Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana: A Creamy, Hearty Soup
Craving that rich, creamy bowl of Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden? You’re not alone. This beloved Tuscan-style soup, loaded with spicy Italian sausage, tender russet potatoes, crisp kale, and a swirl of heavy cream, is a favorite comfort dish. Whether you’re looking for a copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana recipe or curious about its calories and nutrition facts, this complete guide covers it all — from stovetop to crock pot and instant pot variations.
If you’re dining in with the popular Soup, Salad & Breadsticks combo, you can enjoy unlimited servings of Zuppa Toscana as part of the meal for around $9.99 to $11.99, depending on your location. For larger gatherings or meal prepping, Olive Garden also offers catering options, with a half-gallon priced around $16 and a full gallon available for approximately $39.
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
Zuppa Toscana Soup is one of the most beloved and iconic soups on the Olive Garden menu card, known for its rich, creamy texture and bold, savory flavor. Made with spicy Italian sausage, tender russet potatoes, fresh kale, garlic, and a luxurious touch of heavy cream, this hearty Tuscan-inspired soup offers the perfect balance of spice and comfort.
Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of the popular Soup, Salad & Breadsticks combo, Zuppa Toscana is a top choice for diners craving a warm, satisfying meal. Available in single bowls, unlimited dine-in combos, and even gallon-sized catering portions, it continues to be a favorite across seasons.
With easy copycat recipes available for home cooks and gluten-free adaptations for dietary needs, Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana stands out as a versatile, affordable, and flavor-packed classic.
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Price
Serves 6 (half-gallon)
$16
Serves 12 (full-gallon)
$39
| Size | Servings | Price | Approx. Cost per Serving |
|---|
| Single Bowl | 1 | $8.79 | $8.79 |
| Half-Gallon (Catering) | ~6 | $16–18.79 | ~$2.70–$3.15 |
| Full-Gallon (Catering) | ~12 | ~$39 | ~$4.50–$5.25 |
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Nutrition Facts
Let’s talk about what’s in your bowl. While delicious, this soup is rich and indulgent. Here’s a quick look at the Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup nutrition facts (based on a 1-cup serving)
Nutritional Information
| Nutrition Per Serving | Amount |
|---|
| Calories | ~410–470 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18–22g |
| Protein | 15–20g |
| Fat | 30–35g |
| Fiber | 2–3g |
| Sodium | 1000–1300mg |
Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredients. For a low-carb/keto version, swap potatoes for cauliflower florets and use sugar-free sausage.
Related Article: Olive Garden Catering Menu
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Recipe & Ingredients
💡 Optional Add-ins: crispy bacon bits, parmesan cheese, or crushed fennel seeds for an extra Tuscan touch.
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Recipe (Better Than the Restaurant!)
This homemade Zuppa Toscana tastes just like the one from Olive Garden — maybe even better. It’s easy, delicious, and family-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
- 4–5 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bunch curly kale, stems removed
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)
- Salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes to taste
- Olive oil
Serving Size & Storage Tips
- Serving size: ~1½ cups
- Batch size: Recipe yields 4–6 generous portions.
- Need more? You can scale the recipe to a gallon for meal prep or events.
- Leftovers: Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is not ideal due to cream content — separation may occur.
How to Make Authentic Zuppa Toscana Recipe – 3 Easy Methods
✅ Stovetop Classic (Traditional Style)
- In a large Dutch oven, sauté sausage until browned. Remove and drain excess fat.
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
- Add sliced potatoes and broth. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add kale and cream. Simmer another 5 minutes.
- Return sausage to pot. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
🍲 Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana
- Brown the sausage and onions first.
- Add all ingredients except cream and kale to slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Stir in cream and kale 15 minutes before serving.
⚡ Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana
- Use sauté function to cook sausage, garlic, and onions.
- Add broth and potatoes. Pressure cook on High for 5 minutes.
- Quick release, stir in cream and kale. Let it sit with the lid on for 5 minutes before serving.
Is Zuppa Toscana Gluten-Free?
Yes — Zuppa Toscana is naturally gluten-free, provided your sausage and broth don’t contain hidden gluten. Always check labels for hidden additives or flour fillers. It’s an excellent option for those seeking gluten-free Olive Garden copycat recipes and gluten-free menu.
Is Zuppa Toscana By Olive Garden Halal?
Traditionally, Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana is not halal because it contains Italian sausage, which is typically made from pork. Additionally, even beef-based sausages used in restaurants may not be halal-certified unless explicitly stated.
🔄 How to Make a Halal Zuppa Toscana at Home:
To enjoy this delicious soup while staying within halal dietary guidelines, simply make these substitutions:
✅ Use halal-certified spicy beef or chicken sausage
✅ Ensure chicken broth is halal-certified (no wine, pork gelatin, or non-zabiha meat)
✅ Double-check dairy products — most are halal, but ensure there’s no hidden animal-based rennet
Final Taste: Better Than Olive Garden?
Whether you’re craving the cozy comfort of a restaurant-style soup or looking to impress with a homemade classic, Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana recipe is a must-try. With its rich blend of Italian sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and creamy broth, it brings the warmth and flavor of Tuscany straight to your kitchen. Simple to prepare, easily adaptable, and always satisfying — this iconic soup is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or sharing with guests. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why it’s one of Olive Garden’s most loved dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana?
Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana is made with spicy Italian sausage, sliced russet potatoes, kale, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. This creamy Tuscan-style soup is rich, hearty, and mildly spicy, offering a comforting blend of savory meat, tender vegetables, and a slightly peppery finish.
What is the most popular soup at Olive Garden?
Zuppa Toscana is often considered the most popular soup at Olive Garden. Along with Chicken & Gnocchi, Pasta e Fagioli, and Minestrone, it’s part of their unlimited Soup, Salad & Breadsticks combo — but Zuppa Toscana consistently ranks as a fan favorite for its bold flavor and creamy texture.
What makes Zuppa Toscana spicy??
The spiciness in Zuppa Toscana comes from the spicy Italian sausage, which contains red pepper flakes and fennel. The level of heat can vary depending on the brand or recipe, but it’s generally mild to moderate and adds a flavorful kick to the creamy soup base.
Is Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana gluten-free?
Not by default. Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana contains ingredients that may have hidden gluten, such as sausage fillers or thickened broth. However, you can make a gluten-free version at home by using certified gluten-free sausage and broth, and checking all seasoning blends for additives.
What do you eat Zuppa Toscana with?
Zuppa Toscana pairs well with crusty Italian bread, garlic breadsticks, or a side Caesar salad. For a complete Olive Garden-style meal, enjoy it with their famous Soup, Salad & Breadsticks combo. It’s also delicious alongside roasted vegetables or a light pasta dish.
Is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup halal?
No, Olive Garden does not offer halal-certified meat. Their Chicken Gnocchi Soup contains chicken that is not prepared according to halal standards.
How many calories are in Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana?
One serving of Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana contains approximately 220–250 calories, depending on portion size. Homemade versions may vary, especially with ingredient swaps like turkey sausage or dairy-free cream. A lighter variation can reduce calories to under 200 per serving.
How much does Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana cost?
As of 2025, Olive Garden includes Zuppa Toscana in their Soup, Salad & Breadsticks combo, priced around $9.99–$11.49 (depending on location). You can also order it a la carte or by the gallon for catering purposes — call your local restaurant to confirm prices.
How do you make a better-than-Olive-Garden Zuppa Toscana?
For a tastier homemade version, use halal or artisanal sausage, organic kale, and slow-simmered broth. Add crispy bacon, red pepper flakes, and grated parmesan for extra depth. Many food bloggers claim this “better-than-Olive-Garden” version is creamier, fresher, and more customizable.
Is there an authentic Italian version of Zuppa Toscana?
Yes. Traditional Tuscan soup, called Minestra di Pane or Zuppa di Verdure, uses vegetables, cannellini beans, and crusty bread — but not cream or sausage. Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana is an Italian-American twist, blending classic Italian flavors with American comfort food sensibilities.
What soups does Olive Garden offer besides Zuppa Toscana?
Olive Garden offers four soups:
Zuppa Toscana (spicy sausage, kale, potato)
Chicken & Gnocchi (creamy with spinach and dumplings)
Pasta e Fagioli (bean and pasta soup with ground beef)
Minestrone (vegetarian, tomato-based with vegetables and beans)
These are included in the popular Soup, Salad & Breadsticks combo.
Can You Freeze Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana?
Yes, you can freeze Zuppa Toscana — but with care. Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana contains heavy cream and potatoes, both of which may change in texture when frozen and thawed.
Can you freeze Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup with cream?
Freezing Zuppa Toscana with cream is possible, but it may affect the texture. For best quality, freeze the soup before adding cream and stir in fresh cream after reheating.
What is in Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana?
Zuppa Toscana contains spicy Italian sausage, russet potatoes, kale, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. It’s a creamy, slightly spicy Tuscan-style soup.
What makes Zuppa Toscana spicy?
The heat in Zuppa Toscana comes from the spicy Italian sausage and sometimes red pepper flakes used in the recipe.
Is Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana gluten-free?
No, Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana is not gluten-free due to possible gluten in the sausage and broth. However, it can be made gluten-free at home with certified ingredients.
What is the most popular soup at Olive Garden?
Zuppa Toscana is often the most popular soup at Olive Garden, known for its rich flavor, creamy texture, and savory sausage.
What is the nutrition information for Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana?
One serving of Zuppa Toscana has about 220–250 calories, 16–18g fat, 15–18g carbs, and 9–12g protein. Sodium content is around 800–1000mg per serving.
Is there an easy copycat recipe for Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana?
Yes, you can make a simple copycat by combining sausage, broth, potatoes, kale, garlic, and cream in one pot. It takes about 30 minutes and tastes similar to the restaurant version.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen Zuppa Toscana?
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop. Add fresh cream if it was left out before freezing for the best texture.
