Zuppa Toscana is a hearty and comforting Italian soup that originated in Tuscany. It’s known for its rich and creamy broth, flavorful Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale. This soup is a perfect meal for chilly days or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make a super delicious Zuppa Toscana that rivals the Olive Garden version!
Ingredients for Super Delicious Zuppa Toscana
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How to Make Super Delicious Zuppa Toscana
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Cook the Bacon: Add the chopped bacon to the pot with the cooked sausage and cook until the bacon is crispy.
- Saute the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot with the sausage and bacon. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add Broth and Water: Pour the chicken broth and water into the pot with the sausage, bacon, onion, and garlic. Stir to combine.
- Add Potatoes and Seasonings: Add the sliced potatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a simmer.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Kale and Cream: Stir in the chopped kale and heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the kale is wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Serve: Ladle the Zuppa Toscana into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
- Italian Sausage: Italian sausage adds a rich and savory flavor to the soup. You can use mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference.
- Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor to the soup, complementing the other ingredients.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth of flavor to the soup and are essential in Italian cooking.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth forms the base of the soup and adds a savory flavor.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are used in this recipe for their starchy texture, which helps to thicken the soup.
- Kale: Kale is a nutritious leafy green that adds color and texture to the soup. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the soup, making it comforting and satisfying.
This super delicious Zuppa Toscana is a perfect meal for any day of the week. It’s easy to make and full of comforting flavors. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal!
