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–+ servings
Olive Garden Potato Italian Sausage Soup
Inspired by the beloved Olive Garden classic, this Toscana soup brings the cozy richness of Italian comfort food into your home. A hearty blend of potatoes, spicy Italian sausage, and creamy broth, it’s punctuated with bold garlic and just a touch of crushed red pepper for warmth. The addition of kale, added raw just before serving, keeps the dish vibrant and fresh. This recipe is popular for its balance of creaminess, spice, and deep savory flavors, ideal for weeknight dinners or chilly weekends.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6
Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 russet potatoes (medium size, diced)
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 onion (large, diced)
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or 1 tsp chicken base + water)
  • ½ cup bacon pieces
  • 2 cups chopped kale

Instructions
 

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage

  • In a large pot, cook Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Aromatics

  • In the same pot, sauté diced onions and garlic in rendered fat or a bit of oil until translucent.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

  • Add diced potatoes, chicken broth (or base and water), and crushed red pepper. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Blend in Cream and Meat

  • Return sausage to the pot. Stir in heavy cream and bacon pieces. Simmer another 5 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Kale

  • Just before serving, stir in uncooked kale. Let it wilt slightly from the heat. Serve hot.

Tips

  • Use spicy Italian sausage for more heat.
  • Add extra crushed red pepper for more kick.
  • Swap kale with spinach if preferred.
  • Add diced carrots or celery for more vegetables.
  • For a thicker soup, mash a few cooked potatoes before adding cream.
  • Make it gluten-free by checking that sausage and chicken base contain no gluten.
  • Add bacon as a garnish for extra crunch.
  • Simmer longer for deeper flavor.
  • Use chicken stock instead of water for a richer broth.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 18gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 1020mgPotassium: 960mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1450IUVitamin C: 32mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 2.2mg
Keyword comfort food, copycat recipe, creamy, hearty soup, homemade, olive garden, rustic, winter comfort food
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