Zuppa Toscana Soup
There’s something magical about a warm, hearty bowl of Zuppa Toscana Soup on a chilly day. This creamy, comforting soup brings together spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale in a rich, flavorful broth that feels like a hug in a bowl.
The best part? It’s all made in one pot, so cleanup is as easy as the cooking. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering, this homemade version tastes even better than Olive Garden’s classic.
Grab a slice of crusty bread, and get ready for a soul-warming meal you’ll want to make all season long.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 40 minutes |
| Servings: | 6 |
| Course: | Soup |
| Cuisine: | Italian |
| Method: | Stovetop |
| Calories: | 696 kcal |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot simplicity: Fewer dishes, more flavor, and less cleanup.
- Rich and hearty: Creamy broth balanced with sausage, potatoes, and kale.
- Better than restaurant quality: Fresh ingredients and homemade taste.
- Easily customizable: Add beans, spinach, or even turkey sausage.
- Perfect for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day.
One-Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Made with spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and hearty kale in a silky broth, it’s better than Olive Garden and ready in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb spicy Italian ground sausage (or mild for a kid-friendly version)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup white onion, diced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups water
- 5 small potatoes, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp cooked crispy beef bacon (optional)
- 4 cups chopped kale
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
1. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. If using beef bacon, cook until crispy, then set aside. Leave 1–2 tablespoons of beef bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
3. Melt butter in the same pot, add diced onions, and cook until soft and golden. Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then add potatoes. Cook until tender, about 10–12 minutes.
5. Return sausage to the pot, add kale, and simmer for 2 minutes until wilted.
6. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 1–2 minutes more. Do not boil.
7. Serve hot, topped with crispy beef bacon, parmesan, and crusty bread.
Notes
Use spicy sausage for bold flavor or mild for a family-friendly version.
Add a splash of white wine before adding broth for extra depth.
For a lighter soup, swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
Freeze without the cream and add it later when reheating.
Top with red pepper flakes or fresh herbs before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 696
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 2251mg
- Fat: 65g
- Saturated Fat: 33g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Ingredients
- 1 lb spicy Italian ground sausage (or mild for a kid-friendly version)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup white onion, diced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups water
- 5 small potatoes, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp cooked crispy beef bacon (optional)
- 4 cups chopped kale
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip Example |
|---|---|
| Italian sausage | Use spicy for bold flavor, or mild for a family-friendly option. |
| Potatoes | Yukon gold or russet potatoes create the perfect creamy texture. |
| Kale | Remove tough stems and chop leaves finely for tenderness. |
| Heavy cream | Add last to prevent curdling and keep soup rich and smooth. |
| Chicken broth | Low-sodium broth works best to balance the saltiness of sausage. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep: Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. If using beef bacon, cook it to your desired crispiness, then set aside. Leave 1–2 tablespoons of beef bacon fat in the pot.
- Cook sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the beef bacon fat and cook until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Melt butter in the same pot. Add onions and cook until soft and golden, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Add broth and potatoes: Pour in chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Add potatoes and cook until tender, about 10–12 minutes.
- Assemble and simmer: Return sausage to the pot and add kale. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until kale is wilted.
- Add cream: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a light simmer for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat before boiling to preserve the creaminess.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with crispy beef bacon, fresh parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
- Add the cream at the end to keep the broth silky.
- For extra depth, deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine before adding broth.
- Use a mix of kale and spinach for a milder green flavor.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t rush the onions: Properly caramelized onions add incredible sweetness.
- Use fresh garlic: Pre-minced garlic won’t deliver the same punch.
- Balance salt: Taste before adding more, as sausage can be salty.
- Reheat gently: Avoid boiling the soup after adding cream when reheating.
Recipe Variations
- Zuppa Toscana with Beans: Add a can of cannellini beans for extra protein and texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets.
- Vegetarian Version: Use veggie sausage and vegetable broth.
- Zuppa Toscana with Spinach: Replace kale with baby spinach for a softer, milder green.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, leave out the cream until reheating. Thaw overnight and warm on the stove, then stir in cream before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty Italian bread, garlic knots, or a side salad with balsamic dressing. It’s also delicious topped with shaved parmesan and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon. For a cozy dinner, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a Caprese salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight and warm gently, adding cream at the end.
If you love creamy, hearty soups, don’t miss my Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with Italian flavors – the perfect cozy dinner idea for cold nights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream or oat cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
2. Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Absolutely. Spinach wilts faster and gives a slightly different texture.
3. How can I make it lighter?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk.
4. What’s the best sausage to use?
Spicy Italian sausage adds bold flavor, but mild or turkey sausage works well too.
5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook sausage first, then add all ingredients except cream and kale to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours, stir in cream and kale 30 minutes before serving.
6. Can I add beans to this recipe?
Yes, white beans or cannellini beans make it even heartier.
7. Can I freeze it with cream?
It’s best to freeze without cream, as dairy can separate when reheated.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size: | 1 bowl |
|---|---|
| Calories: | 696 kcal |
| Protein: | 16g |
| Carbohydrates: | 15g |
| Fat: | 65g |
| Saturated Fat: | 33g |
| Cholesterol: | 170mg |
| Sodium: | 2251mg |
| Fiber: | 2g |
| Sugar: | 10g |
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Author’s Note
Hola! This One-Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup brings me back to family dinners filled with laughter and warmth. The creamy broth, smoky sausage, and tender potatoes make every spoonful feel like home. I love how simple it is, yet so full of flavor-it’s one of those dishes that feeds both the body and soul.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup is cozy, creamy, and bursting with flavor. It’s proof that you can make restaurant-quality comfort food right in your kitchen.
