Today, I want to share with you a delicious recipe for Creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup that is better than the one you can get at Olive Garden. This recipe, brought to you by OneStopChop, is sure to impress your taste buds. Packed with flavors from Italian sausage, bacon, potatoes, kale, and seasonings, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser.

To make this soup, you’ll need ingredients like bacon, Italian sausage, garlic, onion, chicken broth, russet potatoes, kale, whipping cream, parmesan cheese, and some seasonings. The preparation process involves cooking down the bacon and Italian sausage, adding in the rest of the ingredients, and simmering until the soup is nice and creamy. Serve it with some garlic crustinis for the ultimate dining experience. Trust me, this soup is a winner and worth trying out!

Zuppa Toscana: A Creamy and Flavorful Soup Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a comforting and delicious soup, look no further than Zuppa Toscana. This creamy and flavorful soup is packed with bacon, Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and a variety of seasonings. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day or to enjoy anytime you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making this homemade Zuppa Toscana that is even better than what you can get at Olive Garden. So put on your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds!

Ingredients

Before we dive into the preparation process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients for our Zuppa Toscana. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 6 oz bacon, chopped
• 1 lb Italian Sausage, preferably spicy or hot
• 1 medium head garlic, 6-8 large cloves, peeled and minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth/stock (48 oz)
• 4 cups water (32 oz)
• 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/4″ thick pieces
• 1 kale bundle, leaves stripped and chopped (6 cups)
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1 Tbsp Italian or garlic and herb seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese to serve (optional)

Now that we have everything ready, let’s get started with the preparation process.

Preparation

Cooking the Bacon

To begin, take a large pot and cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. The bacon will render out some of its fat, which will add flavor to the soup. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

Cooking the Italian Sausage

In the same pot, add the Italian sausage (preferably spicy or hot) and cook it until it is browned and crumbled. Similar to the bacon, the Italian sausage will bring a delicious and savory taste to our Zuppa Toscana.

Adding the Onion and Garlic

Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked Italian sausage. Sauté them together until they become fragrant and the onions turn translucent. This step will enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.

Adding the Potatoes

Now, it’s time to add the chopped russet potatoes to the pot. Stir them well with the sausage, onion, and garlic mixture, ensuring that the potatoes are evenly coated.

Boiling and Cooking the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are added, pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Allow the potatoes to cook until they become fork-tender. This will usually take around 15-20 minutes.

Adding the Sausage Crumbles and Bacon

After the potatoes have cooked through and become tender, return the cooked Italian sausage crumbles and the previously cooked and set aside bacon back to the pot. Give the soup a good stir to incorporate all the flavors together.

Adding the Heavy Cream and Cheese

To make the soup creamy and rich, pour in the whipping cream. Stir it well to combine with the other ingredients. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to the soup. The cream and cheese will add a luscious texture and enhance the overall taste.

Seasoning the Soup

Now it’s time to add the seasoning to our Zuppa Toscana. Sprinkle in the Italian or garlic and herb seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference and stir well to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the soup.

Adding the Kale

The final ingredient to add to our Zuppa Toscana is the kale. Strip the leaves from the kale bundle and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Add the kale to the soup and let it cook for about 5 to 10 minutes. The kale will wilt and become tender during this time, adding a vibrant green color and a healthy component to the dish.

Simmering the Soup

Once the kale has cooked to your desired tenderness, let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow all the flavors to come together. The aroma from the sausage, bacon, and seasonings will fill your kitchen, making you even more excited to taste the final product.

Garnish and Serving

Making Garlic Croutons

To complement the Zuppa Toscana, you can make some delicious garlic croutons to serve alongside the soup. Simply take some bread slices and cut them into cubes. Toss the cubes with garlic powder or minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Bake them in the oven at 375°F until they become golden and crispy. The garlic croutons will provide a delightful crunch and extra flavor to your soup.

Serving the Soup

Once the Zuppa Toscana is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each portion includes a good amount of sausage, bacon, potatoes, and kale. If desired, sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish. Serve the soup hot and pair it with the homemade garlic croutons for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully prepared a creamy and flavorful Zuppa Toscana that is even better than what you can get at Olive Garden. This hearty soup is a perfect choice for any occasion, whether you’re looking for comfort food or wanting to impress your family and friends. The combination of bacon, Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving for more. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious soup, try out this homemade Zuppa Toscana recipe and enjoy a bowl full of warmth and satisfaction.