Carrabba’s Soup Recipe

When it comes to cozy comfort food, few things hit the mark like a rich, hearty soup. And if you’ve ever been to Carrabba’s Italian Grill, you’ll know their soups are a whole experience in themselves-flavorful, warm, and full of heart. One of the most popular soups on the menu is their Tuscany Soup, a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and fresh ingredients. While Carrabba’s has mastered the art of Italian-American dishes, recreating their soups at home can bring a little slice of that restaurant magic to your own kitchen.

This Carrabba’s soup recipe is a homey, satisfying, and absolutely delicious dish that features all the right textures-creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, an indulgent solo meal, or to impress guests, it’s an easy-to-follow recipe that delivers a restaurant-quality experience. So, let’s dive into how you can make your own version of this beloved soup right in your own kitchen!

Carrabba’s Soup Recipe

This soup isn’t just about flavor; it’s all about comfort in a bowl. Carrabba’s famous Tuscany Soup combines tender sausage, vibrant kale, and hearty potatoes, all soaked in a creamy broth that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. The balance of flavors-spicy sausage, fresh greens, and creamy richness-creates the perfect combination for a soup that’s both filling and flavorful.

The recipe can be easily scaled depending on how many you’re serving, and you can even store leftovers for later. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you’ll have yourself a bowl of comfort food that can rival Carrabba’s.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s talk ingredients. You don’t need a whole pantry full of special items to recreate this iconic soup at home. In fact, you probably already have a lot of these in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Italian sausage (about 1 lb)

  • The sausage adds a nice, spicy kick to the soup. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for sweet Italian sausage instead of hot sausage.

• Russet potatoes (about 2-3 medium-sized)

  • These potatoes break down just enough to create a creamy base while still holding their texture.

• Fresh kale (roughly 2-3 cups)

  • Kale is packed with nutrients and adds a great earthy flavor that balances the richness of the sausage and cream.

• Yellow onion (1 medium)

  • Onion is essential for building the flavor base and gives that delicious sweet-savory depth to the soup.

• Garlic (4 cloves)

  • Garlic infuses a savory aroma and adds a natural, aromatic flavor that complements the sausage perfectly.

• Heavy cream (1 cup)

  • This gives the soup its signature richness and velvety texture.

• Chicken broth (4 cups)

  • The broth provides the liquid base, and chicken broth gives the soup a hearty depth of flavor. You could also use vegetable broth for a slightly lighter version.

• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, freshly grated)

  • Parmesan adds an extra level of flavor, bringing in that salty, umami goodness that makes the soup even more indulgent.

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

  • These are your go-to seasonings, but feel free to add a bit of crushed red pepper if you want a little more heat.

Cooking Instructions

Making this Carrabba’s-inspired soup is surprisingly simple. Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s just a matter of bringing everything together in a pot. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Brown The Sausage

   Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté it until it’s browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside for later.

2. Sauté The Onions And Garlic

   In the same pot, add a little olive oil if necessary. Toss in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Cook The Potatoes

   Now add your diced potatoes to the pot. Stir them around for a couple of minutes to coat them in the flavorful oils and spices in the pot.

4. Add The Broth And Simmer

   Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

5. Add The Kale And Sausage

   Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir in the kale. Continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the kale wilts and softens. If you find the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more broth to adjust the consistency.

6. Stir In The Cream

   Pour in the heavy cream, stirring it into the soup. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. The cream will add richness and make the soup creamy and luxurious.

7. Finish With Parmesan And Season

   Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld.

8. Serve And Enjoy!

   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired. Serve it hot with some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the warmth and richness of every spoonful!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a crucial role, bringing its own set of flavors and textures to the table. Let’s dive a little deeper into the importance of each:

• Italian Sausage: Sausage is the heart and soul of this dish. Its savory, slightly spicy flavor is the perfect contrast to the mild creaminess of the soup.
• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the ideal choice because they break down into soft, creamy pieces while still holding their shape, creating the ideal base for this soup.
• Kale: Kale is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s loaded with vitamins A, K, and C, and its slight bitterness cuts through the richness of the sausage and cream, giving the soup a well-rounded flavor.
• Heavy Cream: This is the secret to getting that smooth, velvety texture. It gives the soup that rich, indulgent quality that makes it so comforting.
• Parmesan: Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the overall umami flavor. Its saltiness and nuttiness elevate the soup to another level.

Expert Tips

• Spice Level: If you want to control the spice, opt for sweet sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. On the flip side, if you love a little fire, use hot sausage for an extra kick.
• Make it Ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld together. If you’re planning to make it ahead, just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the soup in a sealed container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months, but note that the potatoes might soften more upon reheating. To keep the texture intact, you can freeze the soup without the potatoes and add them later when reheating.
• Texture Variations: For a creamier texture, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher before adding the cream.

Recipe Variations

This soup is wonderfully versatile, and you can make small adjustments to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with some sautéed mushrooms or tofu. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Dairy-Free: To make the soup dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free version.
• Spicy Twist: Add some diced green chilies or jalapeños for an extra spicy kick. You could also use spicy sausage if you really want to turn up the heat.
• Herb Boost: For an herbal twist, add some fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil. These herbs complement the soup’s flavors without overwhelming them.

Final Words

This Carrabba’s soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, all while being simple enough to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or serving it up at a gathering, it’s sure to impress and satisfy.