Zuppa Toscana, a classic Italian soup, is a perfect dish for those who love hearty and comforting meals. This traditional recipe combines rich flavors and textures, creating a satisfying and delicious soup. The blend of savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and tender vegetables simmered in a creamy broth makes Zuppa Toscana an irresistible choice for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Zuppa Toscana
Zuppa Toscana is an excellent choice for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying. This is a popular choice at Italian restaurants, and a very popular soup at Olive Garden, but making it at home is simple and uses ingredients you probably have in your pantry and fridge already.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. The combination of creamy broth, spicy sausage, and crispy bacon creates such an incredible combination of flavors. It is easy to see why this soup is so popular.
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Satisfying: The combination of crispy bacon and tender potatoes creates a delightful contrast.
- Rich Flavor: The Italian sausage + bacon are a perfect match.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences or available ingredients.
- Comforting: Perfect for those days when you need a warm, comforting meal.
- Family Favorite: Loved by adults and kids alike, making it a great family meal.
Zuppa Toscana shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Bacon
- Yellow Onion
- Celery
- Garlic
- Hot Italian Sausage
- Red Potatoes
- Chicken Stock
- Baby Spinach
- Heavy Cream
- Salt and Pepper
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Try this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
How to make Zuppa Toscana
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
1
Bacon
Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven and set aside, reserving the grease.
2
Sauté
Sauté onion and celery in the same pot, then add garlic.
3
Brown
Brown the Italian sausage. Add diced potatoes and cook for several minutes.
4
Simmer
Return the bacon and vegetables to the pot, add chicken stock, and simmer.
5
Cream
Stir in spinach and cream, simmering briefly before serving.
Try our Italian Sausage and Rice Skillet!
Zuppa Toscana FAQ
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, use a vegetarian sausage substitute, skip the bacon, and vegetable stock.
How can I make it less spicy?
Opt for mild Italian sausage instead of hot. Skip the optional red pepper flakes.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep or to take to a friend or family member who could use a hot homemade meal they didn’t have to make themselves.
What’s the best way to store and reheat this dish?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days max. Reheat in a pan on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Creamy Italian Sausage and Tortellini
Serve this with…
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- A Side of Crusty Bread
- A Fresh Green Salad
More great soup recipes to love!
- Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Beef Dumpling Soup
- Beef Noodle Soup with Prime Rib
- Beef Barley Soup with Prime Rib
- Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Wild Rice Hotdish Soup
- Cabbage Roll Soup (Sarma)
Zuppa Toscana
This creamy Italian sausage soup is perfect for one of those chilly fall or winter nights! Zuppa Toscana is a classic dish that's simple to prepare and your whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage
- 5 medium red potatoes
- 2 quarts chicken stock
- 8 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 8 ounces heavy cream
- salt and pepper
- red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the bacon up into small pieces.
- In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until it is crispy. Remove from the pan, but reserve the grease in the pan.
- Add the diced onion and celery and cook for 5-6 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the vegetables from the pan.
- Add the Italian sausage to the pan and and brown, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Dice the potatoes into 1/4 inch cubes when the meat is cooking. Add to the pot with the meat and let cook for a few minutes with the meat.
- Add the bacon and vegetables back to the pot. Add the chicken stock.
- Simmer for 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the spinach and cream. Bring back to a light simmer and let cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Serve hot with some grated parmesan for garnish.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 419Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 890mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 21g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.