Zuppa Toscana Soup 🌿

Zuppa Toscana—the hearty, creamy Tuscan soup beloved in Italian cuisine—has all the makings of comfort food perfection. With its savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and leafy kale, this soup is simmered in a creamy broth that’s both rich and satisfying. Ideal for a chilly evening or a cozy dinner, it’s the kind of dish that warms your heart as much as it does your stomach.

Let’s bring a taste of Tuscany to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Zuppa Toscana

Rich and Creamy: The luscious broth is full of flavor and comforting goodness.
Packed with Flavor: Italian sausage and garlic make this soup irresistible.
Hearty and Filling: With potatoes and kale, it’s a complete meal in one bowl.
Simple Ingredients: Easy to find and quick to prepare for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients for Zuppa Toscana

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
3 medium potatoes, sliced thin or diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)

2 cups kale, stems removed and leaves roughly chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil (if needed)
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled, for added smokiness
½ cup grated Parmesan for extra richness
1 cup diced tomatoes for a tangy twist

Tools You’ll Need

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon for stirring
Ladle for serving

How to Make Zuppa Toscana Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add a drizzle of olive oil (if needed) and sauté the diced onion until translucent (about 4-5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the chicken broth and add the sliced potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Add the Kale and Cream

Stir the cooked sausage and kale into the pot. Let the kale wilt for about 2-3 minutes. Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, Parmesan, or fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast.

What to Serve with Zuppa Toscana

While this soup is hearty enough to stand alone, here are some pairing ideas:

Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For an indulgent, cozy pairing.

Tips for the Best Zuppa Toscana

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh kale and high-quality sausage make a world of difference.
Adjust the Heat: Choose spicy sausage or add extra red pepper flakes for a kick.
Don’t Overcook the Kale: Add it just before serving to keep it vibrant and slightly crisp.
Blend the Broth: For a creamier texture, mash some of the cooked potatoes into the soup before adding the cream.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens.
Freeze: While the broth freezes well, the cream may separate. Freeze without the cream and add it when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Another Green Besides Kale?

Absolutely! Spinach or Swiss chard are great alternatives.

Can I Make This Dairy-Free?

Yes! Use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute for a creamy, dairy-free version.

Can I Make This Vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Wrapping It Up

Zuppa Toscana Soup is a timeless classic for a reason—it’s comforting, flavorful, and always hits the spot. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this soup is guaranteed to bring a little taste of Tuscany to your table.

Tried this recipe? Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a comment below. Looking for more hearty soups? Try these:

Creamy Potato and Leek Soup
Classic Minestrone Soup
Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: ~320 | Protein: 15g | Carbs: 20g | Fat: 20g

So grab your ladle and let’s create a bowl of Italian comfort that everyone will love! 🌿✨