The Best Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Recipe

Warming bowls of hearty olive garden zuppa toscana soup beckon with rustic Italian comfort during chilly evenings.

Savory aromas waft through kitchens, promising rich flavor and satisfying textures.

Tender turkey sausage adds delightful protein to this classic recipe.

Creamy potatoes mingle with crisp kale, creating a balanced dance of ingredients.

Spices whisper hints of traditional Tuscan countryside cooking techniques.

Simple yet sophisticated, this soup delivers restaurant-quality warmth without complicated preparation.

One spoonful transports you straight to a cozy Italian trattoria.

Dare yourself to master this delectable culinary adventure.

Zuppa Toscana Soup with Turkey Sausage Italian Comfort

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like turkey sausage or kale to match your dietary preferences or pantry stock, making this recipe super flexible and adaptable.
• Nutrition-Packed Meal: Loaded with protein from sausage, vitamins from kale, and filling potatoes, this soup delivers a balanced and wholesome dining experience that keeps you satisfied.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking steps mean you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques or multiple pans to wash.

Zuppa Toscana Soup Ingredient List

• Turkey Sausage: A lean and flavorful meat that adds a rich, hearty taste to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: These aromatic ingredients provide a deep, savory foundation for the soup.
• Kale: A nutrient-dense leafy green that adds texture and earthy flavor to the dish.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create a satisfying and filling base for the soup.

• Chicken Broth, Water: The primary liquid components that create the soup's base.
• Heavy Cream: A rich dairy ingredient that adds smoothness and luxurious texture to the soup.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Classic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for sautéing and adding a subtle flavor to the base.

Stepwise Instructions for Zuppa Toscana

Step 1: Brown Turkey Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Crumble turkey sausage into the pot and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink.

Break up the sausage into small pieces while cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

Remove the browned sausage and set aside.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the vegetables become fragrant and slightly translucent.

Step 3: Create Soup Base

• Chicken broth
• Water
• Chopped potatoes
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Combine Sausage and Greens

Return the browned sausage to the pot.

Stir in fresh chopped kale and cook for approximately 5 minutes until the kale wilts and becomes tender.

Step 5: Finish With Cream

Reduce the heat to low.

Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously to incorporate and warm the cream without boiling.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.

The soup is best enjoyed fresh and steaming.

Pro Tips for Savory Zuppa Toscana Soup

• Replace turkey sausage with chicken or plant-based sausage for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Massage kale before adding to the soup to soften leaves and enhance digestibility, making the greens more tender and easier to eat.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference, starting with a pinch and gradually increasing for balanced flavor.
• Add heavy cream slowly and off direct heat to prevent curdling and maintain smooth, silky texture in the soup.
• Prepare soup a day in advance, as flavors deepen overnight, creating an even more delicious meal when reheated gently.

Soup Variations for Italian-Inspired Meals

• Vegetarian Version: Replace turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely meat-free soup.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips. This reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining the soup's hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use a dairy-free sausage alternative to create a creamy soup without traditional dairy ingredients.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase red pepper flakes and add diced jalapeños. Include a splash of hot sauce to elevate the heat level for spice enthusiasts.

Presenting Zuppa Toscana for Family Dinner

• Hearty Bread Companion: Slice crusty Italian bread or garlic toast to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add delightful texture to each spoonful.
• Cheese Lover's Topping: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese on top for an extra layer of savory flavor that melts perfectly into the warm soup.
• Fresh Green Accent: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions to bring a bright, crisp element that cuts through the soup's richness and adds a pop of color.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside a simple mixed green salad or grilled chicken for those wanting an extra protein boost with their meal.

Soup Storage Solutions for Easy Meals

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Avoid freezing kale for best texture.
• Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of broth if soup seems thick.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth or water to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming but not boiling to prevent cream from separating.

FAQs

• Is turkey sausage a healthy alternative to traditional pork sausage?

Turkey sausage is lower in fat and calories compared to pork sausage, making it a healthier protein option for this Zuppa Toscana recipe.

• Can I make this soup spicy or mild?

You can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and add more to suit your taste preferences.

• What type of kale works best in this soup?

Curly kale or Tuscan kale (lacinato) both work well. Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces for easier eating and better texture in the soup.

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup With Turkey Sausage Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

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

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Description

Olive garden zuppa toscana soup blends robust Italian flavors with hearty turkey sausage, creating a comforting meal that warms winter nights. Creamy potatoes, crisp kale, and savory sausage invite you to savor each spoonful of this delightful Tuscan-inspired comfort.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) turkey sausage (mild or spicy)

Vegetables and Greens:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium russet potatoes, sliced
• 2 cups kale, chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm a generously sized cooking vessel over medium temperature, drizzling olive oil to coat the bottom.
2. Crumble turkey sausage into the pot, methodically breaking down chunks while allowing meat to caramelize and develop rich golden edges.
3. Transfer browned sausage to a separate dish, preserving the flavorful remnants in the cooking vessel.
4. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the same pot, sautéing until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
5. Pour chicken broth and water into the pot, then carefully add cubed potatoes seasoned with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
6. Maintain a gentle simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes, allowing potatoes to tenderize and absorb surrounding flavors.
7. Reintroduce cooked sausage into the simmering liquid, creating a harmonious blend of proteins and vegetables.
8. Incorporate fresh, roughly chopped kale leaves, stirring gently and allowing greens to wilt and soften for 3-4 minutes.
9. Reduce heat to low, slowly streaming heavy cream into the soup while continuously stirring to prevent separation.
10. Allow soup to warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients meld together seamlessly.
11. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for maximum flavor and comfort.

Notes

• Swap traditional pork sausage with lean turkey sausage for a healthier protein option that maintains robust flavor and reduces overall fat content.
• Choose fresh kale over frozen for maximum texture and nutritional value, ensuring crisp leaves that don’t become overly soggy during cooking.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with less and gradually increase to suit individual heat preferences without overwhelming the soup’s delicate balance.
• Make this soup diet-friendly by using dairy-free cream alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests, maintaining the creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 324 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1030 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg