Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of homemade Zuppa Toscana that’s even better than the restaurant original! This perfected recipe features a rich, velvety broth loaded with spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale. It’s a rustic, satisfying one-pot meal that brings the cozy flavors of Italian-American cuisine right to your kitchen with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage
4 tablespoons butter
½ white onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
4–5 yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
4 cups chopped kale
Grated parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and water, adding the chopped potatoes to the pot. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Combine and Create the Creamy Soup
Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and add the cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir gently and allow the soup to warm through for a few minutes. Do not let it boil, as this can cause the cream to separate.
Wilt the Kale and Serve
Stir in the chopped kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until it has wilted and turned a vibrant green. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Extra Creamy Broth: For an even creamier soup, mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot to release their natural starches and thicken the broth.
Don’t Overcook the Kale: Add the kale at the very end to ensure it stays vibrant green with a pleasant texture.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, avoiding boiling. Freezing is not recommended as the cream and potatoes can become grainy upon thawing.
Crispy Topping: For extra flavor and texture, top the soup with crispy crumbled bacon before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 545
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 1490
- Fat: 44
- Saturated Fat: 24
- Unsaturated Fat: 17
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 14
- Cholesterol: 145
Keywords: zuppa toscana, tuscan soup, sausage kale soup, copycat recipe, creamy soup, one pot meal, comfort food