Creamy Tuscan Sausage & Kale Soup

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Created on August 27th, 2025 at 08:33 pm

Cozy, hearty soup packed with rustic Italian flavor

There’s nothing quite like a cozy bowl of creamy Zuppa Toscana to warm you up on a chilly evening. This soul-soothing soup features crumbled Italian beef sausage, tender potatoes, earthy kale, and a velvety, savory broth. Inspired by Olive Garden’s iconic version, this is a simple one-pot meal that tastes like it simmered all day — even though it’s ready in under an hour! Whether you’re looking for easy soup ideas for dinner or a weeknight soup that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, this dish is your new go-to. Plus, we’ve skipped the pork and bacon without losing any of the richness, so it’s perfect for families seeking flavorful substitutions. Pair it with crusty bread and you’ve got the ultimate comfort meal. 🍞✨

Olive Garden-style soup in creamy broth with beef sausage

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

📝 Ingredients List

1 pound Italian beef sausage
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups chicken broth
3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups chopped kale
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional for topping)
Turkey bacon or beef bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional garnish)

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups & spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Ladle
Medium bowl (for toppings)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Brown the sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until browned and fully cooked.
Sauté the aromatics:
Stir in red pepper flakes, diced onion, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until onion is soft and fragrant. 🧄
Simmer with potatoes:
Pour in chicken broth. Add potato slices and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Add cream & kale:
Lower heat, stir in heavy cream, and let it heat for 5 minutes. Then, add kale and simmer for another 5–10 minutes until wilted but still vibrant. 🥬
Season and serve:
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and crisp beef or turkey bacon. 🍲

💡 Pro Tips

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezer Tip: Freeze before adding the cream. Reheat and stir in cream just before serving.
Swap for Light Version: Use chicken or turkey sausage and replace cream with whole milk.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a double batch — the flavor gets even better the next day!

📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 bowl	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.