Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana

Okay, this dish is one that I make every week at our house...It's sooooo rich and healthy, and absolutely delicious! I love Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana, so when I found a recipe online, I knew I had to try it. It tastes EXACTLY like the Olive Garden's version! I hope you will all try this delicious comfort dish...

First, you'll need to gather your ingredients...

2 lbs ground italian sausage (Jimmy Dean Brand) 

1½ tsp crushed red peppers (I always use more than this)
4 tbsp bacon pieces (Bacon Bits work very well)
2 tsp garlic puree
11 cups water
5 cubes of chicken bouillon
1 cup heavy cream
1 lb sliced russet potatoes, or about 4 potatoes
1 bunch of Kale

Okay, on with the cooking directions!

 
First, sauté the italian sausage and crushed red pepper in a large pot (If your potatoes aren't already sliced, go ahead and slice them while the sausage cooks). Drain excess fat, and set the sausage aside in a bowl.

In the same pan, add 11 cups of water, chicken bouillon cubes, bacon, and garlic puree. Bring this to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium, and add your sliced potatoes. Cook until the potatoes are soft (about 15 minutes). Add your heavy whipping cream, and heat over medium for a few minutes. Finally, reduce the heat to low, and add your sausage and kale. Just let it simmer about 5 minutes, and then serve! (I like to serve my soup with bread sticks) Enjoy!