Olive Garden’s Sausage Soup is one of those iconic comfort foods that seems to hit all the right notes-hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden, you might have already tasted their famous Zuppa Toscana, a rich, creamy soup with sausage, potatoes, kale, and a perfect balance of seasonings. But imagine recreating that same cozy, restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner, trying to perfect a copycat recipe, or simply craving a dish that warms you from the inside out, this homemade version of Olive Garden’s Sausage Soup might just become your new favorite. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers that same comforting taste you remember from the restaurant. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious recipe.
Olive Garden Sausage Soup Recipe
This recipe is a near-perfect imitation of Olive Garden’s famous soup, combining savory sausage with creamy broth, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale. It’s a one-pot dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Here’s a breakdown of how you can recreate this restaurant classic at home.
Ingredients Needed
To make the soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together in perfect harmony:
- Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) – This is the flavor base of the soup. You can opt for mild Italian sausage if you prefer less heat or spicy sausage for a little kick.
- Russet potatoes – These potatoes are perfect for soups because they break down a little during cooking, giving the broth a creamy texture.
- Kale – This is the leafy green that gives the soup its earthy flavor and adds some healthy nutrients. You can also use spinach, but kale holds up better in soup.
- Yellow onion – Adds a savory base flavor when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic gives the soup its aromatic foundation.
- Chicken broth – The base liquid that brings everything together.
- Heavy cream – To create the soup’s signature creamy texture.
- Olive oil – For sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a hint of spice (if you’re using mild sausage).
- Salt and pepper – To season the soup to perfection.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to bring them together in one pot. Follow these simple steps:
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Brown The Sausage
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage (break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks) and sauté until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
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Sauté The Onions And Garlic
- In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
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Add The Broth And Potatoes
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the diced potatoes and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Combine Sausage And Kale
- Once the potatoes are cooked, return the browned sausage to the pot.
- Add the chopped kale and stir it into the soup. Allow it to wilt down for about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir In The Cream
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.
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Season And Serve
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Serve hot, and enjoy the delicious, hearty bowl of sausage soup you just created!
Ingredient Insights
Each of the ingredients in this soup plays a role in building flavor and texture. Let’s break them down:
- Italian Sausage: The sausage is the backbone of the soup’s flavor. The savory, slightly fatty nature of sausage infuses the broth, giving it a rich, deep taste that’s perfect for a creamy base.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are starchy and slightly absorbent, which means they soak up the broth and add a velvety texture to the soup. They also help thicken the soup naturally.
- Kale: This hearty green adds both color and nutrients. Unlike spinach, which wilts quickly, kale holds up well in soups, maintaining its texture without becoming too soggy or mushy.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the soup creamy, but it’s also important for balancing out the saltiness of the sausage and the heat (if you’re using spicy sausage).
- Chicken Broth: This provides the liquid base for the soup. You can use low-sodium broth if you’re concerned about salt levels.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the potatoes: While you want the potatoes to be tender, overcooking them can turn them into mush. Aim for just fork-tender potatoes for the best texture.
- Use high-quality sausage: The quality of your sausage will directly affect the flavor of the soup. If possible, choose a good brand or fresh sausage from the butcher.
- Add cream slowly: When adding the heavy cream, pour it in slowly and stir to prevent curdling. It also helps to lower the heat when adding cream to avoid separating the fat.
- Balance flavors: Taste as you go! If the soup feels too salty, add a little more cream or a splash of water. If you want more heat, boost it with extra red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
- Use a lid: While cooking, if you cover the pot, it will help retain heat and speed up the cooking process, especially when simmering potatoes.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy sausage: Swap out the mild sausage for spicy Italian sausage to give the soup a bit more heat. You can also add red pepper flakes if you want to ramp up the spice even more.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. You can still use the same potatoes, kale, and cream to create a rich, satisfying soup.
- Add bacon: For an extra smoky flavor, crisp up some bacon and add it to the soup when you return the sausage to the pot. Bacon’s smoky notes can complement the sausage beautifully.
- Add other veggies: Feel free to toss in some other vegetables like carrots, celery, or even a handful of corn for added texture and flavor.
- Different greens: While kale is the classic option, you can also swap it for spinach or Swiss chard, depending on what you have on hand or your personal preference.
Final Words
There’s something magical about a bowl of homemade soup. It’s simple, it’s comforting, and it brings people together. Olive Garden’s Sausage Soup is no exception. With its creamy broth, tender potatoes, and savory sausage, it’s a dish that will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. The best part? You can make it from scratch with minimal effort, but it tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a cozy meal for a chilly evening, or just looking for something delicious to enjoy, this Olive Garden-inspired soup is sure to impress. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a family favorite, too.
FAQs
What Is Olive Garden’s Sausage Soup Recipe?
Olive Garden’s sausage soup, also known as Zuppa Toscana, is a hearty soup made with Italian sausage, kale, potatoes, onions, garlic, and a creamy broth base. It is seasoned with crushed red pepper flakes and often served with a dash of Parmesan cheese on top.
How Do You Make Olive Garden’s Sausage Soup At Home?
To make the soup at home, start by browning Italian sausage in a large pot. Then, sauté onions and garlic in the same pot. Add chicken broth, potatoes, and red pepper flakes, and bring to a boil. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, then stir in chopped kale and heavy cream. Simmer for a few more minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Can I Substitute Kale In The Sausage Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute kale with spinach or collard greens. However, kale gives the soup a unique texture and flavor that other greens may not fully replicate. Spinach is a good alternative for a milder taste, but it will wilt more quickly than kale.
Is It Necessary To Use Italian Sausage For This Soup?
While Italian sausage is traditional and adds a specific flavor to the soup, you can substitute it with other types of sausage, such as chicken sausage or even ground beef. However, keep in mind that the overall taste of the soup may differ based on the type of sausage used.
Can I Make Olive Garden’s Sausage Soup Recipe In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, such as broth, potatoes, and red pepper flakes, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the kale and cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What Kind Of Potatoes Are Best For Olive Garden Sausage Soup?
Russet potatoes are commonly used in Zuppa Toscana for their creamy texture when cooked. However, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly firmer texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won’t break down as well in the soup.
How Can I Make Olive Garden’s Sausage Soup Recipe Gluten-free?
To make the soup gluten-free, ensure that the sausage you use is gluten-free and that your chicken broth doesn’t contain gluten. You can also substitute the broth with a gluten-free variety if necessary.
Can I Freeze Olive Garden Sausage Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup. To do so, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop, but be aware that the texture of the cream may change after freezing. You may need to add a bit more cream or broth to restore the desired consistency.
What Is The Best Way To Store Leftovers Of Olive Garden Sausage Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan on storing it longer, freezing is a better option. Be sure to let the soup cool before refrigerating or freezing to maintain the best flavor and texture.
What Can I Serve With Olive Garden Sausage Soup?
Olive Garden’s sausage soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a light salad with Italian dressing. For a more substantial meal, you can serve it alongside a pasta dish or a simple antipasto platter.