Sausage

Zuppa Toscana (Sausage and Kale Soup)

Name: Zuppa Toscana (Sausage and Kale Soup)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) spicy Italian sausage, sliced; 2 medium onions, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 2 cups (200g) fresh kale, stems removed and chopped; 4 cups (1L) chicken broth; 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream; 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme; 1 tsp (5g) dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste

By Jake Thornton · June 18, 2026 · Sausage

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

Zuppa Toscana (Sausage and Kale Soup) — Creamy Sausage and Kale Soup

I still remember the first time I had Zuppa Toscana at a local Italian restaurant. The combination of spicy sausage, tender kale, and creamy potatoes in a rich broth was love at first spoonful. Since then, I've been perfecting my own recipe to share with friends and family. This comforting soup is perfect for a chilly evening or a casual gathering.

What makes this recipe special is the balance of flavors and textures. The spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick, while the kale provides a burst of freshness. The potatoes add creaminess, and the onions and garlic depth of flavor. This soup is also very versatile, as you can make it with different types of sausage or add other ingredients to suit your taste.

This recipe is for anyone who loves a good, hearty soup. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part is that it's easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour. So, if you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, look no further than this Zuppa Toscana recipe.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making a delicious and authentic Zuppa Toscana. From the initial prep work to the final touches, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your soup turns out perfectly. So, let's get started and make some amazing soup!

As we cook, I want to share a bit about the history of Zuppa Toscana. This traditional Italian soup originated in Tuscany, where it was made with locally sourced ingredients like sausage, kale, and beans. Over time, the recipe has evolved, and different variations have emerged. But the core ingredients and flavors remain the same, and that's what makes this soup so special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour.
The soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The combination of spicy sausage, tender kale, and creamy potatoes is a match made in heaven.
The recipe is versatile, and you can make it with different types of sausage or add other ingredients to suit your taste.
The soup is nutritious and satisfying, making it a great option for a healthy meal.
The recipe is perfect for a crowd, as it makes a large batch of soup that can be served to multiple people.
The soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Zuppa Toscana is in the layering of flavors. By cooking the sausage and onions first, we create a rich and savory base for the soup. Then, by adding the kale and potatoes, we add texture and creaminess. The chicken broth and cream bring everything together, creating a smooth and velvety soup.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of high-quality ingredients. Fresh kale, spicy Italian sausage, and flavorful chicken broth all contribute to the overall flavor and texture of the soup. By using these ingredients, we can create a soup that's not only delicious but also nutritious and satisfying.

The cooking technique is also crucial in this recipe. By cooking the sausage and onions over medium heat, we can create a nice brown crust on the sausage, which adds depth and flavor to the soup. Then, by simmering the soup over low heat, we can cook the potatoes and kale until they're tender, without overcooking them.

Finally, the resting time is essential in this recipe. By letting the soup rest for a few minutes before serving, we can allow the flavors to meld together, and the soup to thicken slightly. This creates a creamy and velvety texture that's just perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Zuppa Toscana, you'll need a few key ingredients. The most important ones are spicy Italian sausage, fresh kale, and potatoes. You'll also need some onions, garlic, chicken broth, and cream to add flavor and creaminess to the soup. Make sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the final result.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for fresh kale with crisp leaves and no signs of wilting. Choose potatoes that are high in starch, like Russet or Idaho, as they will add a nice creaminess to the soup. For the sausage, opt for a spicy Italian sausage, like sweet or hot Italian sausage, as it will add a nice kick to the soup.

1 lb (450g) spicy Italian sausage, slicedLook for a sausage with a good balance of spices and a nice snap when you bite into it. You can also use sweet or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
2 medium onions, choppedChoose onions that are firm and have no signs of sprouting. You can use any type of onion, but yellow or white onions work best for this recipe.
3 cloves garlic, mincedFresh garlic is essential for this recipe, as it adds a deep and rich flavor to the soup. Make sure to mince it finely to release its oils and flavor.
2 medium potatoes, peeled and dicedChoose potatoes that are high in starch, like Russet or Idaho, as they will add a nice creaminess to the soup. Peel and dice them into small pieces to cook evenly.
2 cups (200g) fresh kale, stems removed and choppedFresh kale is essential for this recipe, as it adds a nice burst of freshness and flavor to the soup. Choose kale with crisp leaves and no signs of wilting, and remove the stems before chopping.
4 cups (1L) chicken brothChoose a high-quality chicken broth that's low in sodium and has a rich, meaty flavor. You can use homemade or store-bought broth, depending on your preference.
1 cup (250ml) heavy creamHeavy cream adds a rich and creamy texture to the soup, but you can also use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute. Make sure to choose a high-quality cream that's fresh and has no signs of spoilage.
1 tsp (5g) dried thymeDried thyme adds a nice herbal flavor to the soup, but you can also use fresh thyme if you prefer. Make sure to choose a high-quality thyme that's fragrant and has no signs of spoilage.
1 tsp (5g) dried basilDried basil adds a nice bright and herbaceous flavor to the soup, but you can also use fresh basil if you prefer. Make sure to choose a high-quality basil that's fragrant and has no signs of spoilage.
Salt and pepper to tasteSeason the soup with salt and pepper to taste, making sure to balance the flavors and add depth to the soup.

Ingredients for Zuppa Toscana (Sausage and Kale Soup)

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp knife for chopping onions and kaleCutting board for chopping ingredientsMeasuring cups and spoons for accurate measurementsWooden spoon for stirring the soupImmersion blender for pureeing the soup (optional)

How to Make Zuppa Toscana (Sausage and Kale Soup)

1
Heat a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until they're translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly toasted.
4
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they're slightly tender and lightly browned.
5
Add the chopped kale to the pot and cook until it's wilted and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
7
Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the soup has heated through and the cream has melted.
8
Season the soup with salt, pepper, thyme, and basil, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
9
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it's smooth and creamy, or leave it chunky if you prefer.
10
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the final result.
Don't overcook the potatoes, as they can become mushy and unappetizing.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup, as it will help to create a smooth and creamy texture.
Add the cream towards the end of cooking, as it can curdle and separate if it's cooked for too long.
Season the soup with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste, making sure to balance the flavors and add depth to the soup.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Consider making a batch of homemade chicken broth to use in the recipe, as it will add a rich and meaty flavor to the soup.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make the recipe your own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the potatoes, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not seasoning the soup enough, which can result in a bland and unappetizing flavor.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the overall flavor and texture of the soup.
Not cooking the sausage enough, which can result in a raw and unappetizing texture.
Adding too much cream, which can make the soup too rich and heavy.
Not stirring the soup enough, which can result in a soup that's unevenly heated and flavored.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding diced bell peppers or other vegetables to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
Using different types of sausage, such as chorizo or andouille, for a spicy and smoky flavor.
Adding a splash of wine or beer to the soup for added depth and complexity.
Using coconut cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter and healthier option.
Adding some heat to the soup with red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
Using fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, instead of dried herbs for added freshness and flavor.
Serving the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying and filling meal.

What to Serve With Zuppa Toscana (Sausage and Kale Soup)

This Zuppa Toscana is perfect for serving as a main course or as a starter for a special occasion. You can serve it with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying and filling meal. Consider pairing it with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Some other options for serving this soup include serving it with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. You could also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad with a light vinaigrette. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll love this delicious and comforting Zuppa Toscana!

Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackersPair with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetablesServe with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheeseOffer with a side of garlic bread or a green salad with a light vinaigrette

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Zuppa Toscana can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. To store it in the fridge, simply cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. To freeze it, cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze.

When reheating the soup, make sure to heat it slowly and gently to prevent it from curdling or separating. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until it's hot and steaming. If you're reheating a frozen batch, make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it makes a large batch of soup, which is perfect for meal prep or for feeding a crowd. Simply portion out the soup into individual containers, then refrigerate or freeze until you're ready to eat it. You can also customize the recipe to suit your tastes and preferences, making it a great option for a quick and easy meal.

In addition to storing the soup in the fridge or freezer, you can also can it using a pressure canner or a water bath canner. This is a great option if you want to preserve the soup for a longer period of time or if you want to give it as a gift. Simply follow the instructions for canning soup, making sure to use a tested recipe and to follow safe canning practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage is best for this recipe?

The best type of sausage for this recipe is a spicy Italian sausage, such as sweet or hot Italian sausage. You can also use other types of sausage, such as chorizo or andouille, for a spicy and smoky flavor.

Can I use frozen kale instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen kale instead of fresh. Simply thaw the kale according to the package instructions, then chop it and add it to the soup.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

To prevent the cream from curdling, make sure to add it towards the end of cooking and to heat it slowly and gently. You can also use a stabilizer, such as cornstarch or flour, to help prevent the cream from separating.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the sausage and cook the onions and garlic, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How do I store the soup in the fridge or freezer?

To store the soup in the fridge, simply cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. To freeze it, cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze.

Can I customize the recipe to suit my tastes and preferences?

Yes, you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes and preferences. Simply add or substitute ingredients to suit your tastes, making sure to balance the flavors and textures of the soup.

How do I reheat the soup without drying it out?

To reheat the soup without drying it out, make sure to heat it slowly and gently, stirring occasionally until it's hot and steaming. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, making sure to add a little water or cream if it becomes too thick.

Can I serve the soup as a main course or as a starter?

Yes, you can serve the soup as a main course or as a starter. It's perfect for serving with a side of crusty bread or crackers, or as a starter for a special occasion.

The Full Recipe

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