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.
Recipe 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 – Crispy and salty, it builds the base flavor of the soup.
- Yellow Onion – A sweet, mellow aromatic that softens into the broth.
- Celery – Adds depth and texture to the soup’s base.
- Garlic – Fresh and bold, a must in any good Italian-style soup.
- Hot Italian Sausage – Brings heat and flavor. Use mild if you prefer.
- Red Potatoes – Hold their shape and add substance without falling apart.
- Chicken Stock – Forms the savory broth. Use homemade or store-bought.
- Fresh Baby Spinach – Wilts quickly and balances the richness.
- Heavy Cream – Adds body and smooth, creamy texture.
- Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – Season to taste and kick up the spice if you like.
Try this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
How To Make This Recipe
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.
- Cook The Bacon – Cut bacon into small pieces and cook in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, but leave the grease in the pot.
- Sauté Veggies – Add onion and celery to the bacon fat. Cook for 5–6 minutes, then stir in garlic and cook another 2–3 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Brown The Sausage – Add Italian sausage to the pot and break it up as it browns.
- Add Potatoes – Dice red potatoes into ¼-inch cubes. Add to the sausage and let them cook for a few minutes.
- Build The Soup – Return the bacon and vegetables to the pot. Add chicken stock, bring to a simmer, and cook for 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Finish With Spinach And Cream – Stir in spinach and heavy cream. Simmer another 3–4 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with grated parmesan if desired.
Try our Italian Sausage and Rice Skillet!
Recipe FAQ
Yes, use a vegetarian sausage substitute, skip the bacon, and vegetable stock.
Opt for mild Italian sausage instead of hot. Skip the optional red pepper flakes.
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.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days max. Reheat in a pan on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serve This With
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- A Side of Crusty Bread
- A Fresh Green Salad
More Soup Recipes
- 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.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving 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!