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Zuppa Toscana Soup (Hearty and Creamy Italian Comfort Food)

Zuppa Toscana Soup in bowl with bread and kale

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Zuppa Toscana Soup is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring spicy Italian sausage, tender russet potatoes, fresh kale, and a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly days, this savory soup combines layered flavors of sausage, aromatic onions and garlic, nutrient-rich kale, and a smooth finish of heavy cream, making it a satisfying meal for dinner or sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild, casing removed)
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 4 cups fresh kale, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, releasing its flavorful oils. Remove excess fat if desired for a leaner soup.

2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned sausage. Cook until softened and fragrant to build a rich flavor base.

3. Add peeled and sliced potatoes to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15โ€“20 minutes.

4. Once potatoes are tender, add chopped kale and pour in the heavy cream. Cook gently until kale wilts and the soup reaches a silky smooth consistency.

5. Add red pepper flakes, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and ladle the soup into bowls to enjoy.

Notes

Use quality Italian sausage for best flavor.

Add kale at the end to keep its vibrant color and slight crunch.

Stir often to prevent cream from scorching and keep flavors even.

For thicker soup, mash some potatoes against the potโ€™s side before adding cream.

Make ahead and refrigerate overnight to let flavors deepen.

Omit cream when freezing; add fresh cream when reheating to maintain texture.