Description

There’s nothing like a steaming bowl of Zuppa Toscana to make a chilly night feel inviting. Inspired by the beloved Italian soup served in cozy trattorias and known for its creamy, rich flavors, this homemade Zuppa Toscana is a delightful blend of soft potatoes, savory sausage, and fresh greens in a silky broth. The best part? This recipe is so simple to make, yet so packed with flavor that it’s bound to become a go-to comfort dish for your family.

Zuppa Toscana holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of evenings spent cooking with family, sharing stories while the aroma of garlic and herbs fills the kitchen. I remember the first time I had this soup in a little Italian restaurant and was blown away by how it transformed basic ingredients into something so comforting and delicious. Now, recreating it at home brings that sense of warmth and community into my own kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s a rundown of the key ingredients that make this soup so memorable:

Ground Italian Sausage – The classic version uses Italian sausage to provide a deeply savory base. Feel free to use turkey sausage for a lighter take.
Onion & Garlic – These aromatics create a rich, flavorful foundation for the soup.
Yukon Gold Potatoes – With their creamy, buttery texture, Yukon Golds are ideal for soups as they hold their shape well without getting mushy.
Chicken Stock – This provides the main body of the broth, adding both flavor and richness. If you’re looking to reduce sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt to taste.
Fresh Kale – Adding kale not only gives the soup a beautiful pop of green but also provides a satisfying texture and a nutritional boost.
Heavy Cream – For that signature creamy texture that makes Zuppa Toscana so cozy.
Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Don’t forget to taste and adjust as you go!
Optional Toppings – Shaved Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor, and crispy turkey bacon bits provide a smoky, crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot, add your sausage over medium-high heat. Cook until browned and crumbly, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Browning the sausage is essential as it adds a deeper, roasted flavor. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving a bit of fat in the pot. This fat will help cook the onions and garlic, infusing them with flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add diced onions. Cook them in the sausage drippings, stirring occasionally, until they turn translucent and tender. This step builds the soup’s foundation of flavor. Once the onions are soft, add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so be careful to keep it moving!

Step 3: Add the Broth and Potatoes

Pour in the chicken stock, using a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits add incredible flavor! Bring the stock to a gentle simmer, then add diced potatoes. Let the potatoes cook in the broth until they’re just fork-tender, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. You want them soft enough to melt in your mouth but not falling apart.

Step 4: Add the Kale and Cream

Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to add the kale. Stir the kale into the pot and cook for about 3-5 minutes, just until it wilts. Then, slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently as the cream incorporates into the broth, turning the soup a lovely shade of creamy white with vibrant green kale. Make sure not to boil the soup once you add the cream, as this can cause it to separate.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the Zuppa Toscana into bowls and top with optional garnishes like freshly grated Parmesan and crispy turkey bacon bits for added depth and crunch. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for the perfect cozy meal.