Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Zuppa Toscana recipe, full of crumbled sausage, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes in a rich, flavorful broth! This cozy bowl is inspired by one of your favorite Olive Garden soups, Zuppa Toscana, and it’s even better made at home. The entire family will be asking for seconds!

We’ve added a few extra touches to take this Zuppa Toscana recipe to the next level, while still keeping it simple and satisfying. If you love Olive Garden inspired meals, don’t miss our Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli or indulgent Creamy Tuscan Chicken or the savory Creamy Parmesan Chicken — either are perfect for recreating a restaurant style dinner at home.

Why This Recipe Works

This Zuppa Toscana is the ultimate comfort food. With tender potatoes, crispy bacon, savory sausage, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s perfect for cold nights. Made in one pot with simple steps to keep the sausage browned and bacon crisp, every bite is full of flavor.

Though “Zuppa Toscana” means “Tuscan soup,” this version is an American favorite made popular by Olive Garden. We’ve added optional dry white wine for extra depth, and a simple cornstarch slurry to thicken it if you like. It’s creamy, cozy, and incredibly easy to make.

What Goes Into Zuppa Toscana

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Zuppa Toscana ingredients are everyday items you find at home, each one bringing bold flavor and comforting texture to the bowl. It’s simple, satisfying, and easy to make at home.

• Italian Sausage – Use mild or hot sausage depending on your preference. Browning it well builds a rich, flavorful base for the soup.
• Bacon – Crispy diced bacon adds smoky depth and a little crunch. Cook it first and use the drippings to sauté the aromatics.
• Potatoes – Russet potatoes are ideal here. Slice them into 1/4-inch rounds so they soften into the broth, thickening it naturally.
• Kale – Fresh kale adds color, texture, and a slight bitterness that balances the creaminess of the broth. Remove tough stems before chopping.
• Cream – Use heavy cream, half and half, or even evaporated milk. It gives the soup a silky, rich finish without being too heavy.
• Fennel & Chili Flakes – These add subtle warmth and flavor complexity. Adjust the chili flakes to your heat preference.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for list of full ingredients and measurements

How To Make Zuppa Toscana

If you’re wondering how to cook Zuppa Toscana, don’t worry because it’s simple and comforting. With just one pot and a few steps, you’ll have a creamy, hearty soup full of flavor and texture.

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Once browned and cooked through, drain the excess fat, leaving about 1 teaspoon in the pot. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon and Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, cook the bacon until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain most of the fat, leaving about 2 teaspoons in the pot. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

3. Build the Broth: (Optional) Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce. Add chicken broth and season with crushed bouillon, salt, pepper, fennel, and red chili flakes. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, or until fork-tender.

4. Add Cream and Finish the Soup: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the cream, then return the cooked sausage and bacon to the pot. Add the chopped kale and simmer for 2 minutes, until the leaves have softened. Serve warm with crusty bread or garlic toast.

Zuppa Toscana is rich, creamy, and satisfying all on its own, but it’s even better with something fresh or savory on the side. Pair it with a crisp salad or a warm veggie dish to round out your meal.

For a refreshing contrast, try our Pesto Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad — it’s light, herby, and full of vibrant flavors. If you’re after something heartier, our Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are loaded with melty cheese, tomatoes, and basil, perfect alongside a cozy bowl of soup. Or keep it light and classic with our Skinny Chicken and Avocado Caesar Salad, which adds a satisfying crunch without overpowering the soup’s bold flavors.