🍲 Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana (Mediterranean-Style Lightened Version)
🌿 Description
Inspired by the famous Zuppa Toscana, this homemade version keeps the creamy, comforting flavors you love — savory sausage, tender potatoes, garlic, and leafy greens — but with a lighter Mediterranean touch.
Instead of heavy cream overload, we balance it with olive oil, lean protein, and optional Greek yogurt for creaminess. It’s rich, cozy, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6)
Base:
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1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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500 g (1 lb) Italian-style turkey sausage (or lean beef/chicken sausage)
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup:
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4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon gold works well)
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
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Salt & black pepper to taste
Creamy Finish:
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¾ cup light cream or ½ cup Greek yogurt + ¼ cup milk
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2 cups fresh kale, chopped
Optional garnish:
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Fresh parsley
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Grated Parmesan
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add sausage, breaking it apart. Cook until browned. Remove excess grease if needed.
2️⃣ Sauté Aromatics
Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3️⃣ Add Broth & Potatoes
Pour in chicken broth. Add sliced potatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 12–15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
4️⃣ Add Creaminess
Lower heat. Stir in cream (or yogurt mixture). Do not boil after adding dairy.
5️⃣ Add Kale
Stir in chopped kale and simmer 2–3 minutes until wilted.
6️⃣ Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley.
🌿 Mediterranean Lightening Tips
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Use turkey sausage instead of pork.
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Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for protein boost.
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Add extra kale for more fiber and nutrients.
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Use olive oil instead of butter.
🥖 Serving Ideas
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Serve with whole-grain bread.
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Pair with a fresh tomato-cucumber salad.
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Add a squeeze of lemon before serving for brightness.
❓ Q & A
Q1: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk or leave out cream entirely for a broth-based version.
Q2: Can I freeze it?
Yes, but freeze before adding cream for best texture. Add cream when reheating.
Q3: Can I make it low-carb?
Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets.
Q4: How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Q5: Is this authentic Italian?
It’s inspired by Tuscan-style soups but adapted to match the popular restaurant version.
