Rustic Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Recipe

Hearty Olive Garden zuppa toscana soup beckons with its robust flavors and comforting warmth.

Fragrant herbs and tender sausage dance together in a creamy broth that promises pure satisfaction.

Italian countryside memories flood back with each spoonful of this rustic dish.

Russet potatoes and crisp kale add delightful textures that make every bite interesting.

Crafting this soup connects you to simple, soul-nourishing cooking traditions passed down through generations.

Subtle spices whisper tales of Mediterranean kitchens while delivering maximum comfort.

Grab your favorite pot and let’s create something magical that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Highlights

• Whip Up Healthier Comfort: Swap traditional pork sausage with lean turkey sausage, creating a lighter yet equally delicious soup that satisfies without guilt.
• Conquer Quick Weeknight Dinner: Prepare this one-pot wonder in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a warm, nutritious meal without complicated cooking steps.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, swap kale for spinach, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Packed with protein from turkey sausage, vitamins from kale, and hearty potatoes, this soup delivers a balanced meal that feels indulgent while nourishing your body.

Ingredients for Zuppa Toscana Soup

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

• Onions, Garlic: These classic base ingredients provide a deep, aromatic foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
• Kale: A nutritious, hearty green that adds texture and earthy taste to the soup.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create a satisfying and filling soup base.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Essential liquids that form the soup's foundation and help cook the vegetables.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a rich, luxurious texture and creamy smoothness to the soup.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and warm spiciness to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the soup.

Steps to Make Zuppa Toscana Soup

Step 1: Brown Turkey Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium flame.

Crumble turkey sausage and cook until golden brown and fully cooked.

Transfer sausage to a separate plate, leaving behind delicious drippings.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic.

Sweat the vegetables until they become translucent and release their fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Create Soup Base

• Chicken broth
• Water
• Diced potatoes

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let potatoes simmer until they become tender and soft.

Step 4: Incorporate Hearty Ingredients

Add the previously cooked turkey sausage back into the pot.

Toss in chopped kale and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Allow everything to simmer together for 5 minutes, melding the flavors.

Step 5: Finish With Creamy Texture

Stream in heavy cream, stirring gently to integrate.

Cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the cream slightly thicken and warm through.

Step 6: Season And Serve

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

Smart Notes for Zuppa Toscana Soup

• Use lean turkey sausage to reduce fat while keeping incredible flavor and protein content high.
• Chop kale into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking and easier eating throughout the soup.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, adding gradually for balanced warmth.
• Cut potatoes into uniform chunks to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy.
• Add heavy cream at the end and avoid boiling to prevent separation and maintain smooth, rich texture.

Ways to Switch Up Zuppa Toscana Soup

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu, using vegetable broth for a complete meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for those with lactose sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, swap kale for spinach, and include cumin for a southwestern-inspired flavor transformation.

What Goes Well with Zuppa Toscana Soup

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a crusty Italian or sourdough bread to dip into the rich, creamy soup, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• Hearty Side Salad Pairing: Toss a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and add fresh, zesty notes to the meal.
• Cozy Dinner Setting: Serve in deep bowls with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top and enjoy alongside a glass of white wine for a complete comfort food experience.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain the soup's creamy texture and robust flavors.

Saving Zuppa Toscana Soup for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the soup is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing kale for best texture when reheating.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency if it's too thick.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

You can substitute turkey sausage with mild Italian sausage or chicken sausage for varied flavor profiles.

• Is this soup considered healthy?

The recipe includes nutrient-rich ingredients like kale and lean turkey sausage, making it a healthier version of the classic restaurant soup.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or add white beans for protein and keep the overall soup structure similar.

• How spicy is this soup with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat that adds warmth without overwhelming the soup’s flavor, but you can adjust the amount to suit your preference.

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Olive garden zuppa toscana soup brings hearty Italian comfort to home kitchens with its rich blend of turkey sausage and potatoes. Warmth and flavor combine in this simple yet satisfying soup that delivers restaurant-quality taste you can enjoy without leaving home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) turkey sausage, casing removed

Vegetables and Herbs:

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

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
• 3 cups (710 ml) water
• 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Brown turkey sausage in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
2. Using the same pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and aromatic.
3. Pour in chicken broth and water, then add cubed potatoes. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Return the cooked sausage to the pot, and introduce chopped kale and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 4-5 minutes, ensuring kale wilts and flavors meld together.
5. Stream in heavy cream, stirring continuously to integrate the cream evenly throughout the soup. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the cream and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
6. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately while hot, offering a comforting and hearty meal.

Notes

• Swap regular sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner, healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content without compromising flavor.
• Chop kale into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution and easier eating, making the soup more enjoyable and less stringy.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with a pinch for mild heat or add more for adventurous palates who love a kick.
• Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk for those with lactose intolerance, maintaining the soup’s creamy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 245 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg