Creamy Italian Sausage and Kale Soup

When it comes to hearty, comforting soups, Creamy Italian Sausage and Kale Soup—inspired by the famous Zuppa Toscana—is an undeniable favorite. This rich and flavorful dish brings together the savory depth of Italian sausage, the creamy texture of a velvety broth, the earthy bite of kale, and the heartiness of potatoes to create a bowl of warmth and satisfaction.

Perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or meal prep, this soup is not only deliciously indulgent but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking for an easy yet impressive dish, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make a perfect bowl of Creamy Italian Sausage and Kale Soup.

Why This Soup Is a Must-Try

A Perfect Balance of Creamy and Savory

One of the reasons this soup stands out is its perfectly balanced flavors. The spiced Italian sausage provides a rich and meaty base, while the creaminess of the broth adds a luscious, silky texture. The slight bitterness of kale cuts through the richness, and the potatoes add a hearty bite, making this soup a full meal in one bowl.

A Comfort Food That’s Surprisingly Nutritious

Despite its indulgent, creamy taste, this soup is packed with essential nutrients. Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, while potatoes provide fiber and potassium. Italian sausage adds protein, and the broth keeps everything hydrating and soothing.

Easy to Make, Yet Feels Gourmet

This soup is deceptively simple to prepare while tasting like something you’d order at an upscale Italian restaurant. The one-pot cooking method allows flavors to meld beautifully, and the ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the best aspects of this soup is its versatility. Whether you want to adjust the spice level, make it dairy-free, or add extra vegetables, there are plenty of ways to customize this dish to fit your preferences.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 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 Worcestershire sauce)
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3–4 small russet potatoes (~1 lb.), sliced into ¼-inch pieces
• 3 cups kale, roughly chopped

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Roughly chopped bacon

Directions

1. Cook the Sausage
   • Brown the Italian sausage in a large soup pot, breaking it into crumbles.
   • Reserve 1 tablespoon of drippings and set the cooked sausage aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   • In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions until soft.
   • Add garlic, hot sauce, soy sauce, mustard powder, parsley, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
3. Build the Broth
   • Stir in flour, cooking for 2 minutes.
   • Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously.
4. Add Potatoes and Sausage
   • Return cooked sausage to the pot.
   • Add potatoes and simmer for 10 minutes until nearly fork-tender.
5. Incorporate Kale
   • Stir in kale and cook for another 5 minutes until wilted.
6. Garnish and Serve
   • Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped bacon.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Key Tips for the Best Italian Sausage and Kale Soup

Choosing the Right Sausage

The Italian sausage is the star of this dish, so choosing the right one makes a big difference. Here are a few things to consider:

• Hot Italian sausage will add a nice kick of spice, perfect for those who love a bit of heat.
• Mild Italian sausage offers a more traditional, family-friendly flavor.
• Turkey or chicken sausage is a great option if you’re looking for a leaner alternative without sacrificing taste.
• Plant-based sausage can be used for a vegetarian or vegan version while maintaining the signature flavors.

The Secret to a Creamy and Velvety Broth

The rich, creamy texture of this soup comes from a combination of heavy cream and a well-balanced broth. Here’s how to get it just right:

• Use chicken broth as the base—it provides a deep, savory background that enhances the sausage flavors.
• For extra thickness, add a bit of flour to the sautéed vegetables before adding liquid.
• If you prefer a lighter version, swap out heavy cream for half-and-half, coconut milk, or cashew cream.

How to Cook the Potatoes Perfectly

Potatoes add a hearty texture, but if they are overcooked, they can become mushy. Here’s how to get them just right:

• Slice them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• Simmer gently rather than boiling aggressively to prevent them from breaking apart.
• Use russet potatoes for a soft, creamy texture or Yukon Gold for a firmer bite.

Getting the Most Flavor from Kale

Kale is an essential ingredient in this soup, but its texture and bitterness can be a concern for some. To get the best results:

• Use fresh kale—it holds its shape and flavor better than frozen varieties.
• Chop it into bite-sized pieces to make it easier to eat.
• Add it toward the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and slight crunch.

Creative Variations to Try

Dairy-Free and Lighter Versions

• Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for the heavy cream to make it dairy-free.
• Use chicken or turkey sausage for a lower-fat option.
• Try cauliflower instead of potatoes for a lower-carb alternative.

Vegetarian Adaptation

• Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.

Extra Flavor Enhancements

• Add crispy bacon on top for an extra smoky, salty crunch.
• Stir in red pepper flakes if you want more spice.
• Grate Parmesan cheese over each serving for added depth.
• Include white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigeration

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Since this soup contains dairy, freezing it with the cream can sometimes lead to separation. To freeze it properly:
  • Leave out the cream before freezing.
  • Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • When ready to serve, reheat and stir in the cream just before serving.

Reheating

• On the stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If too thick, add a little extra broth.
• In the microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain the creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! To make it in a slow cooker:

1. Brown the sausage in a skillet first.
2. Add all ingredients except the cream and kale to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir in the cream and kale in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What’s the Best Type of Kale for This Recipe?

Lacinato kale (also called Tuscan or dinosaur kale) is softer and less bitter than curly kale, making it a great choice for this soup. However, curly kale works just as well and holds up well in broth.

Can I Use Spinach Instead of Kale?

Yes! Spinach is a great substitute, but add it right before serving since it wilts quickly.

How Do I Make This Soup Spicier?

For extra heat, try:

• Using hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
• Adding extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Stirring in a bit more hot sauce.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Yes! To make it gluten-free:

• Skip the flour or use a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
• Make sure your sausage and broth are gluten-free.

Conclusion: A Cozy, Flavorful Soup for Any Occasion

Creamy Italian Sausage and Kale Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a warm, comforting bowl of rich flavors and nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is a foolproof recipe that always delivers.

Its balance of creaminess, heartiness, and bold Italian flavors makes it a standout dish that satisfies every craving. With endless customization options, you can make it exactly how you like it.

So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy a steaming bowl of this irresistible, creamy, and savory soup today!

Creamy Italian Sausage and Kale Soup

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• Author: Benjamin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Bring the cozy flavors of Tuscany to your table with this hearty and creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup. Packed with Italian sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and a velvety broth, this classic dish is perfect for a comforting dinner any time of the year. Finished with grated Parmesan and crispy bacon, it’s a one-pot wonder that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

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For the Soup:

• 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 Worcestershire sauce)
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3–4 small russet potatoes (~1 lb.), sliced into ¼-inch pieces
• 3 cups kale, roughly chopped

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish:

• • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Roughly chopped bacon

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

1. Heat a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook for about 10 minutes, breaking it into crumbles until browned and cooked through.
3. Reserve 1 tablespoon of sausage drippings in the pot, and set the cooked sausage aside. If there are no drippings, add 1 tablespoon of butter.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add the butter (or drippings) to the pot along with the diced onions. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic, hot sauce, soy sauce, mustard powder, dried parsley, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Broth

1. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed mixture, stirring continuously for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
2. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring after each addition to ensure a smooth consistency.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Sausage

1. Wash and pat the potatoes dry. Cut them in half lengthwise, then slice into ¼-inch pieces.
2. Add the sliced potatoes and cooked sausage back into the pot.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are nearly fork-tender.

Step 5: Add Kale and Finish the Soup

1. Stir in the chopped kale and let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes until the kale is wilted and vibrant green.
2. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and crispy chopped bacon.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic knots on the side.

Notes

• Customize the Heat: Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you enjoy a spicier kick.
• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian