Zuppa Toscana

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

Zuppa Toscana a creamy and hearty Italian-inspired soup loaded with savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and a rich broth. This Zuppa Toscana recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests with a warm, comforting dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

The combination of sausage, bacon, and creamy broth makes it incredibly satisfying.

It’s customizable—add more spice, extra veggies, or adjust the creaminess to your taste.

Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

It’s hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, especially on chilly nights.

Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

4 slices bacon, chopped

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

4 medium russet potatoes, sliced into thin half-moons

2 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove it and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot.

Add the chopped bacon to the pot and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside with the sausage.

Add the onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Pour in the chicken broth and add the sliced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Stir in the cooked sausage, bacon, and chopped kale. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the kale to wilt.

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot, garnished with red pepper flakes if desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Variations

Spice it up: Use spicy Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes for a kick.

Make it lighter: Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version.

Extra veggies: Add carrots, celery, or zucchini to boost the nutrition.

Low-carb option: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets or radishes.

Vegetarian version: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth, and omit the bacon.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Zuppa Toscana in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from separating. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between.

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FAQs

Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana?

Yes, but I recommend leaving out the cream if you plan to freeze it. Add the cream after reheating the thawed soup to maintain its texture.

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well and hold their shape better than russets.

What can I use instead of kale?

Spinach is a great substitute and wilts quickly in the hot soup.

How can I make the soup thicker?

Mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the broth.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, simply slice it and add it to the soup along with the cooked bacon and kale.

Conclusion

This Zuppa Toscana recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home. Its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and rich flavors make it a must-try for soup lovers. Whether you customize it or follow the recipe as-is, you’ll find it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for the ultimate meal.


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Zuppa Toscana


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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A creamy, hearty Italian-inspired Zuppa Toscana soup loaded with Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale, all simmered in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep, this one-pot recipe is a comforting crowd-pleaser.


Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

4 slices bacon, chopped

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

4 medium russet potatoes, sliced into thin half-moons

2 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)


Instructions

  1. In a large pot, cook Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside, leaving 1 tablespoon of grease.
  2. Add chopped bacon to the pot; cook until crispy. Remove and set aside with sausage.
  3. Sauté diced onion in the grease for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in chicken broth; add potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
  5. Stir in sausage, bacon, and kale; simmer for 5 minutes to wilt the kale.
  6. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  7. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.

Yukon Gold or red potatoes can replace russets for a firmer texture.

Spinach works well as a kale substitute.

Mash some potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup.

To freeze, omit the cream and add it after reheating.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 servings
  • Calories: 350 kcal

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