If you love the warm, hearty flavor of Olive Garden’s classic Zuppa Toscana but need a version that aligns with high-protein, bariatric-friendly nutrition, this recipe is for you! By swapping out the heavy potatoes for nutrient-dense Cannellini beans and trading heavy cream for ultra-filtered milk, you get all the comforting flavors in a gentle, pouch-friendly format.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6 (approx. 1 cup per serving)

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Key Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey or ground chicken
• 1 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder & onion powder
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken bone broth (for extra protein)
• 1 can (15 oz) Cannellini (white) beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups fresh kale, stems removed and chopped fine (or baby spinach)
• 1 cup Fairlife ultra-filtered milk (or evaporated fat-free milk)
• 1/2 cup real bacon bits (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken, seasoning it with the crushed fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until fully browned, breaking it into small, manageable bits.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic directly to the pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
3. Simmer: Pour in the chicken bone broth and the rinsed Cannellini beans. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for about 10–12 minutes so the flavors meld.
4. Cream & Greens: Stir in the ultra-filtered milk and chopped kale (or spinach). Allow the soup to simmer for another 3–5 minutes until the greens are tender.
5. Serve: Ladle into small bowls, top with a sprinkle of bacon bits if desired, and enjoy warm!

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Bariatric Tips & Swaps

• Protein Boost: Using chicken bone broth instead of standard broth adds an extra 9–10 grams of protein per cup without adding density.
• Texture Customization: If you prefer a smoother soup or are in an earlier soft-food stage, you can lightly mash or blend a portion of the white beans before adding them to thicken the broth without adding heavy creams.
• Pouch Reminder: Remember to eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and keep your liquid intake separate from mealtime per your standard guidelines!