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Easy Zuppa Toscana (Better Than Olive Garden!)

A rich, creamy, savory Italian-style soup with sausage, potatoes, kale, and bacon—better than the restaurant version and ready in under 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4-5 potatoes sliced or diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5-1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • salt & pepper to taste
Creamy Finish
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups kale chopped

Equipment

  • Large soup pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Cook chopped bacon in a pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  2. Brown sausage in the same pot, breaking it into chunks.
  3. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and add potatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 15 minutes.
  5. Add heavy cream and kale; stir until kale wilts.
  6. Season with salt and pepper and top with crispy bacon before serving.

Notes

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture. Add cream at the end to keep broth smooth.