Looking for something warm, hearty, and downright delicious? 🍲 Zuppa Toscana, a creamy Tuscan-inspired soup with Italian sausage, potatoes, spinach, and a touch of bacon, might just be your new favorite recipe. This copycat version by Damn Delicious of Olive Garden's fan-favorite soup is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for cozy nights and hosting guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes = more time to enjoy your soup.
- Better Than Restaurant Quality: Homemade always tastes fresher!
- Packed with Flavor: Tangy sausage, creamy potatoes, and crispy bacon = a perfect bowl of comfort.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create Zuppa Toscana from scratch. You might already have most of these in your kitchen!
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (or mild if you prefer less heat)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cups baby spinach (feel free to swap for kale if you’d like)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pro Tip: Don’t forget some toasty bread on the side for dipping! 🥖
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy (about 6-8 minutes). Place on a paper towel to drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage
Using the same pot, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat, but leave about 2 tablespoons in the pot for extra flavor.
3. Sauté Garlic & Onion
Add garlic and onions to the pot. Stir frequently for about 2-3 minutes until your kitchen smells amazing, and the onions are translucent.
4. Add Broth & Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and toss in the cubed potatoes. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for around 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are perfectly tender.
5. Wilt the Spinach
Stir in the spinach and allow it to wilt for 1-2 minutes.
6. Add the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream slowly at the end, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream to prevent curdling.
7. Taste & Season
Give your soup a quick taste test and add salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve & Garnish
Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with crispy bacon, and serve immediately. Enjoy the ultimate comfort food! 🍽️
Optional Garnish Add-Ons: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese or extra red pepper flakes for spice lovers!
Customization & Tips
Want to make this recipe your own? Try these ideas!
- Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a similar texture and flavor.
- Low-Carb Twist: Swap potatoes with cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.
- Love Kale? Feel free to use it instead of spinach.
What to Serve with Zuppa Toscana
Complete your meal with these perfect sides:
- Garlic Parmesan Knots 🥖
- Italian Chopped Salad 🥗
- No-Knead Bread 🍞
Is It Freezer-Friendly?
Yes, you can freeze Zuppa Toscana—just leave out the heavy cream and bacon before freezing (these don’t freeze well). When reheating, add the cream and bacon back in for fresh flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about curling up with a warm, homemade bowl of soup—and Zuppa Toscana hits all the right notes. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner, a cozy family night, or meal prep for the week, you can’t go wrong with this recipe.
Happy cooking!
