Olive Garden Copycat Zuppa Toscana

Yum! We used Italian chicken sausage and bacon bits instead, served with shredded parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread sticks

I used hot Italian sausage and will use a bit more than one lb. next time. Also accidentally used 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon black pepper and it was spicy but not too hot. Also used Knorr concentrated chicken broth mixed with water and Better than Bullion Chicken flavor as directed on packaging. They worked well and easy to keep on hand. Very good soup.