Better Than Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana

slices bacon (uncooked)

bulk/ground spicy Italian sausage

onion, chopped

carrots, chopped ((approx. 1 ½ cups))

stalks celery, chopped ((approx. 1 ½ cups))

garlic cloves, minced

flour

pounds/3 medium russet potatoes (chopped into bite size cubes)

cannellini beans (rinsed and rained)

can sweet corn (rinsed and drained)

creamed corn

low sodium chicken broth

milk

cornstarch

Dijon mustard

bay leaves

chicken bouillon

EACH dried parsley, salt

EACH dried basil, dried oregano

EACH dried thyme, pepper

red pepper flakes, or more to taste ((optional if you like heat))

half and half

loosely packed fresh chopped spinach or kale

remaining bacon (in directions)

fresh parsley

Parmesan cheese