Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this incredible Tuscan Soup with Sausage, a perfect culinary embrace on any chilly evening. This beloved recipe, often recognized as a delightful Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana copycat, brings the warmth and taste of Italy right to your kitchen. Brimming with robust Italian sausage, tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and fresh spinach, all simmered in a luxuriously creamy chicken broth, this hearty soup promises to be a family favorite. What makes it even better? It can be prepared and served in approximately 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying weeknight dinner.
For those who cherish the iconic Zuppa Toscana from popular Italian restaurants, preparing this homemade version offers an unparalleled experience. It captures the essence of the original with its harmonious blend of savory, spicy, and creamy notes, but with the added satisfaction of a meal made with your own hands. This recipe is not just about replicating a classic; it’s about creating a comforting masterpiece that is both simple to execute and incredibly rewarding to savor. Serve it alongside warm, crusty bread or homemade breadsticks for a complete and unforgettable Italian-inspired feast.
Unveiling the Deliciousness of Tuscan Sausage Soup (Zuppa Toscana)
The name “Zuppa Toscana” literally translates to “Tuscan soup,” originating from the beautiful region of Tuscany, Italy, known for its rustic and flavorful cuisine. This particular rendition is an ode to that tradition, transformed into an incredibly simple, hearty, and satisfying dish. Far from a complicated gourmet endeavor, this easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana copycat recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, tasting remarkably like the restaurant classic.
Our recipe begins with the cornerstone of flavor: hot Italian sausage. Browned to perfection alongside aromatic onions and garlic, it sets a fragrant base. We then introduce tender diced potatoes and vibrant carrots, allowing them to simmer and absorb the rich flavors. The magic truly happens when we combine milk with savory chicken broth, delicately thickening it with a cornstarch slurry. This creates an ultra-creamy, velvety texture that perfectly complements the spicy kick of the sausage and the wholesome goodness of the vegetables. A final flourish of fresh spinach is folded in, adding a vibrant color and an extra layer of nutrients and fresh taste. The result is a comforting bowl of soup that’s both indulgent and incredibly balanced, making it an ideal choice for chilly evenings or any time you crave a warming, flavorful meal.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Tuscan Soup
Crafting the perfect Tuscan Soup, or Zuppa Toscana, relies on a thoughtful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the soup’s distinctive flavor profile and comforting texture. Here’s a closer look at the key elements you’ll need to bring this creamy sausage soup to life:
- Italian Sausage: We highly recommend hot Italian sausage for its bold flavor and spicy kick, which is characteristic of traditional Zuppa Toscana. However, feel free to use mild Italian sausage if you prefer a less spicy soup, or even a sweet Italian sausage for a different flavor dimension. If you opt for regular ground sausage, consider enhancing it with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and a teaspoon of Italian herb seasoning to replicate that authentic Italian taste. For variations, crispy crumbled bacon offers a smoky depth, or shredded cooked chicken can transform this into a delicious Chicken Tuscan Soup.
- Olive Oil: A staple in Italian cooking, extra virgin olive oil provides a foundational richness and a subtle fruity note that enhances the overall flavor of the soup. While olive oil is preferred, avocado oil can be used as a neutral alternative.
- Onion: Finely diced white or yellow onions are essential for building the aromatic base of the soup. Sautéing them until caramelized adds a sweet depth that elevates the entire dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is indispensable. Its pungent aroma and savory flavor are central to Italian cuisine and permeate the soup, creating a truly irresistible taste.
- Chicken Broth: A good quality chicken broth or stock forms the liquid base of this hearty soup. Store-bought versions work wonderfully for convenience, but for an even richer flavor, consider making your own Homemade Chicken Stock.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces, add a touch of natural sweetness, vibrant color, and an earthy undertone that complements the other ingredients.
- Potatoes: Red potatoes, yellow potatoes (like Yukon Golds), or Russet potatoes are all excellent choices. If using Russet potatoes, peeling them first is recommended as their skins can be thicker and less appealing in a creamy soup. Cutting them into ½-inch chunks ensures they cook evenly and become tender, adding a substantial heartiness to the soup.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach is added at the end, wilting beautifully into the hot soup and providing a boost of color and vitamins. For a slightly different texture and flavor, fresh kale, with its slightly bitter and robust profile, also makes a fantastic substitute.
- Milk: Whole milk or 2% milk is ideal for achieving the desired creamy consistency without being overly heavy. For an extra rich and decadent soup, heavy cream can be substituted.
- Cornstarch: This acts as a thickening agent, creating a smooth and luscious texture for the broth.
- Cold Water: Crucial for mixing with cornstarch to form a smooth slurry. Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to hot liquids to prevent lumps.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the perfect garnish, offering a salty, nutty, and umami finish that truly completes this Tuscan soup experience.
By using these ingredients, you’re not just cooking; you’re embarking on a flavorful journey that culminates in a bowl of soul-warming, homemade goodness. Each component is chosen to contribute to the overall balance and deliciousness of this easy Tuscan soup recipe.
Crafting Your Own Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana at Home
Recreating the magic of Olive Garden’s beloved Zuppa Toscana in your own kitchen is simpler than you might think. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying creamy Tuscan soup every time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this hearty and authentic recipe:
- Brown the Italian Sausage: Begin by heating a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage along with ½ cup of water. The water helps break down the sausage and keeps it moist while it cooks. Use a spatula to break the sausage into small, bite-sized chunks. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the sausage is no longer pink and is thoroughly browned. Once cooked, drain any excess water and fat from the sausage and set it aside in a bowl. This ensures your soup isn’t overly greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same saucepan (no need to clean it, the residual flavors add to the soup!), add the olive oil and diced onion. Sauté the onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft, translucent, and slightly caramelized. This step is crucial for building the soup’s flavor depth. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant and transparent. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Combine and Simmer Broth: Return the cooked sausage, sautéed onions, and garlic to a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Vegetables: Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the diced carrots and potatoes to the pot. Allow them to cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender. This simmering time allows the potatoes and carrots to soften and absorb the delicious flavors of the broth. After the vegetables are tender, season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh spinach and milk, then bring the soup back to a boil briefly. The spinach will quickly wilt into the soup.
- Thicken the Soup: While the vegetables are simmering, prepare your thickening agent. In a small separate bowl, combine the cornstarch with 6 tablespoons of cold water. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain. This is known as a cornstarch slurry. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering soup, stirring continuously. The soup will gradually thicken as it heats. Continue stirring until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the soup has thickened to your liking and is warmed through, remove it from the heat. Ladle the hearty Tuscan soup into individual bowls. For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of your homemade Zuppa Toscana! This creamy Italian sausage soup is best enjoyed warm, providing a delightful culinary experience with every spoonful.
This detailed method ensures that every element of your Tuscan soup is cooked to perfection, delivering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. It’s a truly satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscan Soup
Absolutely! Tuscan Soup is an excellent candidate for slow cooker preparation, making it even more convenient for busy days. To ensure the best flavor, you’ll still want to brown the Italian sausage and sauté the onions and garlic in a pan first. Once cooked, transfer these to the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, add the potatoes, carrots, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are perfectly soft and tender. About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, pour in the cornstarch and cold water slurry, along with the fresh spinach. Stir everything well, cover, and continue to cook on high for another 30 minutes until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time, resulting in a deeply satisfying meal.
While Italian sausage is traditional, this versatile soup welcomes many substitutions! Any type of ground sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey) will work well. For a different flavor profile, crispy bacon bits or shredded cooked chicken would also taste fantastic, turning it into a chicken Tuscan soup. If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage entirely and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You can also add plant-based sausage alternatives or extra hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas to maintain substance. The key is to adapt it to your dietary preferences and what you have on hand.
Yes, this creamy Tuscan soup freezes quite well! To properly freeze it, first ensure the soup is completely cooled to room temperature. Then, transfer it into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers, leaving a little headspace if using containers, as liquids expand when frozen. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. You may find the potatoes are slightly softer in texture after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Yes! Tuscan soup, Toscan soup, and Tuscany soup all refer to the same delicious dish. In Italian, the soup, which originates from the Tuscany region, is known as Zuppa Toscana. Due to varying translations and phonetic spellings, you will encounter Tuscan soup recipes with a variety of spellings. Regardless of how it’s spelled, they are all referring to the same hearty, creamy Italian sausage and potato soup that has become a beloved comfort food around the world. So rest assured, you’re seeking the same wonderful culinary experience!
Storing and Reheating Your Tuscan Soup
This Tuscan Soup with Sausage is fantastic as leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Proper storage and reheating ensure you can enjoy this comforting meal multiple times.
- Refrigerator: To store leftover soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, cooled soup can be transferred to freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator overnight.
- To Reheat: Whether from the fridge or thawed from the freezer, place the soup into a Dutch oven or a sauce pot. Warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through to your desired temperature. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth to reach your preferred consistency.
Tuscan Soup with Sausage Recipe
The Carefree Kitchen
Pin
10
20
30
8
people
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cup carrots, cut into 1/2″ chunks
- 5 cups red potatoes, cut into 1/2″ chunks
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups spinach, fresh, chopped
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 6 tablespoons cold water
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat, then add the Italian sausage and 1/2 cup water. Use a spatula to break into small chunks, then cook over medium until no longer pink, or about 5 minutes. Drain the water from the sausage and set aside.
- In the same saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion. Sauté until caramelized, or about 5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until transparent.
- In a large Dutch oven, add the cooked sausage, onions and garlic, and the chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer, then add in the diced carrots and potatoes and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Once the potatoes are tender, add in the salt, pepper, spinach and milk. Bring to boil again.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine the cornstarch with the cold water and stir together until smooth. Add to the soup slowly, stirring until the soup thickens.
- Once the soup is thickened and warmed to your liking, remove from the heat and ladle into bowls. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Reheating: put soup into a Dutch oven or sauce pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Nutrition
Calories: 153kcal
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Carbohydrates: 12g
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Protein: 6g
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Fat: 9g
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Saturated Fat: 3g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
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Cholesterol: 10mg
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Sodium: 1679mg
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Potassium: 441mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 5g
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Vitamin A: 6905IU
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Vitamin C: 20mg
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Calcium: 186mg
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Iron: 1mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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Explore More of Our Favorite Soup Recipes
If you’re a fan of comforting and flavorful soups, you’re in the right place! Beyond this delightful Tuscan Soup, we have a diverse collection of recipes designed to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. From hearty chilis to creamy purees, each recipe is crafted for ease and maximum taste. Expand your culinary repertoire with these other beloved soup creations:
- Easy Lasagna Soup: All the flavors of your favorite pasta dish, transformed into a comforting soup.
- White Chicken Chili: A lighter, yet incredibly flavorful twist on classic chili, packed with tender chicken and beans.
- Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe: Enjoy the essence of stuffed peppers in a convenient and delicious bowl.
- Homemade Creamy Tomato Soup: A classic comfort food, made even better with the rich depth of roasted tomatoes.
- Corn Chowder: Sweet corn and potatoes blend into a creamy, satisfying chowder, perfect for any season.
- Creamy Curry Squash Soup: An exotic and warming soup with fragrant curry spices and velvety squash.
- Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Another fantastic Olive Garden copycat, featuring tender chicken and soft gnocchi in a creamy broth.
- Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup: A rich and cheesy classic that’s simple to make and universally loved.
- Discover more Italian Recipes for authentic flavors.
- Explore our full range of Dinner Recipes for endless meal inspiration.
This hearty Tuscan Soup, a delightful Zuppa Toscana copycat, remains a testament to simple, flavorful home cooking. Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes and carrots, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy chicken broth, it’s designed to bring joy and warmth to your table with minimal effort. Its quick preparation time of less than 30 minutes makes it an unbeatable choice for any occasion, proving that incredibly delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to create a culinary experience that will undoubtedly become a cherished part of your family’s meal rotation, offering the perfect blend of spice, creaminess, and wholesome goodness in every spoonful.