This luscious and creamy Vegan Zuppa Toscana recipe is even better than Olive Garden! It’s a rich and comforting soup made with vegan sausage, vegan cream, garlic, kale, and potatoes.
If you’ve ever had Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana Soup, then you know how addicting it can be. Or, if you’ve heard of the infamous menu item but could never try it, now’s your chance! My Vegan Zuppa Toscana recipe is just as irresistible as the classic, with all of the rich and creamy qualities you crave.
Replicating the richness of the classic in this vegan Olive Garden copycat Zuppa Toscana was surprisingly easy. With vegan-friendly alternatives, like vegan sausage, vegan heavy cream, and plant-based chicken broth, the textures and flavors came together beautifully. You may not even notice it’s vegan!
What is Zuppa Toscana?
Zuppa Toscana, meaning “Tuscan soup” in Italian, is a creamy soup traditionally made with Italian sausage, heavy cream, chicken broth, kale, potatoes, and bacon. It’s a popular menu item at the Italian-American restaurant chain, Olive Garden.
Ingredients needed (with substitutions)
- Vegan sausage – Impossible Spicy Sausage in a tube is my go-to for this recipe. Just like in my Vegan Meatballs and Vegan Sausage Rolls, Impossible Meat gives this soup a meaty and hearty flavor that’s very similar to real sausage. However, if you can’t find Impossible sausage, use tempeh sausage (sautéed first) or any savory store-bought savory vegan sausage (crumbled or chopped finely) that’s available.
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Vegan chicken broth – I used Better Than Bouillon no chicken broth paste mixed with water. Vegetable broth works, too.
- Russet potatoes – White, starchy potatoes are best because they naturally thicken the soup and become deliciously soft. Yukon Gold potatoes can be used as a substitute.
- Kale – This is the traditional choice but spinach can be used instead.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – A pinch of these spicy pepper flakes add a touch of heat that would normally be found in Italian sausage.
- Vegan heavy cream – You have a few options here. I’ve tested the recipe and had great results using homemade vegan heavy cream substitute, a can of full fat coconut milk or cream, and Country Crock plant cream. For a less rich option, use unsweetened soy, cashew, or almond milk.
- Salt and pepper
- Vegan parmesan cheese – This can be used as an optional cheesy topping, either homemade or I really like Violife brand. In addition, add crumbled tofu bacon or tempeh bacon, extra chili flakes, or shredded vegan mozzarella on top.
How to make vegan zuppa toscana
Find the complete recipe with measurements below in the recipe card.
Begin by sauteeing the vegan sausage crumbles and diced onion in a large soup pot. Cook until the sausage is lightly browned and the onion is translucent.
Next, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the broth, potatoes, kale, and red pepper flakes to your pot. Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Simmer uncovered until the potatoes are soft.
To finish the soup, stir in the vegan heavy cream and cook for a few more minutes. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with vegan parmesan cheese and/or vegan bacon, and enjoy!
Frequently asked questions
Copycat Zuppa Toscana tastes best when it’s made with vegan sausage but you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to. Instead, you can use diced mushrooms, tempeh sausage, leftover seitan meat, lentils, or chickpeas.
Leftover Zuppa Toscana will keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in individual containers in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Yes, it freezes well for about 2 months. Let the leftovers thaw in the fridge before reheating them in a pot on the stove or in the microwave for about 1 minute.
Want more creamy vegan soups?
- Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Kale Soup
- Easy Vegan Potato Soup
- Vegan Potato Leek Soup
Vegan Zuppa Toscana
Ingredients
- 14 ounces spicy vegan sausage crumbles I used Impossible, see Notes
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups vegan chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes about 4 cups
- 3 cups chopped kale, ribs removed about 1 bunch
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup vegan heavy cream see Notes for options
- salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional vegan parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, cook the vegan sausage crumbles and diced onion over medium heat until the sausage is lightly browned and the onion is translucent.
- Add the garlic and cooked until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the broth, potatoes, kale and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 14 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
- Stir in the vegan heavy cream and cook for a few minutes. Taste; add more salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve with optional vegan parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
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You could also use tempeh sausage crumbles – just cook in the pan, then add the onion and carry on with the recipe. Any savory vegan sausage will work, just chop finely or crumble it well.
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I have used full fat coconut milk/cream as well as Country Crock plant cream. Cashew cream also works well. Use unsweetened soy/cashew/almond milk for a less rich option.
- I like Better than Bouillon No Chicken Paste mixed with water for the broth.
Wow this deserves 10 stars. Great recipe! I made my own cashew cream sauce and made tofu “sausage” crumbles and it was so bomb.
Hi Crystal. Your Toscana sounds absolutely delicious! Thank you for sharing your awesome review! Wishing you lots of happy cooking!
This was the first recipe I tried in the Comfort Food cookbook and it was absolutely delicious! My whole family enjoyed this one. So perfect for these cold winter nights.
Hi Jo. I’m so glad that you enjoyed the recipe, and that you are loving the cookbook! I appreciate your support! Thank you for your stellar review and comments! Wishing you happy cooking!
Hi
I just made this. Didn’t have the kale and the bandwidth to go out for it. Will add later.
Delicious. I used the Abbout spicy sausage and it really held up well. I used the country crock heavy cream and added a handful of nooch. I also used some smoked salt and corn. Fabulous recipe.
Hank you, Nora, for yetvanother great recipe. Other options are Field Roast Italian Sausage (it’s easy to crumble), which is actually made from whole vegetable and is vegan. Also a new product my co-op has just started carrying: My Bacon made with mycelium. And, I appreciate thevreviewer who shared the tip about the extra creamy Planet Oat milk. I usually use the Planet Oat unsweetened plain milk with soaked cashews to make the cashew cream. But, just smashing the cooked potatoes makes the soup very creamy.