Description
This copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Kale Soup recipe brings together spicy Italian sausage, creamy broth, tender potatoes, and fresh kale for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or meal prep, this sausage and kale soup is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional)
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 5 cups russet potatoes, thinly sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups kale, chopped (stems removed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook bacon until crispy (if using). Add diced onion and sauté 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking 1 more minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add sliced potatoes and cook until tender, about 10–15 minutes.
- Return sausage to the pot. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream.
- Add kale and simmer 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Don’t overcook kale — it only needs a few minutes to wilt.
- Swap russet potatoes for Yukon golds for a creamier texture.
- Soup tastes even better the next day — perfect for make-ahead meals.
- Spinach can be used instead of kale; add it just before serving.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Italian-Inspired
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, Olive Garden Soup, Kale Soup Recipe, Italian Sausage Soup, Comfort Food Soup