The Coziest One-Pot Dinner: Homemade Zuppa Toscana (Better Than Olive Garden!)
This Zuppa Toscana reheats beautifully (it actually tastes even better the next day), so go ahead and make a double batch. Your future self will thank you when you pull a container out of the fridge on a busy weeknight.
There’s something magical about a creamy, hearty soup that comes together in a single pot and tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day. This Zuppa Toscana — the famous Olive Garden copycat — is packed with crispy bacon, spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and ribbons of kale, all swimming in a rich creamy broth. It’s comfort food at its finest, and the best part? You can have it on the table in under an hour.
Thousands of home cooks swear this version tastes even better than the restaurant original. Ready to make it your new family favorite? Let’s go!
What You’ll Need (Serves 6–8)
- 6–8 oz bacon, chopped
- 1 lb hot Italian sausage (use mild if cooking for kids)
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 10 large garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is fine)
- 6 cups water
- 5–6 medium russet potatoes (about 2½–3 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For serving: extra crispy bacon and freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Step 1: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy
Grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven and set it over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped bacon and cook, stirring now and then, until it’s beautifully browned and crispy. Scoop the bacon out with a slotted spoon and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Pour off most of the bacon fat, but leave about 1–2 tablespoons in the pot — that’s pure flavor gold.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Add the Italian sausage to the same pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink and lightly browned. Transfer the cooked sausage to another paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Pro tip: If your sausage gives off a lot of fat, spoon out the extra so the soup doesn’t end up greasy.
Step 3: Soften the Onion and Garlic
Throw the diced onion into the pot (still over medium-high heat). Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden. Add the minced garlic and stir for another 60 seconds — your kitchen is about to smell incredible.
Step 4: Build the Broth and Cook the Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Scrape the bottom of the pot to grab all those tasty browned bits. Bring everything to a boil.
While waiting for the boil, chop your potatoes into roughly ½-inch pieces (skin on is fine! Once the liquid is boiling, add the potatoes. Cook 13–14 minutes or until you can easily pierce them with a fork.
Step 5: Add Kale and Sausage
When the potatoes are almost tender, stir in the chopped kale and the cooked sausage. Let everything come back to a gentle boil for a couple of minutes — the kale will turn bright green and soften just right.
Step 6: Make It Creamy and Season
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a light boil for just a minute. Taste it now — this is your moment! Add a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper until it tastes perfect to you. Turn off the heat.
Serve It Hot and Loaded
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Top each one with a generous sprinkle of the reserved crispy bacon and a shower of freshly grated Parmesan. Grab a chunk of crusty bread for dipping, and dinner is served.
Make-It-Your-Own Ideas
- Kid-friendly version → swap hot sausage for mild or sweet Italian sausage
- Lighter version → use half-and-half or even whole milk (it won’t be quite as rich, but still delicious)
- Extra veggies → toss in a handful of sliced mushrooms when you cook the onions
- Spicy kick → add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic
This Zuppa Toscana reheats beautifully (it actually tastes even better the next day), so go ahead and make a double batch. Your future self will thank you when you pull a container out of the fridge on a busy weeknight.
One pot, simple ingredients, huge flavor — this is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary Wednesday into something special. Enjoy every cozy spoonful! 🥄
