There’s something magical about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes in your own kitchen. This copycat Olive Garden kale and sausage soup recipe brings the beloved Zuppa Toscana straight to your dinner table with authentic flavors and simple ingredients.
Known for its creamy broth, tender potatoes, and hearty Italian sausage, this soup has become one of Olive Garden’s most requested dishes.
Whether you’re craving comfort food on a chilly evening or looking to impress guests with restaurant-quality cuisine, this homemade version delivers all the richness and satisfaction of the original. Best of all, you can customize the spice level and make it in under 45 minutes!
What Does It Taste Like?
This olive garden kale and sausage soup offers a perfect harmony of bold and creamy flavors. The spicy Italian sausage provides a savory, slightly peppery kick that’s beautifully mellowed by the velvety heavy cream.
Tender yellow potatoes add heartiness and a subtle earthiness, while fresh kale contributes a pleasant bitterness that balances the richness.
The chicken broth base ties everything together with deep, comforting umami notes. Each spoonful delivers a luxurious, restaurant-style experience with layers of flavor-from the aromatic garlic and onions to the optional crispy bacon and sharp parmesan topping.
It’s warming, satisfying, and incredibly crave-worthy.
Ingredients for Olive Garden Kale and Sausage Soup
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage (use mild for kid-friendly version)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 4-5 yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups chopped kale
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped bacon or bacon bits
- Grated parmesan cheese
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 hearty bowls
How to Make Olive Garden Kale and Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
In a large pot, sauté the spicy Italian ground sausage over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. You want it nicely browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the same pot with the sausage drippings. Once melted, add the diced white onion and sauté over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant-be careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of water. Add the cubed yellow potatoes, 3 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Once boiling, reduce heat slightly and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
Step 5: Add Kale and Cream
Stir in the 4 cups of chopped kale and watch it wilt into the soup. Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir everything together gently.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated parmesan cheese and crispy bacon bits if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread!
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Your Kale Sausage Soup
1. Protein Variations
While spicy Italian sausage is traditional, you can substitute with sweet Italian sausage, turkey sausage for a lighter option, or even chorizo for a Spanish twist. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage crumbles or skip the meat entirely and add white beans for protein.
2. Vegetable Additions
Beyond kale, try adding baby spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens. Diced carrots, celery, or red bell peppers can add extra nutrition and color. Some people love adding white beans or cannellini beans for additional heartiness and fiber.
3. Potato Alternatives
Yellow potatoes are classic, but you can use Yukon gold, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Cauliflower florets work beautifully for a low-carb alternative that still provides that satisfying texture.
4. Cream Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk with a cornstarch slurry, or even coconut cream for dairy-free needs. Greek yogurt stirred in at the end adds tanginess and protein while reducing calories.
5. Perfect Bread Pairings
This soup pairs wonderfully with Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks, crusty Italian bread, garlic bread, sourdough, or even cheesy focaccia. The bread is perfect for soaking up that creamy, flavorful broth.
6. Complete Meal Ideas
Serve alongside a fresh Caesar salad, caprese salad, or simple mixed greens with Italian vinaigrette. Add a side of bruschetta or antipasto platter for a full Italian-inspired feast that rivals any restaurant experience.
7. Spice Level Customization
Control the heat by using mild Italian sausage, or kick it up with extra red pepper flakes. You can also let each diner adjust their own bowl with hot sauce or crushed red pepper at the table for personalized spice levels.
Expert Tips for the Best Olive Garden Kale and Sausage Soup
1. Don’t Skip Browning the Sausage
Properly browning the Italian sausage creates a caramelized crust that develops deep, complex flavors. Those browned bits (fond) left in the pot become the foundation of your soup’s rich taste. Avoid overcrowding the pan and let the sausage develop a nice golden-brown color.
2. Use Quality Chicken Broth
Since broth is a primary ingredient in this copycat olive garden kale and sausage soup recipe, quality matters immensely. Choose low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the salt level, or better yet, use homemade bone broth for maximum flavor and nutrition.
3. Cut Potatoes Uniformly
Cutting your yellow potatoes into consistent 1-inch pieces ensures they all cook at the same rate. Uneven pieces mean some will be mushy while others remain hard. This attention to detail makes a significant difference in the final texture.
4. Add Kale at the Right Time
Adding kale too early makes it turn dark and mushy. Stirring it in during the last 5 minutes allows it to wilt perfectly while maintaining its vibrant green color and slight texture. Stems take longer to cook than leaves, so chop them smaller or remove them entirely.
5. Prevent Cream from Curdling
Never boil the soup after adding heavy cream, as high heat can cause it to separate and curdle. Add cream after removing from high heat, and keep the soup at a gentle simmer. If reheating, do so slowly over low heat while stirring frequently.
6. Make It Ahead for Better Flavor
Like many soups, this tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Prepare it ahead but wait to add the cream and kale until reheating. This prevents overcooking the greens and maintains the cream’s silky texture.
7. Adjust Consistency to Preference
If your soup is too thick, thin it with additional chicken broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water. Some prefer a brothier soup while others love it thick and stew-like-customize to your liking!
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent cream separation. Add a splash of broth if needed to restore consistency. Freezing is possible but may affect cream texture.
Common Queries and FAQs
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about this recipe
Can I make this Olive Garden Kale and Sausage Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage first, then add everything except cream and kale to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add cream and kale during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half works well for a lighter version, though the soup will be less rich. For dairy-free options, try full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. Avoid skim milk as it won’t provide the creamy texture.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, but you’ll miss the flavorful browning and rendered fat. If using pre-cooked sausage, add some olive oil to sauté your aromatics and consider adding Italian seasoning to boost flavor.
Why is my Olive Garden Kale and Sausage Soup too salty?
This often happens with regular chicken broth plus added salt. Always use low-sodium broth and add salt gradually, tasting as you go. Remember, you can always add more salt but can’t remove it once added.
How do I keep kale from turning brown?
Add kale in the final minutes of cooking and avoid overcooking. Store leftovers properly and reheat gently. Overheating causes kale to oxidize and darken.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Sweet Italian sausage, chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or chorizo all work wonderfully. Each brings its own flavor profile to this versatile soup recipe.
What if I can’t find yellow potatoes?
Yukon gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes are all excellent substitutes. Yukon golds are particularly similar to yellow potatoes in texture and flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The soup itself is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free sausage and verify your chicken broth is gluten-free. Always check labels, as some sausages contain fillers with gluten.
This copycat Olive Garden kale and sausage soup recipe proves that restaurant-quality meals are absolutely achievable in your home kitchen.
With simple olive garden kale and sausage soup ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll create a bowl of comfort that rivals the original.
The combination of spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, nutritious kale, and luxurious cream creates a soup that’s both satisfying and impressive.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving guests, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time. Now it’s your turn-grab your ingredients and experience the magic of homemade Zuppa Toscana tonight!
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