Description
Zuppa Toscana is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired soup made with Italian sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and a creamy broth. This easy homemade version delivers big flavor with minimal effort, perfect for a hearty family dinner or cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3–4 medium russet potatoes, sliced or diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh kale, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the sausage, crumbling it with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the potatoes and cook for 10–15 minutes or until fork tender.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot, add chopped kale, and simmer for another 5 minutes until the kale is wilted.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Heat gently without boiling. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Spinach can be used instead of kale for a milder green.
- To freeze, omit the cream and add it fresh when reheating.
- Turkey sausage or plant-based sausage can be used as a substitute.
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for a firmer texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
