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Our Best Zuppa Toscana Recipe (A Homestyle Classic)

Have you ever craved a soup that offers pure comfort in every spoonful? A dish that is at once hearty, creamy, and bursting with rustic Italian-inspired flavours? If you’ve been longing to master that famously comforting soup from your favourite restaurant, then you have come to the perfect place. We are thrilled to share how you can craft the most wonderful Zuppa Toscana Recipe right in your own kitchen, and you’ll be delighted by how straightforward it is.

This guide is more than a simple set of directions; it is your key to creating an unforgettable dining experience. We have carefully refined this recipe to achieve the perfect harmony between the zesty Italian sausage, the velvety broth, the wholesome kale, and the tender potatoes. It stands as a complete and satisfying meal, ideal for a cool evening, a get-together with loved ones, or any time you need a delicious dose of comfort. Prepare to delight everyone at the table, including yourself!

What Exactly Is Zuppa Toscana?

The name “Zuppa Toscana” translates directly from Italian as “Tuscan Soup.” In its most traditional form, it refers to a simple, broth-based soup made with vegetables, bread, and beans, originating from the Tuscany region of Italy. However, the interpretation that has captured hearts and appetites worldwide was made famous by the Olive Garden restaurant chain. This contemporary version is a much richer, cream-based soup loaded with Italian sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and a hint of smoky bacon.

Our take on this classic embraces all the beloved components of that renowned Olive Garden Copycat and enhances them. We put great emphasis on developing deep layers of flavour right from the start, making sure that every single spoonful delivers a delightful blend of savoury, spicy, and creamy goodness. This isn’t merely a replica; it’s a thoughtful enhancement.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

• Incredibly Rich Flavour: The wonderful marriage of spicy Italian sausage, smoky bacon, aromatic garlic, and luscious double cream results in a flavour profile that is truly second to none. It’s a deeply satisfying and flavour-packed soup.
• An Effortless One Pot Meal: The entire dish is prepared in one large pot or Dutch oven. This translates to minimal clean-up and maximum enjoyment of your culinary triumph, making it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight.
• Wonderfully Adaptable: You are the chef! If you prefer more heat, simply add extra chilli flakes. For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream with milk or a plant-based alternative. This recipe can be easily tailored to your personal preferences.
• Gourmet Comfort in Your Kitchen: There’s no need to dine out when you can whip up a meal this divine at home. It’s a comforting, substantial dish that feels luxurious enough for a weekend dinner yet is simple enough for any day of the week.
• Substantial and Nourishing: With plenty of protein from the sausage and bacon, alongside carbohydrates from the potatoes, this Soup Recipe is a well-rounded meal in a bowl. It promises to leave you feeling full, content, and wonderfully warmed through.

Ingredients

• 450g (1 lb) quality Italian sausage, casings removed (hot or mild, your choice)
• 6 rashers of smoked streaky bacon, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red chilli flakes (optional, adjust to your heat preference)
• 1.5 litres (approx. 6 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
• 900g (2 lbs) potatoes (Maris Piper or Russet work well), washed and thinly sliced
• 150g (approx. 5 oz) fresh kale, tough stems removed and leaves chopped
• 240ml (1 cup) double cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Mastering Our Zuppa Toscana Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

We are firm believers that the most delicious meals are founded on sound cooking methods. By following these straightforward steps, we guarantee you will achieve a perfect pot of Zuppa Toscana every time. Let’s grab a large pot or Dutch oven and begin our culinary adventure!

Step 1: Build the Flavour Base

To achieve a truly deep and savoury soup, we must first build a solid foundation of flavour. We achieve this by rendering the fats and browning the meats, creating a rich and aromatic starting point for our dish.

1. Set your large pot over a medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until it becomes beautifully crisp and golden. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with kitchen paper, leaving the rendered fat behind in the pot.
2. Next, add the Italian sausage to the pot. With a wooden spoon, break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue to cook for 6–8 minutes until the sausage is thoroughly browned with no pink remaining. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and place it on the plate with the bacon. Leave approximately one tablespoon of the fat in the pot for the next stage.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Now that our savoury meat base is ready, it’s time to add the aromatics. This is the stage where the soup starts to develop its wonderfully fragrant and inviting character.

1. Turn the heat down to medium. Add the finely diced onion to the pot and gently sauté in the reserved fat for about 5 minutes, until it has softened and turned translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and the red chilli flakes (if you’re using them). Continue to cook for another minute, just until the garlic releases its beautiful aroma. Take care to ensure it doesn’t brown, which can create a bitter taste.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

It’s time to bring all our components together and let them simmer, which will allow the potatoes to become tender while soaking up all those magnificent flavours.

1. Carefully pour the chicken broth into the pot. As you do, use your spoon to scrape any flavourful browned bits from the bottom of the pot—a technique called deglazing that adds incredible depth.
2. Add the thinly sliced potatoes to the broth and increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. As soon as it boils, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
3. Place a lid on the pot and allow it to simmer for 15–20 minutes. The potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender, meaning a fork can pierce a slice with ease.

Step 4: The Finishing Touches

We’ve reached the final, transformative step where the soup becomes the rich and creamy dish we have been aiming for. Proper timing is crucial here to ensure the kale remains perfectly vibrant.

1. When the potatoes are tender, stir the cooked sausage and the majority of the crispy bacon back into the soup, reserving a small amount for a garnish.
2. Lower the heat to low and stir in the chopped kale. It may seem like a lot at first, but it will wilt down considerably. Allow it to cook for just 2–3 minutes until it’s tender yet retains its lovely green hue. Kale is a fantastic superfood, filled with nutrients that can benefit your overall health.
3. Take the pot off the heat entirely. Gently and slowly stir in the double cream. This is a vital step, as adding cream to a boiling liquid can cause it to curdle.
4. Taste the soup and season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Bear in mind that the sausage, bacon, and broth contribute saltiness, so it’s always wise to taste before adding more.

Serving and Storing Your Zuppa Toscana

To serve, ladle the wonderfully hot soup into individual bowls. Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. We also highly suggest serving it with some crusty bread for dipping! For anyone who appreciates a comforting and hearty meal, our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe provides a similarly delightful experience.

You can store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s worth noting that the potatoes may become a little softer when reheated. We recommend gently warming the soup on the stovetop over a low heat, taking care not to let it boil.

FAQ

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Soup Awaits

We are certain that this Zuppa Toscana recipe will soon become a cherished favourite in your household. It is a dish that truly delivers on all its promises: it is packed with flavour, wonderfully comforting, deeply satisfying, and much simpler to prepare than its impressive final appearance suggests. This is the type of meal that gathers everyone around the dinner table and has them eagerly asking for more. For other simple and delicious dinner inspirations, these Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are another brilliant choice for any day of the week.

Now, it is your moment to shine in the kitchen. We hope you will give this recipe a try and even add your own personal touch. Did you make it extra spicy? Did you experiment with a different green? We would be delighted to hear all about it! Please share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to pass this fantastic #ZuppaToscanaRecipe on to your friends and family. Happy cooking!

Recipe Card

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 40 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 450g (1 lb) quality Italian sausage, casings removed
• 6 rashers of smoked streaky bacon, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red chilli flakes (optional)
• 1.5 litres (approx. 6 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
• 900g (2 lbs) potatoes, washed and thinly sliced
• 150g (approx. 5 oz) fresh kale, tough stems removed and leaves chopped
• 240ml (1 cup) double cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon for 5-7 minutes until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat.
2. Add the Italian sausage to the pot, break it up, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Remove the sausage and drain all but one tablespoon of fat from the pot.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Sauté the diced onion for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and red chilli flakes and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot. Add the sliced potatoes, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
5. Stir the cooked sausage and most of the bacon back into the soup. Reduce heat to low and stir in the chopped kale. Cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and slowly stir in the double cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining crispy bacon and grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 869 kcal, Carbs: 45g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 65g

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