Description
Creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
4 slices bacon, chopped
3 medium potatoes, diced
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
Cook the Bacon & Sausage:
In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, cook the sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat and set the sausage aside.
Sauté Onion & Garlic:
Add diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Add Potatoes & Broth:
Stir in the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Add Kale & Cream:
Stir in the kale, cooked sausage, bacon, and heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes until the kale is wilted.
Season & Serve:
Add red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. First, prep all ingredients: dice potatoes and onion, mince garlic, chop kale, and slice bacon. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon. Add the Italian sausage to the bacon fat, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon. Cook until browned, then remove. Drain most of the fat, leaving about a tablespoon. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pot bottom. Add the diced potatoes, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cooked sausage, bacon, chopped kale, and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to wilt the kale and heat everything through. Finally, season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This rich soup is a complete meal but pairs beautifully with crusty, warm bread for dipping. For a lighter side, a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast. Garnish individual bowls with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, extra red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. For a presentation twist, serve in a hollowed-out bread bowl.
How-to Summary
Brown bacon and sausage, then set aside. Sauté onion and garlic in the same pot. Add potatoes and broth, then simmer until potatoes are tender. Stir in greens, cooked meats, and cream. Heat through, season, and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, but for best texture, add the kale and cream only when reheating to prevent wilting and curdling.
How can I make a lighter version? Substitute turkey sausage, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and add extra potatoes for heartiness.
What can I use instead of kale? Fresh spinach or Swiss chard are excellent substitutes. Add spinach just at the end, as it wilts very quickly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from separating.
Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana? Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy and potatoes, which can become grainy and separate upon thawing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream, as this can cause it to curdle. Do not overcook the kale; it should be just wilted. Ensure potatoes are diced uniformly for even cooking. Do not skip draining the excess fat after browning the sausage, or the soup will be greasy. Finally, season in layers—add a pinch of salt when sautéing the onions and again at the end to build depth of flavor.
Conclusion
This Creamy Zuppa Toscana is the ultimate one-pot comfort food, balancing spicy sausage, hearty potatoes, and robust kale in a velvety broth. Its restaurant-quality flavor is surprisingly simple to achieve at home. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and customize it to your taste. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this soup is sure to become a cherished staple in your recipe collection.