Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa-Toscana

If you’re in the mood for a hearty soup, this copycat Zuppa Toscana is the recipe for you. It’s a one-pot dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes, packed with savory sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh spinach.

It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy all those comforting flavors at home without spending too much time or money.

Zuppa-Toscana

Whether you're seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty dish to impress guests, this Zuppa Toscana recipe delivers. What's not to love?! It's satisfying, delicious, and so easy to make. Sure to become a staple recipe in your kitchen.

Recipe Video

 

Why This Recipe Works

This copycat Zuppa Toscana recipe works beautifully for several reasons. It's easy to make, with straightforward steps that even novice cooks can follow with confidence. With a simplified ingredient list, this delicious comfort food is ready in under 30 minutes.

Another strong point is customization. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit different dietary needs or preferences. For example, you can swap Italian sausage for turkey or vegetarian sausage, use coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or replace potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb alternative.

Additionally, this is an incredibly fulfilling meal that won't disappoint. The hearty combination of sausage, potatoes, and cream creates a rich, satisfying soup that's perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Bacon and Italian Sausage:

While Italian sausage is typical for an authentic Zuppa Toscana, bacon is an additional element that is not typical of this recipe. Bacon provides smoky saltiness, while Italian sausage offers a hearty, slightly spicy element. For substitutions, use pancetta for a similar flavor, turkey bacon for a lighter option, or smoked tempeh for a vegetarian version. Substitute Italian sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a healthier choice, chorizo for a spicier kick, or vegetarian sausage for a plant-based alternative.

Onions and Garlic:

Onions and garlic are essential for adding depth and aroma to Zuppa Toscana. If needed, substitute onions with shallots for a milder flavor or leeks for a sweeter, more delicate taste. Garlic can be replaced with garlic powder or roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor. You can even add more vegetables along with the onions and garlic to create a heartier and more nutritious Zuppa Toscana. Veggies like carrots, celery, mushrooms, and bell peppers all make excellent additions to this Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana recipe.

Chicken Broth:

Chicken broth is a crucial element for this healthy Zuppa Toscana due to its rich, savory base. If substituting, use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian option or beef broth for a deeper, heartier flavor.

Italian Seasoning:

Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs that gives this easy Zuppa Toscana recipe its classic Italian flavor. If you don't have Italian seasoning on hand, you can make your own by using some herbs that you may have in your pantry. Combine 2 tablespoons each of dried basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, 1 tablespoon of marjoram, and 1 tablespoon of sage which is optional. This will give you more than you need to make your Zuppa Toscana so you can save the rest in a jar for another recipe.

Potatoes:

Red potatoes are used in this  Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana recipe because they have a slightly waxy texture that holds up well during cooking. You can also use Yukon gold potatoes as they hold their shape well, too. However, they offer a more butty texture. Additionally, you can experiment with sweet potatoes to add a sweeter flavor, or if you want to make a low-carb Zuppa Toscana, you can try cauliflower which provides a similar texture without the starch. 

Heavy Cream:

For a creamy Zuppa Toscana, use whipping or heavy cream for added richness. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter option or whole milk for a less rich texture. Coconut and almond milk both work well as dairy-free alternatives, while cashew cream offers a fully vegan option.

Spinach:

Spinach adds nutritional value, a mild earthy flavor, a tender texture, and a vibrant color to Zuppa Toscana. It's rich in vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and fiber, enhancing the soup's health benefits. Both fresh and frozen spinach can be used; just thaw and drain frozen spinach before adding it to the soup. If you dont have or like spinach, you can also use kale or Swiss chard as an equally healthy alternative.

How to Make Zuppa Toscana

Step One: 

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking the sausage into small pieces with a spoon. 

Step Two: 

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent.

Step Three: 

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step Four:

Pour in a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Then add the remaining chicken broth plus the water, Italian seasoning, salt pepper, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step Five: 

Slowly pour in the cream, stirring gently to combine and avoid curdling.

Step Six: 

Stir in the spinach and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until it is wilted and tender.

Step Seven: 

Ladle the Zuppa Toscana into bowls, serve, and enjoy!

Tips

  • After browning the sausage, ensure you deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth or white wine. This will help lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom and incorporate them into your creamy broth.
  • Slice the potatoes thinly for quicker cooking.

What to Serve With Zuppa Toacana

When serving your homemade Zuppa Toscana, there are a number of excellent side dishes to pair with it. Consider pairing it with a side of crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. A fresh, mixed green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy soup. For added variety, roasted vegetables such as carrots, peppers, or Brussels sprouts make a nutritious side.

Need more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Zuppa Toscana for 16 delicious side dishes.

Zuppa-Toscana bite

FAQs

Can I make this Zuppa Toscana in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the bacon and sausage and sauté the onions and garlic as usual. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the spinach and cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover Zuppa Toscana can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer-term storage up to 3 months, but it's best to freeze it without the cream.

What's the best way to reheat leftover Zuppa Toscana?

If it's frozen, ensure you thaw it first. Then, you can gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid curdling.

More Soup Recipes

Nothing is more comforting than a bowl of delicious soup like this rich and creamy Zuppa Toscana. If you enjoy curling up with a warm bowl from time to time, then this collection of soup recipes is for you.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Instant Pot Taco Soup

Instant Pot French Onion Soup

Corn Egg Drop Soup

Zuppa-Toscana

Zuppa Toscana

Looking for a quick Olive Garden copycat? This one-pot Zuppa Toscana is ready in 30 minutes, loaded with sausage, potatoes, and spinach.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Zuppa Toscana, Zuppa Toscana copycat, Zuppa Toscana Recipe, Zuppa Toscana Soup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Corrie

Ingredients

  • 5 strips bacon chopped
  • 1 pound Italian sausage ground
  • ยฝ white onion diced
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cup chicken broth
  • 4 cups water
  • ยผ cup Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper to taste
  • 4 red potatoes chopped
  • 1 cup cream
  • 1 cup spinach

Instructions

  • Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and brown the bacon and sausage.
  • Once browned, add onion to your bacon and sausage and cook until opaque.
  • Add the minced garlic to the mix and cook until aromatic.
  • Stir in the chicken broth, water, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and potatoes. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the cream to avoid curdling, and bring to a simmer.
  • Mix in the spinach and cook for another 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
  • Remove from heat, serve, and enjoy ๐Ÿ™‚

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 784kcal Carbohydrates: 42g Protein: 24g Fat: 59g Saturated Fat: 27g Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g Monounsaturated Fat: 22g Cholesterol: 157mg Sodium: 1922mg Potassium: 1455mg Fiber: 6g Sugar: 6g Vitamin A: 1650IU Vitamin C: 25mg Calcium: 161mg Iron: 4mg

Notes

  • After browning the sausage, deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth or white wine. This will help lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
  • Slice the potatoes thinly for quicker cooking.
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