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    Home » Soups

    Easy Zuppa Toscana

    Published: May 4, 2022 / Updated: May 4, 2022 / 138 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Love the Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana? It's so simple to recreate it at home. This creamy sausage, bacon, potato, and kale soup is total comfort food!

    Try my Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, Easy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, or Minestrone Soup Recipe for more restaurant-quality dishes you can replicate in your kitchen.

    a bowl of zuppa toscana

    Sausage, Bacon, Potato, and Kale Soup

    If you haven't tried Zuppa Toscana yet, it's about time you do! It's immensely popular for a reason. It's simple to make even for new cooks, very satisfying, and feels like a cozy yet impressive treat that you could easily serve for company.

    Ours has everyday fresh and inexpensive ingredients, and you can control exactly what's going into this robust soup that's inspired by the Olive Garden favorite. Our kitchen may be biased, but we think you might agree this copycat recipe is way better than the original.

    What is Zuppa Toscana?

    • "Zuppa Toscana" literally means "Tuscan soup", but from an American point of view, it commonly refers to the soup found at the Olive Garden restaurant with sausage, kale, and bacon. It's a fairly brothy (not too thick) soup that's definitely not authentic Italian, but it sure is tasty.

    Ingredients you'll need

    • Bacon - I chose thick cut
    • Sausage - Johnsonville mild Italian is my go-to variety for this soup. Ground sausage meat is good too.
    • Onion and garlic - our aromatic base. I like sweet Vidalia onions, and using this garlic press makes it effortless to mince the garlic.
    • Broth and water - I prefer using chicken broth, but beef broth works as well
    • Potatoes - we like using red potatoes with their skins on
    • Italian seasoning - fragrant dried herbs like rosemary and thyme are found in this tasty blend that's all in a single jar
    • Heavy cream - it's what makes that broth irresistibly creamy!
    • Kale - another signature component for a burst of freshness
    ingredients for zuppa toscana on a marble counter

    What's the best kind of potatoes to use?

    • I typically use red, but Russet potatoes, Yukon Gold, or even other varieties will work just fine. I don't peel them, but you definitely can.
    • This soup is pretty forgiving on the quantity of potatoes. I typically use four medium-to-large red potatoes, which I know is really subjective. I'd aim for around 1.5 pounds of potatoes if you're looking for a specific weight. 

    How to make Zuppa Toscana

    This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

    frying bacon and sausage in a soup pot

    Sauté the bacon in your soup pot or Dutch oven. Give it a few minutes head start prior to adding the sausage pieces. Cook until the bacon is crispy and the sausage is browned. Meanwhile, prep the remaining ingredients as it's cooking.

    adding onion and broth to a soup pot for zuppa toscana

    Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, then add the chicken broth and water to the pot, followed by the potatoes and Italian seasoning. Bring the soup to a boil, and cook until the potatoes are done.

    adding cream and kale to finish zuppa toscana

    Stir in the cream and kale. Cook for another 5-10 minutes or so until the kale is nice and tender to your liking. Season with salt & pepper to taste!

    Crockpot and Instant Pot methods

    • Want to make it in your Instant Pot? Head on over to my Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana recipe.
    • To make Zuppa Toscana in a slow cooker, do steps 1-4 (in the recipe card below) in a skillet, and then transfer to your Crockpot. Add in remaining ingredients except for the cream, kale, and salt & pepper. Cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 on low, then add in the cream and kale about 20-30 minutes prior to serving. Season with salt & pepper as desired.

    Substitutions and variations

    • A lot of people like a spicy version, so feel free to use hot Italian sausage if you want a kick, or try 1/4 tsp or more of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.
    • Substituting spinach instead of the kale works fine, but it'll wilt much faster, so make sure to watch it carefully.
    • If you need to, replace the cream with half-and-half, but with recipes like this, I prefer to go all out. You can't beat real cream, in my opinion!
    • Go ahead and grate some fresh parmesan cheese on top for even more luxuriousness.

    What to serve with it

    • I always pair this soup with a big ol' slice of Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread, but crusty bread, a dinner roll, or breadsticks works great too.
    • My go-to salad is always dressed up with this homemade Olive Garden Salad Dressing for OG night at home!

    Leftovers and storage

    • This soup makes great leftovers. It'll keep in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
    • If you freeze the soup, it can separate a bit when reheating, though, so reheat on a low temperature and stir it well. Alternatively, if you're planning for a lot of leftovers, just add in the cream when thawing and reheating.

    More restaurant-worthy recipes

    • Easy Chicken Marsala
    • Tuscan Sausage Pasta
    • Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
    • Chicken Riesling
    • Easy Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe
    a pot and ladle of zuppa toscana

    Have you tried Zuppa Toscana? Leave a comment below. Questions? Let me know! You can also tag me on Instagram #saltandlavender with your beautiful creations.

    a bowl of zuppa toscana

    Easy Zuppa Toscana

    Love the Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana? It's so simple to recreate it at home. This creamy sausage, bacon, potato, and kale soup is total comfort food!
    4.83 from 45 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 35 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Soup
    Cuisine Italian American
    Servings 6
    Calories 669 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 5 strips of bacon (thick cut works best)
    • 1 pound Italian sausage see note
    • 1 medium onion chopped
    • 5 cloves garlic minced
    • 2 cups chicken broth (beef works too)
    • 4 cups water
    • 4 large red potatoes diced (leave skins on)
    • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
    • 1 small bunch of kale torn into bite-size pieces (remove stems)
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Using kitchen shears (or a knife), cut the bacon into small pieces and add it to a pot. Cook for 5 minutes over medium-high heat to give the bacon a bit of a head start before adding in the sausage.
    • Add the sausage meat to the pot.
    • Allow the sausage and bacon to get nicely browned and crispy (this can take 15+ minutes). Stir occasionally. There may be quite a lot of fat in the pot (especially if you're using thick cut bacon), so you may want to spoon some out and discard it, but be sure to leave a few tablespoons in there as it adds flavor.
    • Stir in the onions and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
    • Add the chicken broth, water, potatoes, and Italian seasoning to the pot.
    • Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat to simmer.
    • Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
    • Add in the cream and kale, and cook for a further 5 minutes or until the kale is soft and wilted. Season with salt & pepper as needed.

    Notes

    • To save prep time, I chop the onion and potatoes while the bacon and sausage cook.
    • For the sausage, either use ground sausage meat or a pack of Italian sausages (I use a 5-pack of Johnsonville mild Italian sausages that's 500g/17.6 oz. here in Canada) and take the meat out of the casings. A little more than a pound is totally fine!
    • Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes would work if you don't want to use red potatoes. Aim for approx. 1.5 pounds of potatoes.
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
       

    Nutrition

    Calories: 669kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 116mgSodium: 1040mgPotassium: 1512mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2775IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 138mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword Zuppa Toscana copycat, Zuppa Toscana recipe
    Author Natasha Bull

    This post was originally published on September 23, 2015. I've updated it with new photos, text, and a better written recipe! 

    « Spaghetti and Meatballs
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    1. Margo Wilson says

      February 5, 2021 at 1:56 PM

      5 stars
      I made this recipe and my family loved it. I didn't use bacon and substituted turkey hot sausage for the pork. It was awesome!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 5, 2021 at 7:00 PM

        Fab!!

        Reply
    2. Candice says

      January 31, 2021 at 12:11 PM

      5 stars
      This is an amazing recipe… Taste just like Olive Garden Tuscano soup… The Tuscano soup at Olive Garden is one of my favorites and I can tell you that this recipe is wonderful… The taste is so delicious!
      On a scale of 1 to 5 I’d give it a 10! I will be making it for the third time today…Can’t get enough of this delicious soup.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 31, 2021 at 12:40 PM

        Thank you so much!! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Emmy says

      January 30, 2021 at 2:25 PM

      5 stars
      I make this kale soup twice a month and my 17 year old son likes it a lot. I've brought this to a potluck (prior to covid) and it was a sure hit.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 30, 2021 at 8:56 PM

        That's great!! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Jen Rey says

      January 29, 2021 at 7:35 PM

      5 stars
      Made this, as written, for dinner today. Omg! It is so tasty! Would not change a thing. So much flavor and very filling on its own. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 29, 2021 at 8:19 PM

        You're very welcome!! So happy you liked it.

        Reply
    5. SusanC says

      January 29, 2021 at 6:15 PM

      5 stars
      Another fabulous recipe by Salt and Lavender!
      I made it just like the recipe except I used spinach instead of Kale.and 4 cups broth and 2 cups water as I did not have any stock. My Son and I Loved It! I will definitely make this again❤️

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 29, 2021 at 8:19 PM

        Thank you so much! So glad you two enjoyed it, Susan! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Monica says

      January 27, 2021 at 11:44 AM

      5 stars
      I made a pot of this and shared with some friends. We all loved it, including my husband who is a fast food junkie that doesn't appreciate home cooked meals. I used an entire bag of kale mix and more Italian seasoning. Definitely bookmarking this recipe. And my friend is making it tonite!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 27, 2021 at 12:10 PM

        Well that's great!! I'm so happy that it was a hit. And thanks for sharing the recipe with your friend! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Susan says

      January 24, 2021 at 8:22 AM

      1 star
      Way too much water. Flavors were diluted. Not enough seasoning. Add salt, pepper, more Italian seasoning. Quite a disappointment!

      Reply
    8. Matt Davis says

      January 7, 2021 at 4:14 PM

      5 stars
      Really terrific recipe! Flavors were dead on and very simple to accomplish! I ended up using 2 cups of Chicken broth, then added another cup of beef broth (I ran out of chicken!). It tasted terrific! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 7, 2021 at 5:23 PM

        Thank you!! So pleased you liked it, Matt.

        Reply
    9. DOREEN says

      December 29, 2020 at 4:54 PM

      5 stars
      I made this for dinner and it was a hit! I had to tweak the recipe a bit because my husband is diabetic and didn't want potatoes in the soup. I used mushrooms and Cannelini beans in place of the potatoes and also added some halved Brussel sprouts. It was delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 29, 2020 at 8:32 PM

        I'm so glad you were able to tweak it! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Mary Hancock says

      December 24, 2020 at 8:17 PM

      5 stars
      Oh my gosh delicious wouldn't change a thing had it for Christmas Eve along with the buttermilk corn bread. ❤️

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 24, 2020 at 10:58 PM

        Wonderful!! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Jay says

      December 22, 2020 at 11:08 AM

      Delicious recipe! To cut some of the fat, I used fewer slices of bacon (2 instead of 5). I also tried Johnsonville Brats instead of the Italian sausages. Equally delicious. Lastly, as noted, it’s not a thick soup. To thicken it up a bit, I stirred in a cup of Hungry Jack potato buds. Makes for a creamier and thicker soup but still has that potato taste!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 22, 2020 at 11:39 AM

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Jay! I like the potato buds tip!

        Reply
    12. Jess says

      December 18, 2020 at 6:47 PM

      5 stars
      Made many times over with vegetarian italian sausage. For vegetarians: The trick is to cook the "sausage" in the pan first, remove and set aside to add at the very end before serving. Otherwise the sausage gets soggy and not super great in my opinion. This soup is one of my go-tos in winter time!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 19, 2020 at 4:24 PM

        Thanks for the tips!! XO

        Reply
    13. Hannah says

      December 16, 2020 at 1:23 PM

      Made it with spicy italian sausage and added a knob of goat cheese at the end to cool it a bit. Very nice!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 17, 2020 at 9:52 AM

        Awesome!!

        Reply
    14. Jessica says

      December 10, 2020 at 7:15 PM

      5 stars
      This recipe was so delicious! I used Italian ground sausage instead of Johnsonville Mild Italian sausages but did everything else as directed in your recipe. It was a hit! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 10, 2020 at 8:39 PM

        Wonderful! 🙂

        Reply
    15. Helen says

      November 17, 2020 at 12:25 PM

      Just made this tonight in the UK. Used toulouse sausages and adapted cups for ml! My soup is quite a bit darker than yours as the bacon and sausages really browned my pot. If I make again, I think ill do them in a pan and transfer to a clean pot. Tastes great though!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 17, 2020 at 8:09 PM

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it!! Tons of flavor in there. No worries on the color... taste is what matters. 🙂

        Reply
    16. Shelia Rogers says

      November 14, 2020 at 11:18 AM

      I tried it 2 years ago when i went to visit my Oldest son in Phoenix Arizona and his wife made it for New Years Eve.MAN O MAN!!!!! HOOKED. I will make a pot today while um home today.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 14, 2020 at 8:28 PM

        I'm so glad you like it, Sheila!! I'm making it this week for my husband haha. It's his fav.

        Reply
    17. Michelle says

      November 8, 2020 at 1:58 PM

      I absolutely dislike kale and it’s bitter taste, however I made this soup many times and it is absolutely amazing in taste. The kale breaks down so you really don’t even know it’s kale, unless of course you are the cook. Delicious!!!! I have shared with family and friends many times.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 8, 2020 at 2:00 PM

        That's great! I'm glad kale works for you in this soup, but you could definitely sub it for spinach (I'd just add it in right towards the end). Thanks for sharing the recipe! XO

        Reply
      • T.Page says

        November 16, 2020 at 12:13 PM

        5 stars
        Delish

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          November 16, 2020 at 12:15 PM

          🙂

          Reply
    18. Kim says

      November 4, 2020 at 10:51 AM

      5 stars
      How?? How do you always nail it?? This is so incredibly delicious and SPOT ON to Olive Gardens version. Made a huge batch and just finished today! I am never disappointed in your recipes. Thank you so much for them!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 4, 2020 at 10:52 AM

        Aww you're very welcome!! I'm so glad it hit the spot for you. 🙂

        Reply
    19. David Kennell says

      November 2, 2020 at 7:22 AM

      5 stars
      Recipe is simple, easy to follow, and very tasty. I used a slow cooker (4.5 hours on high and then another 45 minutes after adding kale and cream), and it was perfect. I did brown the garlic and onion on the side with some butter & olive oil before throwing in the slow cooker. I also added a little cut corn with the kale to give it a sweet crunch. As the recipe showed, it doesn't need a lot of seasoning, just a little salt & pepper at the end, and I did add some of the sausage grease, good call!
      Most of all I chose this recipe to try because it didn't have anything out of a can. Cooking from scratch takes an extra few minutes, but you really can taste the difference.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 2, 2020 at 8:39 AM

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it, David! Thanks for the slow cooker tips.

        Reply
    20. Renae says

      October 26, 2020 at 1:59 PM

      5 stars
      This has become a family favorite of ours. My husband constantly asks for it and my picky 3 and 9 year old lap it up with some yummy warm bread. It’s also my go-to dinner for when we have family visit. Thank you so much for sharing such a delicious recipe!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 26, 2020 at 7:19 PM

        That's wonderful!! 🙂 You're welcome!

        Reply
    21. charlene seprish says

      October 11, 2020 at 12:57 PM

      I have one word YUM!!!! I used half and half since that is what I had on hand. Definitely a keeper!!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 12, 2020 at 9:17 AM

        Fantastic!!

        Reply
    22. Adele says

      October 5, 2020 at 4:07 PM

      5 stars
      Well you did it again! Delicious and easy to make. I used spinach instead of kale because it was available. I will make this often. Thanks Natasha!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 6, 2020 at 8:43 AM

        So happy you enjoyed it, Adele! 🙂 XO

        Reply
    23. Suzy Brenton says

      October 5, 2020 at 12:38 PM

      This Italian soup is fabulous. I followed the recipe exactly. It's going in the permanent collection!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 5, 2020 at 3:42 PM

        So happy to hear that, Suzy!!

        Reply
    24. A. H. says

      October 3, 2020 at 4:34 PM

      5 stars
      Wonderful! We use smoked sausage.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 4, 2020 at 10:01 AM

        Great!!

        Reply
    25. Carol Wayman says

      September 17, 2020 at 7:16 PM

      5 stars
      I tweaked the recipe a little. Didn’t have Italian seasonings in my cupboard. I did have basil. So I used that instead. Also used a pound of hot Italian bulk sausage that I had in my freezer. Super easy soup. We all loved it - even the picky teenager! Will definitely make this again.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 17, 2020 at 7:39 PM

        I'm so glad you all enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
    26. Susan Connors says

      August 11, 2020 at 1:35 PM

      5 stars
      Just made this soup. It’s delicious! Will difently be making this again. So few ingredients but so tastey

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 12, 2020 at 8:29 AM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Susan!

        Reply
    27. Eileen says

      May 23, 2020 at 1:34 PM

      This was absolutely delicious! One of my favorite soups. I will be making this often!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 24, 2020 at 12:04 PM

        So happy to hear that!!

        Reply
    28. Tara K. says

      April 5, 2020 at 5:39 PM

      5 stars
      I enjoy these recipes using pantry staples. Thanks for a great one.
      Delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 5, 2020 at 7:13 PM

        So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    29. Linda V says

      April 5, 2020 at 2:43 PM

      5 stars
      We just loved loved this recipe! I did use spinach in place of the kale. Just incredibly delicious. This will be a go to recipe.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 5, 2020 at 2:48 PM

        Wonderful! I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, Linda! 😀

        Reply
      • Debra Williams says

        April 11, 2020 at 3:31 PM

        5 stars
        So easy and delicious! Great quick lunch or dinner! Thank you!!

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          April 11, 2020 at 6:42 PM

          You're very welcome!

          Reply
      • Chrystal Blackburn says

        July 8, 2020 at 4:10 PM

        5 stars
        This recipe is literally one of my top favorites. I am going to say that I think it is BETTER than Olive Garden's. I make huge batches and it freezes well and thaws perfect, just needs a good stir. I use chorizo sausage and regular bacon. I also use half and half because it's what I have on hand. I top it with shredded parmesan. I have a sensitive stomach and it does not bother my stomach at all. It is so tasty and honestly, perfect.

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          July 9, 2020 at 8:34 AM

          I'm so happy you like it, Chrystal! 🙂 Thanks so much for commenting!

          Reply
      • Jordane says

        October 28, 2020 at 9:06 AM

        Hi Natasha,
        Could you use frozen Kale in this recipe?

        Thank you!

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          October 28, 2020 at 9:22 AM

          Hi! I think that should be fine. Frozen spinach would probably disintegrate too much, but kale is more hearty. Let me know how it goes!

          Reply
    30. Stormie says

      April 2, 2020 at 5:25 PM

      I can’t get my hands on and chicken /beef broth right now 🙁 can i just use more milk ?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 2, 2020 at 5:42 PM

        Hmmm I'd prob just use water instead of the broth. Do you have any bouillon/stock cubes by chance? Better than Bouillon? Worcestershire sauce? I'm trying to think of anything that could add a bit of that salty flavor to water.

        Reply
    31. Stacy says

      April 1, 2020 at 4:46 PM

      I was just wondering if I could add other veggies like carrots celery red,yell,& oran. sweet pepper and zucchini to this soup. If so would it throw the taste off a lot.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 1, 2020 at 4:51 PM

        Hi Stacy! It will for sure taste a bit different, but I think it would be yummy.

        Reply
    32. Jane M says

      March 29, 2020 at 12:21 PM

      5 stars
      Easy to make and amazing flavor! Added extra kale - I had plenty from garden. Also, used breakfast sausage links - used up what was in refrigerator. I sautéd onions/garlic before I added liquid. I will definitely pass this recipe to my daughters. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 29, 2020 at 1:10 PM

        I am so happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing the recipe! XO

        Reply
    33. Tina says

      March 27, 2020 at 5:50 PM

      Hello Natasha! I have made this soup a multitude of times and it is always a hit! The one difference is that I sauté the onions and a bit of celery until the colour lightens (5 or 6 minutes). I then add the potatoes and continue to sauté for 5 minutes before adding the liquid. This locks in more flavour. So delish!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 28, 2020 at 12:32 PM

        Good idea!! So glad you enjoy the soup! 🙂

        Reply
    34. Kelly Visconti says

      March 12, 2020 at 12:08 PM

      Delicious and beautiful to look at! The house smells wonderful!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 12, 2020 at 12:31 PM

        Aww thank you!! XO

        Reply
    35. Toya Crutchfield says

      February 21, 2020 at 2:14 PM

      5 stars
      I make this delicious soup often, especially on a cold night. I add fresh thyme, parsley, leeks and a small amount of fresh fennel all sautéed with butter and sherry which takes it to a whole new level of richness and food for the soul.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 21, 2020 at 3:01 PM

        Oooh I love your ideas! I need to try.

        Reply
    36. Yolanda says

      February 9, 2020 at 11:42 AM

      This is a great recipe and is easy for someone who can't cook-like me! My family loved it and I'll be making this more often.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 9, 2020 at 11:44 AM

        I'm so happy you like it!! 😀

        Reply
      • Daiana Vanburen says

        February 18, 2020 at 11:48 PM

        This soup it's amazing...one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe.

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          February 19, 2020 at 9:09 AM

          I'm so happy to hear that!!

          Reply
    37. Brenda says

      January 22, 2020 at 11:32 PM

      I just made this soup and love, love, loved it. It is perfect 😊

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 23, 2020 at 3:44 PM

        Wonderful 🤗

        Reply
    38. Samantha Lopez says

      January 22, 2020 at 5:37 PM

      5 stars
      I am in love with this soup it’s so AMAZING and DELICIOUS! Wonderful recipe I’d recommend it tremendously to everyone! 😍😍😍😍

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 23, 2020 at 3:44 PM

        That’s awesome!! So glad you like it! Thanks for letting me know. ♥️

        Reply
    39. J.Pursell says

      January 5, 2020 at 5:22 PM

      5 stars
      Love following you on insta- have made several of your recipes! 🙂 This one my fiance LOVES, and its's so easy

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 6, 2020 at 10:42 AM

        Aww I am so glad to hear it! So glad you found me!! 🙂 Thank you!

        Reply
    40. Melissa Grimes says

      January 4, 2020 at 6:05 PM

      5 stars
      Outstanding! One of the best soups I’ve ever made! Super easy, too! I did add a good bit of salt and pepper, but other than that made exactly as directed. Thank you for posting this!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 4, 2020 at 7:47 PM

        That's so great to hear!! Thank you for letting me know! 🙂

        Reply
    41. Lexi says

      December 9, 2019 at 6:08 PM

      5 stars
      Wish I could post a pic! The Soup was beautiful and very tasty. Very close to the Olive Garden version. I often get this soup to go and add bacon and cheese, so this recipe is a keeper!
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 10, 2019 at 8:41 AM

        Very happy you enjoyed it, Lexi!! 🙂

        Reply
    42. Tess says

      December 2, 2019 at 2:48 PM

      1 star
      This was... not good. Hard to believe another commenter said it was "the tastiest soup they ever made." Despite containing browned sausages, it had almost no flavor. The broth was thin, chickeny water with some separated cream/oil floating unappetizingly in it.

      I should've known -- the recipe calls for dumping in the cut up onion, potatoes and garlic to the pot AFTER adding in chicken stock and water. What's the point of even adding onion and garlic if they go straight into a pot of liquid and you're not going to sautee them to draw out their flavor? Feels like a Cooking 101 oversight.

      This was the first recipe from the blog I've tried. The photos are mouthwatering but I'm hesitant to try others now.

      [Apologies for the double post. Forgot to rate the recipe.]

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 2, 2019 at 3:54 PM

        I'm sorry to hear you didn't enjoy it, Tess. You do have a point with the garlic and onion - although I do think the soup does have plenty of flavor without sautéing them, I'll put them in as a sauté step. I do that in most recipes. I do have a note in the recipe card already that states you can drain off some of the sausage fat. I've made this soup tons of times without draining the fat, and it's always been a hit.

        Reply
      • Mme says

        January 19, 2020 at 5:59 PM

        No the recipe says add the onion and garlic to the browned bacon and sausage and let cook. After that add the liquid.

        Reply
        • Chef Lopes Jr says

          March 7, 2020 at 3:48 PM

          5 stars
          Agree that exactly what it says and by doing that with meat add extra flavoring accenting each other perfectly this isn’t split pea!!! Thanks for the soup recipe sorry so many negative people without taste buds on here!

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            March 7, 2020 at 7:18 PM

            Thank you 🙂

            Reply
      • Jimmy says

        April 7, 2020 at 9:30 PM

        Then you fucked it up. I made this soup for thousands at the restaurant. If yours was bad, you did it wrong. Wash and PAT DRY your kale/spinach/swiss chard. Use the thickest cream you can find. Dont dump all the fat from your pork, and spice to taste, but to be honest, this recipe is nearly exact, and the couple subs used here are perfect. Try again, and limit the moisture from anything except the cream.

        Reply
    43. Michelle says

      November 20, 2019 at 10:09 AM

      5 stars
      This soup is perfect.The seasoning was just the right amount, and it was creamy and filling. I wouldn't change anything about it.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 20, 2019 at 2:12 PM

        I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed it, Michelle! Thanks for leaving me a comment! 🙂

        Reply
    44. Teresa Nix says

      October 20, 2019 at 4:11 PM

      5 stars
      I picked my very first homegrown kale harvest this morning and immediately went looking for a recipe to use it in. I'm very familiar with the soups at OG, so I knew this one had to be a winner. I was right, it's fabulous! With autumn finally making an appearance, this comfort food is perfect. So delicious! Thanks for sharing it with us!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 21, 2019 at 9:21 AM

        I am so happy you liked it, Teresa! What a great way to use fresh garden kale! 🙂

        Reply
    45. Linda says

      October 17, 2019 at 8:20 PM

      5 stars
      This is a great recipe and in my regular rotation from Fall to Spring, sometimes even Summer! My husband will always go for seconds! We shop at Trader Joe's every week, and they have a very good chicken Italian sausage that I use in this recipe. I also use pancetta instead of bacon. Don't forget to sprinkle on the parmesan cheese to finish it off!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 18, 2019 at 9:20 AM

        I am so happy you like it!! Love TJ's!

        Reply
    46. Jessica says

      October 14, 2019 at 6:57 PM

      5 stars
      This is a favorite of mine and yours was perfect. I did drain some fat off and used half and half instead of cream to cut calories a tiny bit. It was excellent!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 15, 2019 at 10:44 AM

        So glad you enjoyed it, Jessica!

        Reply
      • Marcie Harkness says

        December 14, 2019 at 2:45 PM

        Great soup &even better the next day had my gall bladder out & a few years later found that grease was a little much i drain it out of the bacon&sausage it cuts down on to much oils in it i love this soup have made it for years making it today another freezing cold. snowy Colorado day yummy!

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          December 14, 2019 at 7:10 PM

          So glad to hear it! ♥️

          Reply
    47. Amanda Nelson says

      September 30, 2019 at 4:58 PM

      Made this tonight. Exactly as described. This was the tastiest soup I’ve ever made. Absolutely perfect. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 30, 2019 at 5:44 PM

        Ahhh I am so happy to hear that!! Thanks so much for letting me know!

        Reply
    48. tiffany says

      June 14, 2019 at 6:48 AM

      hi! im making this right now in a crockpot so that its ready later today in the evening. i cant wait! ive tried two of your other recipes and they were both DELICIOUS! i cant wait to try this one!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 14, 2019 at 10:13 AM

        Wonderful! I am so happy you like my recipes. 🙂 Let me know how this one goes!

        Reply
    49. Whitney @ WhittyPaleo says

      March 22, 2016 at 6:48 PM

      I have drifted through some of your soup recipes and they just look and sound so tasty! It's still a little cold in the UK - I'm so going to try them out (with just some minor subs being Paleo and all). Love your site, thanks for the lovely recipes!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 22, 2016 at 7:19 PM

        Thanks!! It's cold here too - I know what you mean.

        Reply
    50. Elizabeth says

      December 19, 2015 at 5:42 PM

      I forgot to add bacon ...but this is the best soup...I will make this for Christmas dinner with bacon. yummy. Thank you for posting the recipe.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 19, 2015 at 5:58 PM

        You're welcome! It is such a good soup ?

        Reply
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