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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- 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.
- Reintroduce the browned turkey sausage into the simmering liquid, ensuring even distribution throughout the soup.
- 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.
- 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