Savory Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Savory Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup, a delightful copycat of Olive Garden's classic dish. This hearty soup features crumbled Italian sausage combined with tender potatoes, vibrant kale (or Swiss chard), and aromatic spices. It's perfect for a comforting meal on chilly days and can be prepared in under an hour. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete Italian dining experience that you can share with your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
201
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage
1 lb (crumbled)
Baking potatoes
2 large (halved and sliced (skins left on))
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Kale or Swiss chard
2 cups (chopped)
Low-sodium chicken broth
4 cups
Water
2 cups
Half-and-half
1 cup
Granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons
Olive oil
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, crumbling it with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the sausage until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease and set aside.
2
In a large soup pot, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
3
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4
Once boiling, add the halved and sliced potatoes to the pot. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the half-and-half, cooked sausage, and chopped kale (or Swiss chard). Stir gently and heat through for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the soup doesn’t boil after adding the cream.
6
Mix in the granulated sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
14g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup?
It is a hearty Italian-inspired soup featuring crumbled sausage, potatoes, and kale in a creamy broth, often known as Zuppa Toscana.
Is this recipe a copycat of Olive Garden?
Yes, this recipe is a delightful copycat of Olive Garden's classic Zuppa Toscana dish.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The entire recipe can be prepared and cooked in under an hour.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of Italian sausage, which should be crumbled and browned.
Should I peel the potatoes for this soup?
No, the recipe recommends leaving the skins on the baking potatoes; just halve and slice them.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
The recipe specifies using 2 large baking potatoes.
Can I substitute kale with another green?
Yes, you can use 2 cups of chopped Swiss chard as an alternative to kale.
What kind of broth is used in the base?
The soup uses 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth combined with 2 cups of water.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 201 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving provides 7 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the purpose of adding granulated sugar?
A small amount of granulated sugar (1 1/2 teaspoons) is added to balance the savory and salty flavors.
How do I prepare the aromatics?
Sauté one medium chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves in olive oil until soft.
When should I add the cream?
Stir in the half-and-half at the end, after the potatoes are cooked and the heat is reduced to medium-low.
Can I boil the soup after adding the half-and-half?
No, you should ensure the soup does not boil after adding the cream to prevent curdling.
How long do the potatoes take to cook?
The potatoes should be cooked in the boiling broth for about 20 minutes or until fork-tender.
How do I handle the sausage grease?
After browning the Italian sausage, you should drain the excess grease before setting it aside.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: Italian sausage, baking potatoes, onion, garlic, kale, chicken broth, water, half-and-half, sugar, and olive oil.
What should I serve with Savory Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup?
It is best served with crusty bread for a complete Italian dining experience.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is tagged as a family-friendly and hearty meal.
How is the sausage cooked?
The sausage is cooked in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink.
How much olive oil is needed?
A total of 2 tablespoons of olive oil is used: one for the sausage and one for the vegetables.
How much kale is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chopped kale or Swiss chard.
What is the seasoning for this soup?
The soup is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste, along with the added sugar and aromatic garlic.
Can I use regular chicken broth instead of low-sodium?
Yes, but you may want to adjust the amount of added salt at the end.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include zuppa toscana, tuscan soup, italian comfort food, and sausage soup.
How do I know when the onions are ready?
The onions are ready when they are soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.
What is the final step of the recipe?
The final step is to season with salt and pepper to taste and serve the soup hot.
Is this considered a quick recipe?
Yes, with a prep and cook time under an hour, it is classified as a quick recipe.