Hearty Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Recipe

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this hearty Olive Garden zuppa toscana soup that reimagines classic flavors with a leaner twist.

Spicy turkey sausage dances through creamy broth, inviting warmth into every spoonful.

Rich potatoes and tender kale create a satisfying melody of textures that instantly soothe.

Memories of cozy Italian kitchens blend seamlessly with home-style cooking techniques.

Each ingredient tells a story of rustic simplicity and nourishing goodness.

Our recipe brings restaurant-quality magic directly to your kitchen, promising a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this soul-warming soup.

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup with Turkey Sausage

• Swap and Save: Replace traditional pork sausage with lean turkey sausage, cutting down calories without sacrificing rich flavor.
• Quick Comfort Cooking: Prepare a hearty soup in less than an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or sudden hunger pangs.
• Nutritious Family Feast: Pack this soup with protein from turkey sausage and vitamins from kale, creating a balanced meal everyone will love.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single pot for cooking, making this recipe a stress-free culinary experience.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup with Turkey Sausage

• Turkey Sausage: A lean protein that adds rich, savory flavor to the soup and provides a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage.

• Onions, Garlic: These ingredients create a flavorful foundation that enhances the overall depth of the soup.

• Chicken Broth, Water: The primary liquid base that creates the soup's consistency and carries the soup's flavors.
• Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that add substance and a creamy texture to the soup.
• Kale: A nutrient-dense leafy green that provides a vibrant color and earthy taste to the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a smooth, luxurious texture to the soup.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's taste.

Step-by-Step Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup with Turkey Sausage

Step 1: Brown Turkey Sausage

Grab a large pot and heat it up over medium flame. Crumble the turkey sausage into the pot, cooking until it turns a beautiful golden brown color.

Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Base

In the same pot, toss in diced onions and minced garlic.

Stir and cook until the kitchen fills with a delicious fragrant aroma and the vegetables become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Water
• Diced potatoes

Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the potatoes to become tender and soft, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Reintroduce Sausage and Add Greens

Return the browned turkey sausage to the pot. Toss in fresh chopped kale, stirring to combine all the ingredients and let the kale start to wilt.

Step 5: Finish With Creamy Richness

• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to meld all the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.

Enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of this Tuscan-inspired soup!

Helpful Advice on Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup with Turkey Sausage

• Swap spicy Italian sausage with lean turkey sausage for a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor.
• Rinse kale thoroughly and remove tough stems to ensure tender, delicate leaves in each spoonful.
• Keep potato chunks uniform in size for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Let the soup simmer gently to prevent cream from separating and maintain a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing.

Flavor Enhancements for Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup with Turkey Sausage

• Vegetarian Zuppa: Replace turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu. Add extra mushrooms for a hearty, meaty texture and umami flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates. Use bone broth for added nutrition and richer taste.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced green chiles and swap kale for spinach. Add smoked paprika and cumin for a southwestern kick.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Choose a dairy-free sausage substitute and ensure all ingredients align with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions for Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup with Turkey Sausage

• Hearty Bread Bowl Delight: Ladle the soup into a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for a rustic, comforting presentation that adds extra texture and flavor.
• Garnish Galore: Top with crispy bacon bits, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped parsley to enhance visual appeal and add layers of taste.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve alongside a crisp green salad and warm garlic breadsticks to create a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the dinner table.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store the soup in individual containers for easy lunch options throughout the week, as it reheats beautifully and maintains its rich, robust flavors.

Storage Tips for Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup with Turkey Sausage

• Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Allow soup to cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth and condensation.
• Transfer soup to shallow containers to help it cool faster and ensure even temperature distribution.
• Place plastic wrap directly on the soup's surface to prevent a skin from forming and minimize oxidation.

FAQs

• Is turkey sausage healthier than traditional pork sausage?

Turkey sausage is lower in fat and calories compared to pork sausage, making it a leaner protein option for health-conscious individuals.

• Can I make this soup spicier?

Absolutely! Adjust the red pepper flakes to increase heat. Start with a small amount and gradually add more to suit your spice tolerance.

• What type of kale works best in this recipe?

Tuscan or lacinato kale is ideal because it has a softer texture and holds up well in soups, but curly kale can also work perfectly fine.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Add extra potatoes or include a side of crusty bread for dipping to make the soup more substantial and satisfying.

Hearty Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive garden zuppa toscana soup with turkey sausage brings hearty flavors from Italian countryside kitchens. Robust ingredients blend perfectly, creating a comforting meal that delights hungry diners who crave authentic regional warmth.

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Ingredients

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Meats:

• 1 pound (454 grams) turkey sausage, casings removed

Vegetables:

• 3 medium russet potatoes, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) kale, chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) water
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown turkey sausage in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until softened and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour chicken broth and water into the pot, then add sliced potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil and reduce heat, allowing potatoes to simmer until tender and easily pierced with a fork, around 10-12 minutes.
4. Reintroduce the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to distribute evenly throughout the liquid.
5. Add chopped kale to the soup, stirring until the leaves begin to wilt and become vibrant green, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Slowly pour heavy cream into the soup, creating a rich and creamy texture. Sprinkle red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
7. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated through and flavors are well combined.
8. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and enjoy immediately while still steaming.

Notes

• Swap traditional pork sausage with lean turkey sausage for a healthier, lower-fat version of this classic soup.
• Enhance the soup’s nutrition by using kale, a superfood packed with vitamins and antioxidants that adds vibrant color and texture.
• For a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to maintain the soup’s rich, creamy consistency.
• Chop kale into small pieces to ensure even distribution and easier eating, helping each spoonful contain a perfect blend of ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 251 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg