Zuppa Toscana - Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Zuppa Toscana is a comforting, hearty Italian soup that's rich with flavors of Italian sausage, tender potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth. It's a perfect one-pot meal that brings warmth to any table. This recipe is simple to prepare and is ideal for those cold days when you want a homemade, comforting bowl of soup. The rich cream blends perfectly with the spicy sausage and mild potatoes, creating a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, to taste)
- 4 cups russet potatoes, sliced thinly
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Olive oil, for sautéing
Directions
Brown the sausage. Heat a large pot over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil, and cook the Italian sausage until browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Remove sausage and set aside.
Sauté the onions and garlic. In the same pot, add diced onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add potatoes and broth. Add the thinly sliced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in kale and cream. Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the chopped kale and let it cook for about 5 minutes, until the kale is wilted. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine.
Season and serve. Return the cooked sausage to the pot, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Recipe tips
For added flavor, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine before adding the potatoes and broth. This adds depth to the soup. If you like spicy food, use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes. For a milder soup, opt for sweet sausage and omit the red pepper flakes. Thinly slice the potatoes to ensure they cook evenly and quickly. A mandoline slicer is great for this step. You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk if you want a dairy-free option.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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