Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Recipe

Cozy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Recipe

Hearty olive garden zuppa toscana soup with turkey sausage always brings warmth to chilly evenings.

Cozy kitchens buzz with delightful aromas when this comforting dish simmers.

Rich flavors merge seamlessly in this classic Italian-inspired creation.

Savory turkey sausage adds robust depth to each spoonful.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant favorite with simple techniques.

Dig into this soul-satisfying soup that promises to become your new weekend comfort meal.

FAQs

  • Is turkey sausage healthier than traditional pork sausage?

Turkey sausage contains less fat and fewer calories compared to pork sausage, making it a leaner protein option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

  • Can I make this soup spicy?

Red pepper flakes provide a mild heat level, but you can adjust the amount to increase spiciness or add hot sauce for extra kick.

  • What if I can't find kale?

Spinach works perfectly as a substitute and provides similar nutritional benefits and texture to kale in this soup recipe.

  • How can I make this soup more filling?

Adding extra potatoes or including white beans can increase the soup’s heartiness and provide more protein and fiber.

Why Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Is A Favorite

Savor Quick Comfort: A Hearty Soup Solution for Busy Families

  • Whip Up Effortlessly: Minimal cooking skills required, with straightforward steps anyone can follow in under 30 minutes.
  • Customize Your Nutrition: Swap traditional pork sausage for turkey, creating a lighter protein option that doesn't compromise on flavor intensity.
  • Wholesome Weeknight Winner: Packed with nutrient-rich kale, potatoes, and lean turkey sausage, this one-pot wonder delivers balanced nutrition without complicated preparation.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Meal Hack: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings where everyone craves a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Zuppa Toscana Soup With Sausage Ingredients

Meat:
  • Turkey Sausage: Lean protein base that adds rich, savory flavor to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a light, flavorful liquid foundation for the soup.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a deep, robust flavor profile.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that adds heartiness and thickness to the soup.
  • Kale: Nutrient-dense green that brings a fresh, slightly bitter taste and vibrant color.
Seasonings and Dairy:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and adds a smooth, rich undertone.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice that brings a subtle heat to the dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds traditional Mediterranean flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious, creamy texture and mellows the soup's flavors.

How to Cook Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup

Step 1: Brown Turkey Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Crumble and cook turkey sausage, breaking it into small pieces while stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot.

Cook until onions become translucent and garlic releases its fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Create Soup Base

Ingredients:
  • Chicken broth
  • Sliced potatoes
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring to a boil.

Add potatoes and seasonings.

Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes become tender and soft.

Step 4: Incorporate Leafy Greens

Toss chopped kale into the simmering soup.

Cook for 2-3 minutes until kale wilts and becomes tender.

Step 5: Finish With Cream

Lower heat and pour in heavy cream.

Gently simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to blend together.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle hot soup into bowls.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this Tuscan-inspired soup.

Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Flavor Boosting Ideas

  • Use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the soup's authentic flavor profile.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, adding gradually to build perfect warmth without overwhelming the soup.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent some chunks from becoming mushy.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
  • Add kale in the last few minutes of cooking to retain its bright green color, tender texture, and maximum nutritional value.

Reheat Zuppa Toscana And Keep It Creamy

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping flavors fresh and ingredients intact.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for maximum 2 months without compromising taste.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain creamy consistency. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick.
  • Heat in microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even temperature and prevent hot spots.

Best Complements for Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage

  • Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the soup's rich, hearty flavors and cuts through the creamy texture.
  • Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Choose a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious broth, adding a perfect crispy contrast to the soup's smooth consistency.
  • Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad with peppery arugula, shaved Parmesan, and a simple lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's warmth and richness.
  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Consider a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the soup's creamy and spicy elements.

Zuppa Toscana with Turkey Sausage from Olive Garden

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu seasoned with Italian herbs for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free adaptation that remains creamy and satisfying.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for those who prefer extra heat in their soup.
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Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Recipe

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Olive Garden zuppa toscana soup brings hearty Italian comfort straight to kitchen tables with rich, creamy flavors. Spicy turkey sausage and tender potatoes dance in a silky broth, welcoming hungry diners to savor each warm, satisfying spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) turkey sausage, casings removed

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, sliced
  • 2 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids and Oils:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Fire up a robust pot and infuse olive oil over medium-high temperature, then introduce turkey sausage, methodically crumbling the meat while it caramelizes and develops rich golden edges.
  2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing aromatics to dance and release their intense fragrance throughout the cooking vessel.
  3. Stream chicken broth into the pot, elevating heat until liquid reaches a vigorous bubbling point, then cascade sliced potatoes, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the broth.
  4. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing potatoes to tenderize and absorb the robust seasoning profile, which typically requires approximately 10-12 minutes of patient cooking.
  5. Introduce fresh kale leaves, stirring them into the simmering liquid and allowing them to wilt gracefully, transforming from crisp to silky in roughly 2-3 minutes.
  6. Lower temperature to minimal setting and luxuriously swirl heavy cream into the soup, permitting ingredients to harmonize and meld flavors for an additional 4-5 minutes.
  7. Ladle the steaming soup into anticipatory bowls, optionally crowning each serving with a delicate sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of indulgence.

Notes

  • Swap traditional pork sausage with lean turkey sausage for a healthier, lower-fat version of this classic soup.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, making it kid-friendly or extra zesty depending on your preference.
  • Chop kale into smaller pieces for easier eating and better distribution throughout the soup.
  • For a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to maintain the creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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