Name: Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground Italian sausage, hot or mild; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or substitute Worcestershire sauce); 3 tablespoons flour; 5 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 3-4 small russet potatoes (about 1 pound); 3 cups kale, roughly chopped; 1 teaspoon mustard powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional); Grated Parmesan cheese; Roughly chopped bacon

There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty soup that warms you from the inside out, and this Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale Recipe fits that bill perfectly. Rich, flavorful, and just the right balance of spice and creaminess — it’s become one of my go-to meals on chilly evenings.

A large red pot filled with a creamy soup that has several ingredients mixed in. The soup base is pale yellow and smooth, with visible chunks of cooked meat, bright green leafy kale, small pieces of orange shredded carrot, and bits of crispy bacon scattered throughout. A wooden spoon is partially dipped into the soup, showing some of the ingredients resting on it. The pot is sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale Recipe has rescued me on weeknights when I wanted something quick yet impressive. It’s packed with flavors that blend beautifully, and it’s surprisingly easy to make — perfect for weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Simply delicious: Every spoonful bursts with savory sausage, tender potatoes, and nutrient-packed kale in a creamy broth.
Quick to prepare: This recipe comes together in about an hour, making it perfect even if you’re short on time.
Comfort food at its best: The creamy texture combined with subtle spices feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
Versatile: You can easily adjust the heat level, swap kale for spinach, or even make it in a slow cooker.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This soup is all about layering flavors that complement each other perfectly. From the spicy sausage to the earthy kale and creamy broth, every ingredient plays a crucial role. Here’s a quick rundown to help you shop smart and understand why each item makes this soup so special.

Flat lay of fresh ground Italian sausage formed into a neat mound, a small pat of golden butter, one whole uncracked brown onion with smooth skin, three whole garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a small white ceramic bowl holding deep red hot sauce, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white flour, a simple white ceramic bowl containing rich, creamy heavy cream, three whole russet potatoes with earthy skin, a small pile of fresh roughly chopped kale leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with bright yellow mustard powder, a small white ceramic bowl with dried green parsley flakes, a small white ceramic bowl with dried oregano leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with dried basil leaves, a small pinch of red pepper flakes on a white ceramic dish, a small white ceramic bowl of finely grated Parmesan cheese, and a small mound of roughly chopped crispy bacon pieces placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Italian sausage: The backbone of this dish — its spices infuse the soup with deep, savory richness. Choose hot or mild based on your preferred spice level.
Butter: Adds extra richness and helps soften the onions for that perfect flavor base.
Yellow onion: Provides natural sweetness and body to the soup, mellowing out the sausage's spiciness.
Garlic: Essential for adding a fragrant punch without overpowering the other flavors.
Hot sauce: A sneaky flavor enhancer that wakes up the broth without making it too spicy.
Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and deepens the broth’s complexity.
Flour: Creates a roux to thicken the soup and give it that rich, velvety consistency.
Chicken broth: The soup’s base, bringing savory richness and depth.
Heavy cream: Smooths out the broth and adds luscious creaminess.
Russet potatoes: These hold their shape well while softening to creamy tenderness, making every bite hearty.
Kale: Adds vibrant color, texture, and a boost of nutrients — plus, it softens beautifully without getting mushy.
Seasonings (mustard powder, parsley, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes): Together, these herbs and spices layer subtle complexity and warmth.
Parmesan and bacon (for serving): The finishing touches that add savory, cheesy, and smoky flair every time.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. Feel free to mix in your favorite greens or adjust the heat — this soup welcomes customization.

Swap kale for spinach: When kale's not in season, spinach works beautifully. It wilts down faster, so just add it at the very end of cooking.
Use mild sausage: If you’re sensitive to spice, mild Italian sausage keeps it comforting without the kick.
Slow cooker version: I’ve done this in my Crock Pot when I have a busy day; just skip the flour and add ingredients according to the method below.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy soup showing three main layers: large thin slices of yellow potato with rough edges floating on top, small chunks of browned sausage scattered evenly, and bright green kale pieces spread throughout. The creamy soup base is light tan with small specks of black pepper and red chili flakes. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, reflecting light on the right side. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, adding a clean background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the sausage and save the drippings

Start by cooking your ground Italian sausage over medium heat until it’s fully browned and crumbled — usually about 10 minutes. The key here is the medium temperature; it prevents the sausage from drying out and gives you flavorful drippings to start the soup. Once done, scoop out the sausage and set it aside, leaving about a tablespoon of those drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sweat the onions and build flavor

Add a tablespoon of butter to those drippings, then toss in your diced onions. Cook them gently over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they soften and become translucent. This step is so crucial because it forms the savory base that complements the sausage.

Step 3: Add garlic, hot sauce, soy sauce & herbs

Stir in the minced garlic alongside the hot sauce, soy sauce (or Worcestershire), and all your dried herbs. Give it about a minute to get fragrant. The hot sauce here is subtle — more of a flavor boost than actual heat — so don’t worry if you’re heat-averse.

Step 4: Make the roux with flour

Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to cook it out and thicken the soup later on. This part is important because if you add the flour and don’t cook it, the soup might end up with a raw flour taste. Keep stirring so it turns golden and smooth.

Step 5: Whisk in broth and cream, bring to simmer

Slowly add the chicken broth in small splashes while whisking to avoid lumps. Follow the same with heavy cream. Once combined, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. This creamy broth is where the magic happens.

Step 6: Prep and add potatoes, simmer with sausage

While the broth simmers, wash your russet potatoes, slice them thinly (about ¼ inch), and add them to the pot along with the reserved sausage. Simmer for about 10 minutes, until the potatoes are just fork-tender but still hold their shape.

Step 7: Stir in kale and finish cooking

Add the chopped kale and let it simmer another 5 minutes until it softens but stays vibrant. Your soup should be rich, hearty, and packed with flavor now — time to serve!

Top Tip

From my many batches of Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale Recipe, I’ve learned that little details can make a big difference. These tips will help your soup shine just like mine has every time.

Medium heat for sausage: Cooking sausage over medium instead of high heat keeps it juicy and leaves enough drippings to flavor your base.
Don’t skip cooking the flour: Stirring the flour for a couple of minutes before adding liquids eliminates that dreaded raw taste.
Use fresh Parmesan for garnish: Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully into each bowl, making every serving extra special.
Adjust kale timing: Add kale closer to the end for a bit more bite, or earlier if you prefer it softer — I like mine just tender.

How to Serve Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale Recipe

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this soup, I never skip the garnishes: a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some chopped crispy bacon. The cheese adds a creamy, salty finish, while the bacon lends a smoky crunch that’s just irresistible. If you like a little extra heat, I’ll toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes too.

Side Dishes

My absolute favorite side with this soup is a crusty, airy bread – perfect for dipping and soaking up all that creamy broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness nicely, and roasted veggies round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to ladle the soup into mini pumpkin bowls or rustic bread bowls for a warm, festive touch. Adding some fresh herb sprigs on top or serving it alongside a small charcuterie plate really elevates the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge and it keeps well for up to three days. Just be sure to cool it down before sealing to maintain quality. When reheating, do it gently over medium-low heat to avoid breaking the creaminess.

Freezing

This soup freezes surprisingly well, although cream-based soups can sometimes separate slightly after thawing. To minimize this, I avoid overcooking the potatoes before freezing. When you're ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove, stirring often to bring the texture back.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This helps the cream and broth re-emulsify evenly while keeping the textures intact. Avoid microwaving at high heat, as that sometimes makes the cream curdle.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes great the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Just store it in the fridge and gently reheat before serving.

What’s the best way to thicken Zuppa Toscana soup?

Using flour to make a roux, as outlined in the recipe, thickens the broth nicely and adds a subtle nutty flavor without overpowering the soup. Be sure to cook the flour thoroughly before adding liquids.

Can I use other greens instead of kale?

Yes! Spinach is a great substitute if you prefer a milder taste and softer texture. Just add it at the very end since it wilts quickly. Swiss chard also works well for a slightly earthier flavor.

How spicy is this Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale Recipe?

The recipe uses hot sauce and hot Italian sausage, but the hot sauce mainly enhances flavor without adding much heat. You can choose mild sausage or omit the hot sauce if you prefer a gentler spice level. Overall, it’s pleasantly warm without being overpowering.

Final Thoughts

This Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale Recipe has become something I turn to when I want cozy, satisfying comfort food that feels a little special. The flavors are familiar yet deeply luxurious, and knowing how simple it is to make only makes me love it more. Don’t hesitate to try this one out and make it your own—it’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm kitchen hug.