Copycat Olive Garden Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you know they have some unforgettable menu items-especially their soups. One of the most beloved and requested is the Zuppa Toscana, a hearty, flavorful Italian soup that blends potatoes, sausage, kale, and a creamy broth into a warm, satisfying dish. The good news? You don’t have to visit the restaurant to enjoy this classic. Today, we’re diving into a copycat Olive Garden soup recipe that lets you recreate this dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Making this soup at home is simpler than you think, and once you have the recipe down, you’ll be able to enjoy it as often as you like. Let’s get into the details, so you can master this classic dish and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.

Copycat Olive Garden Soup Recipe

This recipe for Zuppa Toscana perfectly mimics the rich, creamy, and savory flavors of the restaurant version. It’s a fantastic choice for a cozy dinner, a comforting lunch, or even as a side for a larger Italian meal. The great thing about this recipe is how accessible it is-simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and, most importantly, a result that tastes just like the real deal.

It’s all about building flavor in layers-starting with the sausage, then adding the potatoes and kale, and finishing with that rich, creamy broth that ties everything together. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients Needed

Here’s your shopping list to make this cozy soup at home:

• Italian sausage (1 lb, mild or spicy depending on preference)
• Yellow onion (1 medium, diced)
• Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced)
• Chicken broth (4 cups, low-sodium is best for flavor control)
• Russet potatoes (3-4 medium-sized, thinly sliced)
• Kale (2-3 cups, chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• Heavy cream (1 cup for richness and creaminess)
• Olive oil (for sautéing)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Parmesan cheese (grated, for garnish)

These are the core ingredients that come together to form the base of this rich and satisfying soup. The potatoes, sausage, and kale bring the heartiness, while the heavy cream and chicken broth make the soup luxuriously creamy and flavorful. Don’t forget the optional red pepper flakes to bring in a slight kick if you like a little heat in your soup.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered everything, here’s how to put it all together in just a few easy steps:

1. Brown The Sausage

   • Start by heating about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Add the Italian sausage (remove the casing if using link sausage) and break it up with a spoon.
   • Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Sauté The Onions And Garlic

   • To the sausage, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

3. Add The Broth And Potatoes

   • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (those bits add tons of flavor!).
   • Stir in the thinly sliced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. Add The Kale And Cream

   • Once the potatoes are soft, add in the chopped kale and stir to combine. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the kale has softened.
   • Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

5. Simmer And Serve

   • Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.

Ingredient Insights

• Italian sausage: This is the star of the dish, and using good-quality sausage can really elevate the flavor of the soup. Whether you go for mild or spicy depends on how bold you want the flavor to be.
• Russet potatoes: These potatoes are ideal because they break down slightly in the broth, giving the soup a thicker, heartier texture. They also absorb the flavors from the sausage and broth beautifully.
• Kale: Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins and fiber. It also holds up well in the soup, maintaining its texture even after simmering.
• Heavy cream: This is what transforms the soup from just “good” to “amazing”. The cream adds richness and depth, making the broth velvety smooth.
• Chicken broth: Using low-sodium broth helps you control the seasoning of the soup. It’s best to adjust the salt to taste at the end to avoid making the soup too salty from the get-go.

Expert Tips

• Sausage flavor: For an extra flavor boost, try using a mix of sweet and spicy sausage. The sweet sausage balances the heat from the spicy version, creating a perfect flavor profile.
• Make it ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day! If you want to prep ahead of time, you can make the soup in advance, store it in the fridge, and then reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Just keep in mind that the potatoes might soak up some of the liquid overnight, so you may need to add a bit of extra broth when reheating.
• Creamy vs. brothy: For a more broth-based soup, reduce the amount of heavy cream or even omit it entirely. You could also swap the cream for milk for a lighter version.
• Kale alternatives: If you’re not a fan of kale, you can substitute it with spinach or Swiss chard. These greens will give you a similar texture and color but with a slightly different flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Zuppa Toscana: Want more heat? Add some diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes to the soup. You can even switch to spicy Italian sausage for a more fiery dish.
• Vegan Zuppa Toscana: For a plant-based version, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
• Slow cooker version: If you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach, you can throw everything into a slow cooker. Brown the sausage first, then add all the ingredients (except the cream and kale) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, and add the cream and kale 30 minutes before serving.
• More veggies: Throw in some carrots or celery for added crunch and flavor. These veggies pair well with the other ingredients without overwhelming the dish.

Final Words

This copycat Olive Garden soup recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant favorite at home. With its rich, hearty flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a family dinner, this soup is both comforting and crowd-pleasing. Plus, with a few variations and tips, you can customize it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.