Zuppa Toscana Soup is a warm, comforting dish packed with hearty sausage, fresh kale, and creamy potatoes. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
I love how each spoonful brings a burst of flavor. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread, and you’ve got a perfect meal for chilly nights! 🍞❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of Zuppa Toscana. Use either mild or spicy based on your preference. If avoiding pork, turkey or chicken sausage works well too.
Russet Potatoes: They give a creamy texture when cooked. You can substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery flavor or even sweet potatoes for a twist!
Kale: Traditional in this recipe, kale adds healthy greens and color. Spinach can be a quick substitute, but add it just towards the end since it cooks faster.
Heavy Cream: For that rich, creamy finish, heavy cream is ideal. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Bacon: This adds smokiness to the soup. Feel free to omit it for a lighter version or use turkey bacon for a healthier option. You could also replace it with pancetta.
How Do I Make Sure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Tender?
Cooking potatoes can be tricky. You want them soft enough to eat but not mushy. Here’s the best way:
- Cut potatoes into even chunks for consistent cooking. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes on a gentle simmer.
- Use a fork to check their doneness. If it slides in easily, they’re ready!
These simple steps will give you perfectly tender potatoes that blend beautifully in your Zuppa Toscana. Enjoy your cooking experience!
How to Make Zuppa Toscana Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 4-5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water (optional, for thinning the soup if needed)
- 2 cups kale, chopped (stems removed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4-6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage and Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it apart while it cooks. Brown the sausage until it’s fully cooked, then remove it using a slotted spoon and set it aside. In the same pot, add the bacon and cook until crispy. After it’s cooked, chop the bacon and set it aside, but leave a little bacon fat in the pot for flavor.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
Now, add olive oil or butter to the pot if necessary. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until it smells wonderful!
3. Cook Potatoes:
Add the peeled and chopped potatoes into the pot, stirring to mix them well with the other ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover it, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender enough to pierce with a fork.
4. Add Kale and Sausage:
Stir in the chopped kale and the cooked sausage. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, just until the kale is wilted and vibrant green.
5. Add Cream and Season:
Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream. Add the crispy bacon pieces back into the pot. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat!). Warm everything through but avoid boiling it again.
6. Serve:
Now it’s time to serve! Ladle the delicious Zuppa Toscana Soup into bowls and enjoy it warm. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of Zuppa Toscana Soup—hearty, creamy, with just the right spice kick!
Can I Use a Different Type of Potato?
Yes! While russet potatoes are traditional, you can use Yukon Golds for a creamier texture or even sweet potatoes for a unique twist. Just adjust the cooking time a bit if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Zuppa Toscana in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the sausage and bacon altogether, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add beans (like cannellini or chickpeas) for protein and keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a hearty vegetarian version.
What Can I Serve with Zuppa Toscana?
This soup is fantastic on its own but pairs well with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or even a side of garlic bread for a complete meal!