Hearty Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Recipe

Cold winter nights call for a hearty soup that warms olive garden zuppa toscana soup with turkey sausage deep in your soul.

Rich, creamy broth mingles with spicy turkey sausage and tender potatoes, creating a comforting melody of flavors.

Crisp kale adds a vibrant green touch to this rustic Italian-inspired dish.

Each spoonful brings a burst of warmth and satisfaction that feels like a culinary hug.

The combination of ingredients transforms a simple soup into a restaurant-worthy meal you can craft in your own kitchen.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Recipe Twists for Zuppa Toscana Lovers

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu seasoned with Italian herbs for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and heartiness.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or almond cream instead of traditional dairy cream for those with lactose intolerance or dairy restrictions.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase red pepper flakes and add diced jalapeños for extra heat and more complex flavor profile.

Ways to Serve Up Turkey Sausage Zuppa Toscana

• Cozy Bread Companion: Serve with warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up the delicious broth and add extra texture to each spoonful.
• Hearty Side Salad Pairing: Complement the soup with a crisp mixed green salad topped with light Italian dressing to balance the rich, creamy flavors of the zuppa toscana.
• Cheese Lover's Topping: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or romano cheese on top just before serving to enhance the soup's depth and add a salty, tangy finish.
• Wine Harmony: Pair with a light white wine like pinot grigio or a medium-bodied red such as chianti to elevate the meal's overall dining experience and bring out the soup's robust flavors.

How to Store Zuppa Toscana Leftovers

• Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems thick.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until soup reaches steaming temperature. Stir well to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What makes turkey sausage different from traditional pork sausage in this recipe?

Turkey sausage is leaner, lower in calories, and provides a healthier alternative while maintaining the rich, savory flavor profile of the classic Zuppa Toscana soup.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, the soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain consistency.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your chicken broth and sausage labels to ensure they do not contain gluten additives.

Why Zuppa Toscana with Turkey Sausage Tastes Amazing

• Whip Up a Hearty Comfort Meal: This soup delivers rich, warming flavors perfect for cozy nights with minimal kitchen effort and simple ingredients anyone can master.
• Customize Your Spice Level: Red pepper flakes let you dial up or tone down heat, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and family members.
• Transform Classic Recipe with Healthier Twist: Using turkey sausage instead of traditional pork reduces fat while maintaining delicious Italian-inspired taste, creating a nutritious dinner option that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Quick One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps mean you'll spend less time prepping and cleaning, more time enjoying a satisfying meal with loved ones.

What You Need for Zuppa Toscana with Turkey Sausage

• Turkey Sausage: A lean and flavorful meat that adds hearty richness to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients create a deep and savory foundation for the soup's flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth: A classic liquid base that provides depth and savoriness to the soup.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that add substance and texture to the soup.
• Kale: A nutritious green that brings a slight bitterness and vibrant color to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and enhancing the initial cooking process.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious and smooth texture to the soup.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the soup.

Steps for a Cozy Zuppa Toscana at Home

Step 1: Brown The Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Crumble the turkey sausage and cook until it develops a golden-brown color and releases its savory flavors.

Transfer the browned sausage to a separate plate, keeping those delicious juices ready for later.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

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

Stir continuously until they become translucent and fill your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance, releasing their sweet and pungent essence.

Step 3: Build The Soup Base

Pour in the chicken broth and add the sliced potatoes.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently, letting the potatoes soften and absorb the rich broth.

This process typically takes about 10-15 minutes, creating a hearty foundation for your soup.

Step 4: Reunite The Sausage

Return the browned turkey sausage to the pot, stirring to distribute the meat evenly throughout the soup.

The sausage will continue to infuse its robust flavor into the broth.

Step 5: Finish With Creamy Greens

Stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale.

Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the kale to wilt and the cream to create a luxurious texture.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference, creating a perfectly balanced, comforting soup that’s both hearty and elegant.

Tips for a Flavorful Zuppa Toscana Soup

• Replace turkey sausage with chicken or plant-based sausage for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Chop kale into bite-sized pieces and remove thick stems for better texture and easier eating.
• Cut potatoes into uniform, small cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent softness throughout the soup.
• Adjust red pepper flakes carefully to manage heat level, adding gradually for personalized spiciness without overwhelming the dish.
• Use low-fat cream or coconut milk as lighter alternatives that maintain the soup's rich, creamy texture.

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Olive Garden’s zuppa toscana soup blends rustic Italian flavors with hearty turkey sausage, creating a comforting meal packed with potatoes and kale. Creamy broth and spicy sausage invite comfort seekers to savor each spoonful of this classic soup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground turkey sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups potatoes, sliced thin
• 2 cups chopped kale

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and thoroughly brown the turkey sausage, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer sausage to a separate plate.
2. In the same pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot and carefully add thinly sliced potatoes. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently, cooking potatoes until they reach a tender consistency, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Reintroduce the browned turkey sausage into the simmering liquid, ensuring even distribution throughout the soup.
5. Slowly incorporate heavy cream and chopped kale, stirring to integrate all ingredients seamlessly. Continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes at a low temperature.
6. Season the soup with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste, adjusting the spice level according to preference. Allow flavors to meld together for a final 2-3 minutes before serving hot.

Notes

• Swap turkey sausage with plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version that maintains the soup’s hearty flavor profile.
• Reduce cream for a lighter soup by using half-and-half or substituting with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
• Chop kale into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution and easier eating, allowing the greens to soften perfectly in the hot broth.
• For added depth, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving to enhance the soup’s richness and complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg