Olive Garden Toscana Soup Recipe

Let’s make some tasty Toscana Soup copycatted from Olive Garden!

Using a good quality vegetable broth is essential for a flavorful soup – I look for a broth that is low in sodium and made with real vegetables.

Adding a splash of red wine to the soup adds a touch of complexity and depth of flavor.

Adjust the amount of cream or milk to your preferred level of creaminess.

How to Make Olive Garden Toscana Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian Sausage
• 4 slices Bacon
• 5 Potatoes (medium, sliced thin)
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 2 cups Kale (torn)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Cook the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy.

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

Step 2:

In the same pot, add the Italian sausage and cook until browned.

Break it into smaller pieces as it cooks.

Step 3:

Add onions and garlic to the sausage in the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent.

Step 4:

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Add potatoes and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.

Step 5:

Stir in kale, reduce heat, and simmer for a few more minutes.

Add heavy cream, stirring well.

Serve hot!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choosing Sausage

For the best flavor, opt for spicy Italian sausage as it adds a wonderful kick to the soup.

The spice level is up to you, but don’t be afraid of trying the hot variety.

Perfect Potatoes

Slice potatoes thin for faster and even cooking, ensuring they are tender and not crunchy.

Russet potatoes are my top choice because they hold up well in the soup.

Bacon Crispiness

Cook bacon until it’s really crispy, as it adds a nice texture contrast to the creamy soup.

Bacon is best prepared over medium heat to render the fat properly.

Kale Preparation

Remove stems from kale and tear leaves into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.

Kale does wilt down quickly, so don’t overcook it to keep some texture.

Adjusting Creaminess

If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few potato slices against the side of the pot before adding cream.

Adjust the cream to your preference, but be careful not to overwhelm the flavors!

What to Serve with Olive Garden Toscana Soup

Italian Bread Rolls

Italian bread rolls are a classic pairing that complements the rich flavors of Toscana soup beautifully.

Their soft and fluffy texture with a hint of sweetness from a honey glaze is a perfect match.

You can serve them warm with butter, making it a cozy combination.

Caesar Salad

You can’t go wrong with a crisp Caesar salad by the side of a comforting bowl of Toscana soup.

The crunchy romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and creamy dressing provide a nice contrast.

Add a few croutons for that extra bite and you’re in for a treat.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking to switch things up, roasted Brussels sprouts are an excellent option.

Their nutty and slightly sweet flavor enhances the savoriness of the soup.

Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.

Garlic Parmesan Fries

Garlic Parmesan fries may not seem traditional, but they work surprisingly well.

Their crispy texture and garlicky goodness create a fun and tasty pairing with the soup.

Serve them hot with a sprinkle of parsley for extra zest.

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus offers a fresh and vibrant side that pairs well with the hearty soup.

A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice is fantastic.

Grilling brings out the natural sweetness and adds a nice char flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Choices

You can swap out the traditional Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken sausage if you’re looking for a lighter version.

If you’re exploring plant-based options, tofu sausage offers a great alternative.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your protein choices!

Creaminess Options

For a richer soup, replace the half-and-half with cream.

Alternatively, coconut cream can be used as a non-dairy substitute.

Whole milk works nicely if you prefer a lighter consistency.

Vegetable Variations

Feel free to experiment with different leafy greens, like Swiss chard or collard greens, instead of kale or spinach.

Sweet potatoes are a fun substitution for regular potatoes, adding a touch of sweetness.

Adding broccoli to the mix can provide an extra burst of color and nutrients.

How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Toscana Soup Recipe

Cool the Soup First

Before storing, make sure the soup has cooled to room temperature.

Cooling it helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can make the soup watery.

It’s an important step for maintaining texture and flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

For short-term storage, use an airtight container to keep the soup fresh in the refrigerator.

This tasty soup will typically stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days.

Using airtight containers prevents odor absorption and keeps the soup tasting its best.

Freezing the Soup

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup.

Transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.

It can be safely frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy it later!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Kale

It’s all about timing when adding kale!

Add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking so it stays vibrant and slightly crisp.

Overcooking can leave it mushy, losing both its bright color and nutritional punch.

Sautéing the Sausage Correctly

Be mindful of the sausage—you want it browned and broken into bits.

If it’s too clumpy, it won’t blend well in your soup.

Take your time to stir and break it apart while it cooks.

Managing the Cream

Adding cream at the wrong time can cause separation.

Turn down the heat before adding it to keep the broth silky and smooth.

This step makes your soup rich and inviting without any unappetizing clumps.