Hearty Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup
Indulge in this comforting bowl of Hearty Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup, inspired by the beloved Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana. Packed with robust flavors from mild Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes, this creamy soup is elevated with fresh kale and aromatic garlic. This recipe brings together wholesome ingredients in a rich chicken broth for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Just under an hour to prepare, it’s a family favorite that’s sure to impress your guests!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mild Italian sausage
1 lb (Remove casings and brown in skillet.)
Potatoes
4 large (Unpeeled, sliced into triangles.)
Onion
1 large (Diced.)
Bacon
1/2 lb (Chopped.)
Garlic cloves
4 (Minced.)
Kale
3 cups (Chopped, removing tough veins.)
Chicken broth
32 oz (Use as is.)
Water
2 1/2 cups (Use as is.)
Half-and-half
1 1/4 cups (Use as is.)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the casings from the mild Italian sausage. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, transfer the sausage to a large stockpot.
2
Chop the bacon into small pieces and add it to the skillet. Sauté the bacon until crispy, then add the diced onion and continue cooking until the onion is translucent. Once cooked, transfer this mixture to the stockpot with the sausage.
3
Wash the potatoes thoroughly and slice them lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/4 inch thick triangles, leaving the skins on. Add the sliced potatoes to the stockpot.
4
Pour in the chicken broth and add the minced garlic and water to the stockpot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
6
While the soup simmers, prepare the kale by removing the tough veins and chopping the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
7
After the potatoes are tender, stir in the chopped kale and the half-and-half. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8
Serve hot, garnished with extra crispy bacon or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup?
It is a comforting and creamy soup inspired by Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana, featuring Italian sausage, bacon, potatoes, and kale.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The recipe takes just under an hour to prepare from start to finish.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include mild Italian sausage, potatoes, onion, bacon, garlic, kale, chicken broth, water, and half-and-half.
Should I peel the potatoes for this recipe?
No, the recipe recommends leaving the skins on for texture and flavor.
How should I cut the potatoes?
Wash them thoroughly and slice them lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/4 inch thick triangles.
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?
Yes, you can substitute mild Italian sausage with hot or spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit more heat.
How do I prepare the sausage?
Remove the casings and brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
What is the best way to cook the bacon and onions?
Chop the bacon and sauté it until crispy, then add the diced onion and cook until the onion is translucent.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of broth is used in this Tuscan soup?
The recipe uses 32 oz of chicken broth combined with 2.5 cups of water.
How do I prepare the kale?
Remove the tough veins from the kale and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the soup.
When do I add the half-and-half?
Stir in the half-and-half at the same time as the chopped kale, after the potatoes have become fork-tender.
How long should the soup simmer after adding the potatoes?
Simmer the soup uncovered for about 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
How long do I cook the soup after adding the kale and cream?
Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for an additional 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What are the recommended garnishes?
You can garnish the soup with extra crispy bacon or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Is this soup considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is ideal for weeknights or gatherings.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While the recipe calls for half-and-half, you could experiment with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk, though the flavor profile will change.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this soup recipe.
Do I need a large pot to cook this?
Yes, a large stockpot is recommended to hold the sausage, potatoes, and liquid components.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include soup, comfort food, italian, zuppa toscana, tuscan flavors, quick meal, kale, potato soup, and creamy soup.
How do I know when the potatoes are cooked?
The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender, which usually takes about 30 minutes of simmering.
Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, heavy cream can be used for a richer, thicker consistency if desired.
Should the soup be covered while simmering?
The instructions recommend simmering the soup uncovered for the first 30 minutes.
Is this a good meal for guests?
Absolutely, its robust flavors and hearty nature make it a crowd-pleasing dish for any gathering.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies one large onion, diced. A yellow or white onion works best for this flavor profile.
How much kale is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of chopped kale.
Can I add more water if the soup is too thick?
Yes, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more water or broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
Is the bacon cooked in the same pot as the soup?
The bacon is sautéed in a skillet first, then transferred to the stockpot with the sausage and other ingredients.
Can I use frozen kale?
While fresh kale is recommended, frozen kale can be used, though you should adjust the cooking time as it will soften faster.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
It is inspired by the famous Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup.