Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana is a creamy, hearty Italian-inspired soup made with savory sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any time of year, especially during the colder months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and filling with layers of savory flavor

• Easy one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare

• Perfect balance of creaminess and spice

• Customizable with different meats, greens, or dairy alternatives

• Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly

• Family-friendly and comforting

• Pairs well with salads and bread

• Can be made on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or Instant Pot

• Naturally gluten-free with simple modifications

• Rich, restaurant-style taste at home

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

• Bacon (optional, for added depth)

• Onion, diced

• Garlic, minced

• Chicken broth

• Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced or diced

• Kale, chopped (or substitute with spinach or Swiss chard)

• Heavy cream or half-and-half

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

• Olive oil or butter

• Salt and black pepper

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same pot, cook chopped bacon until crisp (if using). Remove and drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.

3. Sauté diced onions in the remaining grease or olive oil until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

4. Add chicken broth and sliced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.

5. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in chopped kale and let it wilt for 5–10 minutes.

6. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes without boiling.

7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

8. Serve hot, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan and crumbled bacon.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Omit sausage and bacon; use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. Add beans for protein.

• Lighter version: Use half-and-half or low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.

• Dairy-free version: Substitute cream with unsweetened coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer.

• Different greens: Use spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens instead of kale.

• Spicier: Use hot Italian sausage and increase red pepper flakes.

• Milder: Use mild sausage and omit red pepper flakes.

• Thicker texture: Mash some of the potatoes in the pot before adding the cream.

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Note: potatoes and cream may slightly change in texture upon thawing.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Stir frequently and add a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the texture.

FAQs

What kind of sausage works best for Zuppa Toscana?

Italian sausage is best, either mild or spicy depending on your preference.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep and the flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge.

Is it possible to freeze this soup?

Yes, but be aware the texture of the potatoes and cream may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the meat with plant-based sausage or beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What can I use instead of kale?

Spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens are excellent alternatives.

How do I make the soup thicker?

Mash a few of the cooked potatoes into the soup or add a cornstarch slurry before adding the cream.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, but make sure it’s well-seasoned. Slice or crumble it and warm it through in the soup.

What’s the best potato for this recipe?

Russet potatoes provide a classic texture, while Yukon Golds hold their shape better if preferred.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, naturally, as long as your sausage and broth are gluten-free.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, though it will result in a lighter, less rich broth. Whole milk is preferred for better texture.

Conclusion

Zuppa Toscana is a rich, comforting soup that’s both delicious and versatile. With its creamy base, flavorful sausage, tender potatoes, and leafy greens, it’s the perfect one-pot meal for a cozy dinner. Whether you stick to the classic version or adapt it to suit your needs, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home kitchen

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