Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Potato and Kale Soup (Zuppa Toscana) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 ounces spicy Italian sausage; 8 slices bacon; ½ large onion, diced; 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced; 5 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced; 4 cups chopped kale; 28 ounces low-sodium chicken broth; 24 ounces water (3 cups); 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper (optional, to taste); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; Parmesan cheese, for serving

I just have to share one of my all-time favorite comfort foods with you: this Creamy Italian Sausage Potato and Kale Soup (Zuppa Toscana) Recipe. It’s the perfect bowl of hearty goodness with spicy sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and fresh kale, all brought together in a rich, creamy broth. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m indulging in a warm hug from the inside out. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual family dinner, this soup never disappoints and always leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Italian Sausage Potato and Kale Soup (Zuppa Toscana) Recipe

What makes this Creamy Italian Sausage Potato and Kale Soup (Zuppa Toscana) Recipe truly special to me is the incredible balance of flavors. The spicy Italian sausage adds a wonderful kick, while the smoky bacon gives it that extra depth of savory goodness. The potatoes soak up the broth, becoming tender and comforting, and the kale adds just the right amount of green freshness and texture. Every bite feels indulgent yet wholesome.

I also love how easy this recipe is to bring together. It’s one pot magic — you start by browning the sausage and bacon, then layer in all the ingredients, and before you know it, you have a pot full of delicious soup simmering away. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, just simple steps that anyone can follow, even on a busy weeknight.

This soup shines on many occasions, whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family meal, impressing guests at a casual dinner party, or even packing leftovers for lunch. It’s comforting enough to feel like a treat but satisfying enough to serve as a stand-alone meal. I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

A close-up view of a spoon filled with a creamy dish showing three main layers: bright green curly kale on top with a fresh, slightly wet texture; beneath it, small pieces of light brown cooked meat mixed with bits of white and light yellow ingredients, creating a chunky texture; all sitting in a smooth, thick creamy white sauce that coats the other layers. The background is softly blurred with a warm yellow tone and the surface underneath is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magical thing about this Creamy Italian Sausage Potato and Kale Soup (Zuppa Toscana) Recipe is how every ingredient plays a crucial role. From the spicy sausage that builds flavor, to the crispy bacon adding crunch and saltiness, and the potatoes that give heartiness - all the components come together beautifully in the broth. Plus, the kale adds that vibrant pop of color and nutrition that makes the soup feel complete.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Spicy Italian sausage: Choose good quality sausage for rich, bold flavor that’s essential to this soup.
Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy texture that complements the soup’s creaminess perfectly.
Onion: Provides sweetness and a mellow base layer of flavor.
Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and depth to every spoonful.
Chicken broth: Forms the savory liquid base that unites all the ingredients.
Water: Dilutes the broth just enough to keep the soup light yet flavorful.
Russet potatoes: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and a tender, fluffy texture.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but adds a subtle kick that I love.
Kale: Chopped for a fresh, slightly earthy greens bite in every bowl.
Heavy whipping cream: The creamy finish that makes this soup irresistibly silky and comforting.
Parmesan cheese (for garnish): A sprinkle on top elevates the flavor and adds a touch of salty richness.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by browning the spicy Italian sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Use a slotted spoon to remove it once it’s cooked through and set it aside. This step builds the base flavor of the soup, so take your time to get a nice golden sear on the sausage.

Step 2: Cut the bacon into small pieces and add them to the same pot. Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The rendered fat will add incredible flavor to your soup.

Step 3: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft. This softens the base and mellows the sharpness of the raw onion.

Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring frequently. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it cooks quickly and you want that fragrant, mellow flavor.

Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and water into the pot. If you like a bit of spice, add the crushed red pepper flakes now along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine.

Step 6: Add the thinly sliced russet potatoes and the cooked Italian sausage back into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Using a mandoline slicer here makes the slices uniform and fast to cook.

Step 7: Stir in the chopped kale and continue simmering the soup for another 5 to 10 minutes. The kale should soften but still retain a bit of texture. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8: Finally, stir in the heavy whipping cream and heat through for a few minutes until everything is beautifully combined and creamy. Do not boil after adding cream to keep it silky.

Step 9: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for maximum comfort and flavor.

Servings and Timing

This recipe comfortably serves 8 hearty portions, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare, primarily chopping and slicing, and about 40 minutes to cook, allowing the flavors to fully meld and the potatoes to soften perfectly. In total, you’re looking at approximately 45 minutes from start to finish, with no additional resting time needed. It’s a wonderfully efficient meal that fills your home with fantastic aromas while you wait!

How to Serve This Creamy Italian Sausage Potato and Kale Soup (Zuppa Toscana) Recipe

A white bowl filled with soup showing four main layers: a creamy yellow broth forming the base, chunks of light beige potatoes floating within, pieces of light brown ground sausage scattered throughout, and bright dark green kale leaves adding contrast on top, finished with a sprinkle of shredded white cheese. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth and a red-striped towel partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this soup, I like to keep things simple but comforting. A crusty piece of garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side is a dream because you can soak it in all that delicious broth. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs well to balance the richness of the soup.

For garnishing, a generous sprinkle of freshly shaved Parmesan cheese really brings out the flavors, and a few fresh kale leaves or cracked black pepper on top adds a nice visual touch. Presentation-wise, I like serving it in rustic bowls to keep the cozy vibe going — it just feels right!

I also enjoy pairing this soup with a glass of chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp sparkling water with lemon to refresh the palate. This dish works beautifully for casual family dinners, weekend gatherings, or even festive holiday meals where you want something warm and satisfying. Serve it hot, piping fresh from the pot, for the ultimate comforting experience.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Creamy Italian Sausage Potato and Kale Soup (Zuppa Toscana) Recipe is how flexible it is. For a milder flavor, you can swap the spicy Italian sausage for a mild variety or even ground turkey for a leaner option. If you prefer it less creamy, simply reduce the heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter touch.

If you need gluten-free, just make sure your broth is certified gluten-free and avoid any added thickeners that may contain gluten. For a vegetarian twist, try using plant-based sausage alternatives and vegetable broth. Kale can be swapped with spinach or swiss chard for a different leafy green texture and flavor.

I’ve also experimented with cooking methods by slow-cooking the soup for several hours on low heat. This deepens the flavors even more and is perfect for set-it-and-forget-it days when you want supper ready after work. No matter how you tweak it, this soup is a winner in every way!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your soup, let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. I use glass containers with tight-fitting lids to keep the soup fresh and to easily reheat later. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay delicious for 3 to 4 days, making this soup perfect for quick reheats on busy days.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze this soup, though I recommend doing so before adding the heavy cream, as cream can sometimes separate when frozen. Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to leave room for expansion. When properly frozen, your soup will keep well for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If frozen, thaw it fully first to promote even heating. Stir frequently and avoid boiling once you’ve added cream or it may curdle. Add a splash of fresh cream or broth if the soup feels too thick, and taste for seasoning before serving to revive those delicious flavors.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Prepare it fully, then store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The soup will still be creamy and flavorful but with a different twist.

What’s the best way to slice potatoes quickly and evenly?

I highly recommend using a mandoline slicer to get uniform, thin slices. It speeds up prep time and helps potatoes cook evenly, especially for soups like this.

Can I use kale stems in the soup?

I prefer to remove the tough stems since they can be fibrous and tough to chew. The leafy parts soften nicely and add great texture to the soup.

How spicy is this soup, and can I adjust heat levels?

The level of spice mostly depends on the type of Italian sausage and whether you add crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer less heat, opt for mild sausage and skip the red pepper flakes. For more kick, add extra flakes or hot sausage.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Creamy Italian Sausage Potato and Kale Soup (Zuppa Toscana) Recipe enough. It’s a cozy, delicious bowl of comfort food that’s easy to make and sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether feeding family or entertaining friends, this soup brings warmth, flavor, and satisfying heartiness to the table every single time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over!