Zuppa Toscana is an Italian-inspired soup with origins in Tuscany, known for its rustic flavors and nourishing ingredients. Traditionally made with a rich, creamy base, tender potatoes, Italian sausage, and fresh greens, it’s a comforting meal that warms both body and soul. Many have enjoyed this soup in Italian-American restaurants, but making it at home allows for a personalized touch, letting you tweak the spice, adjust the creaminess, or add extra veggies. Whether for family dinners or a cozy lunch, Zuppa Toscana brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep Comfort and Flavor: A balance of savory sausage, creamy potatoes, and fresh kale make it incredibly satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, this soup comes together in just about 40 minutes.
- Customizable to Your Preferences: Adjust spice levels, try dairy-free alternatives, or add extra greens to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Italian Sausage: For an authentic taste, use spicy Italian sausage for heat, or opt for mild if you prefer a gentler flavor.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for soups because they hold their shape and add a creamy texture as they cook.
- Kale: This hearty green brings color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness to balance the rich broth.
- Chicken Stock: Forms the soup’s base and deepens the flavor—use low-sodium if possible to better control seasoning.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the soup its classic creaminess. Substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy garnish that complements the sausage.
- Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that build flavor at the soup’s base.
- Seasoning: A blend of salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
How to Make Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Once done, set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Using the rendered fat from the sausage, sauté the chopped onions over medium heat until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic, stirring frequently to avoid burning, until fragrant—usually around 1 minute.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Add in the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Finish with Kale and Cream: Once the potatoes are fork-tender, stir in the chopped kale and cooked sausage. Simmer for a few more minutes to soften the kale slightly. Then, add the heavy cream, stirring until the soup reaches your desired level of creaminess.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon and, if desired, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat. Enjoy while hot!
Cooking Tips
- Choose the Right Sausage: Using high-quality Italian sausage (spicy or mild) enhances the flavor. If you prefer more control over spice levels, add extra red pepper flakes for heat instead of using spicy sausage.
- Perfecting the Broth Texture: If you want a thicker broth, try mashing a few potato pieces against the pot’s side to release more starch.
- Alternative Greens: If kale isn’t to your taste, spinach or Swiss chard make great substitutes, though add them toward the end as they cook down quickly.
Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Option: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. For meal prep, make a large batch and reheat for a few days’ worth of cozy, ready-to-eat meals.
- Dairy-Free Alternatives: Substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream for a rich, dairy-free version. It slightly changes the flavor but keeps it creamy and satisfying.
- Storage and Freezing: Zuppa Toscana freezes well! Just leave out the cream if planning to freeze and add it when reheating.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
Try experimenting with additional ingredients like mushrooms for an earthy flavor or a pinch of Italian seasoning to deepen the herbal notes.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 28g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything except the cream and kale to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding cream and kale in the last 30 minutes.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Microwaving in short bursts also works, but stir between intervals to ensure even heating.
- Can I make it vegetarian? For a vegetarian twist, use a plant-based sausage and vegetable stock, omitting the bacon. The soup still retains rich flavor and texture with the right seasonings.
Related Recipes
If you loved this creamy, hearty soup, try some other comforting bowls:
Conclusion
This Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup brings the taste of Italy to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Each bite offers warmth and comfort with creamy broth, tender potatoes, and vibrant greens—a true crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for a family meal, a cozy solo dinner, or meal prep for the week, Zuppa Toscana is always a welcome addition to any meal rotation. Enjoy this little taste of Tuscany!
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Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup
Description
Zuppa Toscana is an Italian-inspired soup with origins in Tuscany, known for its rustic flavors and nourishing ingredients. Traditionally made with a rich, creamy base, tender potatoes, Italian sausage, and fresh greens, it’s a comforting meal that warms both body and soul. Many have enjoyed this soup in Italian-American restaurants, but making it at home allows for a personalized touch, letting you tweak the spice, adjust the creaminess, or add extra veggies. Whether for family dinners or a cozy lunch, Zuppa Toscana brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- Italian Sausage: For an authentic taste, use spicy Italian sausage for heat, or opt for mild if you prefer a gentler flavor.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for soups because they hold their shape and add a creamy texture as they cook.
- Kale: This hearty green brings color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness to balance the rich broth.
- Chicken Stock: Forms the soup’s base and deepens the flavor—use low-sodium if possible to better control seasoning.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the soup its classic creaminess. Substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy garnish that complements the sausage.
- Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that build flavor at the soup’s base.
- Seasoning: A blend of salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Once done, set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Using the rendered fat from the sausage, sauté the chopped onions over medium heat until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic, stirring frequently to avoid burning, until fragrant—usually around 1 minute.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Add in the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Finish with Kale and Cream: Once the potatoes are fork-tender, stir in the chopped kale and cooked sausage. Simmer for a few more minutes to soften the kale slightly. Then, add the heavy cream, stirring until the soup reaches your desired level of creaminess.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon and, if desired, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat. Enjoy while hot!
Notes
Try experimenting with additional ingredients like mushrooms for an earthy flavor or a pinch of Italian seasoning to deepen the herbal notes.
