Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup
Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup is a creamy, hearty Italian-inspired soup blending spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and a rich broth. This comforting soup delivers bold flavors and a luxurious texture, ideal for warming up on chilly days. Easy to prepare and versatile for adaptations, it’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild), casing removed
Vegetables
- 4 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 4 cups fresh kale, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Fats
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Brown the Sausage: Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and cook it in a large pot over medium heat until browned and crumbly, releasing flavorful fats that will enrich the soup.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, using the sausage drippings, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant to create the aromatic base of the soup.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the sliced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, infusing the broth with hearty flavor.
- Incorporate Kale and Cream: Add the chopped kale and cook until wilted. Then stir in the heavy cream to give the soup a creamy and luxurious texture.
- Season and Serve: Finish by seasoning with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook kale; add it towards the end to keep its color and nutrients.
- Simmer the soup gently to meld flavors without breaking down ingredients.
- Season in layers and adjust seasoning as needed for perfect balance.
- Slice potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
- Vegetarian option: substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
- Low carb version: replace potatoes with cauliflower florets.
- Dairy-free alternative: use coconut milk or almond cream instead of heavy cream.
- For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Greens variation: swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, Italian soup, sausage soup, creamy soup, kale soup, potato soup, comfort food, homemade soup