Zuppa Toscana

For years, I was that person at Olive Garden who never ordered from the actual menu - I'd walk in, sit down, and immediately request the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks. Of all their soups, Zuppa Toscana was my absolute favorite, with its spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy broth that I could never seem to get enough of. When I started eating healthier, I knew I had to figure out how to recreate this comfort food classic at home with better ingredients, and after many attempts, this Zuppa Toscana recipe was born.

This Zuppa Toscana represents my healthier take on the restaurant favorite, using chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork and coconut milk instead of heavy cream. The result is a soup that's just as satisfying and flavorful as the original but won't leave you feeling weighed down afterward. I've added a touch of gochugaru for extra warmth and depth, which has become my secret ingredient for adding complexity to Italian-American dishes without overpowering the traditional flavors.

What makes this Zuppa Toscana particularly special is how it delivers all the comfort of the restaurant version while being something you can feel good about eating regularly. The combination of spicy sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and hearty kale creates a soup that's both indulgent and nutritious. The coconut milk adds creaminess without the heaviness of dairy, and the potato starch helps thicken the broth to that perfect, silky consistency.

In my kitchen, this Zuppa Toscana has become a cold-weather staple that I make whenever I'm craving comfort food. It's the soup I turn to when I'm feeling under the weather, when I need to feed a crowd, or when I simply want something warm and satisfying on a chilly evening. Paired with some crusty bread (or those famous breadsticks if you're feeling nostalgic), it's a complete meal that proves healthy cooking doesn't mean giving up the foods you love.

Why You'll Love This Zuppa Toscana

• All the flavor of the restaurant favorite, made healthier

• Creamy without heavy cream using coconut milk

• Packed with protein from sausage and bacon

• Hearty kale adds nutrition and texture

• Perfect comfort food for cold weather

• Makes great leftovers that reheat beautifully

• Customizable spice level to your preference

What is Zuppa Toscana?

Zuppa Toscana ("Tuscan Soup") is an Italian-American soup made famous by Olive Garden, featuring spicy Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth. This healthier version uses leaner sausage and dairy-free milk while maintaining all the comforting flavors of the original.