Olive Garden Sausage Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s famous Zuppa Toscana, you’re gonna want to pay attention to this recipe!

This hearty sausage soup, filled with tender potatoes, creamy broth, and fresh kale, is perfect even if you’re not an outward sup lover.

One key here is to make sure you brown the sausage first to develop a deep, savory base for the soup.

How to Make Olive Garden Sausage Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian Sausage
• 4 slices Bacon
• 5 cups Chicken Broth
• 4 cups Water
• 5 Potatoes (chopped)
• 1 Onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 2 cups Kale (chopped)
• 1 cup Half and Half
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy.

Remove and crumble it into small pieces.

Step 2:

In the same pot, add Italian sausage and break it apart while cooking until fully browned.

Remove and set aside the sausage on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3:

Add the diced onion to the same pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and golden.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4:

Pour in the chicken broth and water and bring it to a boil.

Add the chopped potatoes and reduce the heat to medium-low.

Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Step 5:

Add the sausage back into the pot along with red pepper flakes, kale, and half and half.

Stir well and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the kale is tender.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Kale

Fresh kale adds a vibrant color and better texture to the soup.

Always rinse and chop it before adding to the soup.

Control the Spice

Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference.

A little more means a spicier kick; less can make it milder.

Pre-Cook Sausage

Brown the sausage separately for better texture and flavor.

This step helps to remove excess fat.

Add Half and Half Last

Adding half and half toward the end prevents curdling and keeps the soup creamy.

Make sure to heat it slowly.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh potatoes, garlic, and onion ensure the best flavor.

Dice all these ingredients properly to cook evenly.

What to Serve with Olive Garden Sausage Soup Recipe

Crusty Bread

There’s nothing better than pairing your Olive Garden sausage soup with fresh, crusty bread.

Warm a loaf of French or Italian bread in the oven.

Slice it up and let the bread soak up all the delicious broth.

Garlic Breadsticks

Garlic breadsticks are a classic option that complement the rich flavors of the soup.

Make them yourself with some dough, garlic butter, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Serve them warm, fresh out of the oven.

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad adds a fresh, crunchy element to your meal.

Toss some romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing.

Top it off with croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are another great side that can balance the heaviness of the soup.

Toss some bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in olive oil.

Roast them until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta can be an exciting and unique side to serve with the soup.

Top slices of toasted baguette with diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

It adds a refreshing zing to your meal.

Antipasto Plate

An antipasto plate filled with cured meats, cheeses, and olives can be a fun addition.

Arrange some salami, prosciutto, mozzarella, and assorted olives.

It offers a variety of flavors that go well with the soup.

Variations and Substitutions

Different Meats

You can swap out the Italian sausage for other types of sausage like spicy chorizo or turkey sausage!

Vegetarian Option

For a vegetarian version, simply use a plant-based sausage and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Dairy-Free

Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute for those avoiding dairy.

Greens Alternatives

If kale isn’t your favorite, you can use spinach or Swiss chard for a milder taste.

Potato Substitutes

Try using sweet potatoes or cauliflower instead of regular potatoes for a different texture and flavor.

Bacon Alternatives

For a lighter version, use turkey bacon or skip the bacon altogether.

Gluten-Free Options

Ensure your sausage is gluten-free, and you’re good to go since this soup is naturally gluten-free.

Spice It Up

If you love spice, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!

How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Sausage Soup

Storing leftover Olive Garden Sausage Soup correctly helps maintain its delicious flavor and texture.

Use Airtight Containers

Once your soup has cooled, transfer it into airtight containers.

This will keep the soup fresh and prevent any unwanted fridge odors from mixing in.

Refrigeration Time

Refrigerate your leftover soup as soon as possible.

It is best to store it in the refrigerator for up to three days to ensure its flavors remain intact.

Freezing Option

If you need to store it for a longer period, consider freezing your soup.

Divide the soup into portion-sized containers or freezer bags and label them with the date.

Make sure to leave some space at the top to allow the soup to expand as it freezes.

Smaller portions can make defrosting quicker and more convenient!

Double-check the seal to prevent any freezer burn, as this can affect the soup’s quality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Much Cream

Too much cream can make the soup overly rich and heavy, masking the other flavors.

Stick to the recipe’s recommended amount for a balanced taste.

Overcooking the Potatoes

Overcooked potatoes can turn mushy and lose their texture.

Keep an eye on them and remove from heat when they are fork-tender.

Skipping the Kale

Kale adds a fresh, vibrant component that balances the soup’s richness.

Don’t skip this ingredient; it makes a noticeable difference!