This rich and creamy Zuppa Toscana soup is a classic comfort food favorite. Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale, all simmered in a luscious, garlicky broth, it’s a perfect meal for cozy evenings. Even better — it’s easy to make at home and rivals any restaurant version!
Why You’ll Love This Zuppa Toscana Recipe
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying — like a warm hug in a bowl.
- One-Pot Meal: Easy prep and minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your soup.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to match your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
How to Make It
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
2. Brown the Sausage:
Add Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside with the bacon.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Simmer Potatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add thinly sliced potatoes, reduce heat to simmer, and cook until tender (about 10–12 minutes).
5. Combine and Cook:
Return sausage and bacon to the pot, add chopped kale, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
6. Add Cream:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Heat gently for 2–3 minutes—do not boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve:
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy warm!
Tips and Variations
- Use fresh kale and remove tough stems for best texture; spinach is a great substitute.
- Thinly slice potatoes for faster cooking and creamier texture.
- For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Swap russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a subtle sweetness.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots or zucchini to boost nutrition.
- For dairy-free, replace cream with coconut milk and skip the cheese.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to prevent curdling.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead?
Yes! It reheats well. To avoid separation, add the cream when reheating rather than during initial cooking.
How spicy is it?
Spice level depends on your sausage choice. Use mild sausage for less heat.
Can I use frozen kale?
Yes, just thaw and drain it before adding to the soup.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Zuppa Toscana soup is creamy, comforting, and bursting with authentic Italian flavors. It’s an easy way to warm up on a chilly day or impress guests with a delicious starter. Prepare to fall in love with every hearty spoonful!
If you love hearty soups, you might also enjoy:
- Loaded Ground Beef & Potatoes Skillet
- Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich
- Honey Almond Bee Sting Cake (German Bienenstich)
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 | Cuisine: Italian | Course: Soup