zuppa Toscana plays a role in creating its signature flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and a touch of heat. Spicy or mild both work.
• Thick-Cut Bacon: Brings smoky depth and irresistible crisp bits.
• Yellow Onion: Forms a sweet and savory base for the broth.
• Garlic Cloves: Essential for depth and classic Italian aroma.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy and buttery; they hold up beautifully in soup.
• Chicken Broth: The savory base that ties everything together.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the soup its signature velvety texture.
• Kale: Adds freshness and a slight bitterness to balance the creaminess.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but enhances the sausage’s spice.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that brings everything to life.

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How to Make the Zuppa Toscana

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave a bit of the bacon fat for flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Add Italian sausage to the pot and break it apart while it cooks. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Saute the Aromatics

Add chopped onion to the sausage and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer the Potatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Add the Greens

Stir in the chopped kale and cook for another 5 minutes until wilted.

Step 6: Make it Creamy

Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Let the soup warm through without boiling. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Return the crispy bacon to the pot. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra bacon or parmesan cheese if desired.

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Serving and Storing Your Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana is perfect for feeding 6 hearty portions, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping. Serve it hot, with a side of garlic bread or a hunk of sourdough to soak up the broth.

For storing, let the soup cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats wonderfully. If freezing, leave out the cream and add it when reheating for best texture.

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What to Serve With Zuppa Toscana?

Crusty Garlic Bread

To soak up every last drop of that rich, creamy broth.

Classic Caesar Salad

The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing balance the soup’s creaminess.

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Adds a savory crunch to round out the meal.

Olive Tapenade Crostini

A salty, briny bite that complements the soup’s richness.

Tomato Mozzarella Skewers

A refreshing contrast to the warm bowl.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Slightly bitter and caramelized—great contrast to creamy soup.

Herbed Focaccia

A fluffy and flavorful bread option with Italian flair.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet, tangy, and the perfect veggie side.

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Want More Soup Ideas?

If you loved this creamy Zuppa Toscana, you’ll adore these comforting soup creations too:

• Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup – velvety, cheesy, and packed with nutrients.
• Tuscan Bean Soup – another hearty classic with a plant-based twist.
• Italian Sausage Soup – bold, rustic, and ultra-satisfying.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta – a pasta take on creamy soup flavors.
• Wendy’s Copycat Chili – loaded with beans, beef, and warmth.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it on a cozy night.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick to the classic or add your own twist? Maybe swapped the kale for spinach? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions welcome too—let’s make cooking easier together.

Explore more cozy soup creations and hearty meals on Lorenzo Devereaux Recipes and discover a new favorite for every season!

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