Olive Garden Copycat Zuppa Toscana

Prep Time:  20 min     Total Time:  1 hr 20 min     Servings:  4-6

Ingredients

• 1 lb mild Italian sausage
• 2 large russet baking potatoes, sliced in fourths, and then in 1/4 inch slices
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup bacon bits (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cups kale or swiss chard, chopped (pack it in)
• 1 14.5 oz can chicken broth
• 1 quart water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

1. Chop or slice uncooked sausage into small pieces.
2. Brown sausage in your soup pot.
3. Add chicken broth and water to pot and stir.
4. Place onions, potatoes, and garlic in the pot.
5. Cook on medium heat until potatoes are done.
6. Add bacon and red pepper flakes.
7. Salt and pepper to taste.  (Instead of salt, I add 1 tsp chicken bouillon granules)
8. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
9. Turn to low heat.
10. Add kale and cream.
11. Heat through and serve.