Name: Easy Homemade Zuppa Toscana Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot); 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4–5 cups russet potatoes, thinly sliced or diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups kale, chopped; Salt and black pepper, to taste; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving; Cooked chicken or bacon, crumbled (optional, for topping)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These Easy Homemade Zuppa Toscana Recipe is my cozy take on the popular Olive Garden classic. It’s rich, creamy, and full of hearty ingredients like Italian sausage, kale, and tender potatoes simmered in a flavorful broth. Every spoonful is comforting, making it one of my favorite soups to enjoy on a chilly day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, satisfying, and tastes even better than the restaurant version. The combination of savory sausage, and creamy broth makes it irresistible. It’s also easy to make in one pot, which means less cleanup. Plus, I can easily adjust the ingredients to fit my preferences — from spicy to mild or dairy-free if needed.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausage (mild or hot)
Yellow onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Russet potatoes, thinly sliced or diced
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Kale, chopped
Salt and black pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions

I start by cooking the chicken in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. I remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
In the same pot, I add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
I stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
I add the chicken broth and sliced potatoes, then bring everything to a boil.
I reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
I stir in the chopped kale and cook for another 5 minutes until softened.
I pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, then season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
I ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy chicken and grated Parmesan before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to cook.

Variations

I sometimes use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
For a dairy-free option, I replace heavy cream with coconut milk.
I occasionally add spinach instead of kale for a softer green.
If I want it spicier, I use hot Italian sausage and extra chili flakes.
To make it thicker, I mash a few potatoes directly in the pot before adding the cream.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. It also freezes well for up to 2 months — I just let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! I brown the chicken first, then add everything (except the cream and kale) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 5–6 hours. I stir in the cream and kale just before serving.

What potatoes work best?

I prefer russet or Yukon gold potatoes because they hold their texture well while becoming tender.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, I replace the sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I make it thicker?

I mash a few of the cooked potatoes or stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

Is Zuppa Toscana keto-friendly?

It’s not by default, but I can make it keto by replacing the potatoes with cauliflower florets.

Conclusion

This Easy Homemade Zuppa Toscana Recipe is a warm, comforting soup that I love making for family dinners or cozy nights in. It’s rich, flavorful, and hearty enough to be a full meal on its own. I always end up going back for seconds — it’s that good!