Hearty Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe: Taste Italy in One Bowl

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of zuppa Toscana soup, warming hearts with its rich Italian-inspired flavors.

Creamy potatoes and spicy sausage dance together in a broth that tells stories of rustic kitchens.

Hearty kale adds a vibrant green punch to this beloved dish.

Tuscan traditions shine through every spoonful of this soul-satisfying recipe.

Each ingredient carefully selected promises a culinary journey through the rolling hills of Italy.

The soup beckons with its complex layers of taste and texture.

Savor this delightful meal that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Why This Zuppa Toscana Hits the Spot

• Packed with rich, savory ingredients like sausage, cream, and umami-boosting seasonings, this soup delivers an incredible taste experience that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Adaptable for various dietary needs by swapping ingredients like turkey sausage or adjusting spice levels, this soup works brilliantly for family dinners, casual gatherings, or cozy nights in.
• Ready in under an hour, this one-pot wonder provides a complete meal that's both satisfying and nutritious, combining protein, vegetables, and creamy goodness in every spoonful.

What Goes Into Zuppa Toscana

• Pork Sausage: A flavorful base that provides richness and depth to the soup.
• Potatoes: Hearty vegetable that adds substance and texture to the soup.
• Kale: Nutritious leafy green that brings freshness and color to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid foundation that creates the soup's flavor base.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that enhance the overall taste of the soup.
• Hot Sauce, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce: Ingredients that add complexity and depth to the soup's flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other ingredients.

• Butter, Flour: Combination used to create a slight thickening effect and add richness to the soup.

Cooking Steps for Zuppa Toscana Soup

Step 1: Brown Spicy Sausage

Heat a large soup pot over medium heat.

Add sausage and cook until deeply browned and crumbled, breaking it into small pieces.

Drain excess grease, keeping a small amount for extra flavor.

Transfer sausage to a separate plate.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Melt butter in the same pot.

Add diced onions and cook until softened and translucent.

Stir in minced garlic, hot sauce, and seasonings.

Cook for another minute to release their rich flavors.

Step 3: Create Soup Base

Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for two minutes.

This process eliminates the raw flour taste and helps thicken the soup.

Watch for a slightly nutty aroma that indicates the flour is perfectly cooked.

Step 4: Build Liquid Foundation

Slowly pour chicken broth into the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Add heavy cream in small splashes, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Step 5: Incorporate Potatoes and Sausage

Slice potatoes into uniform quarter-inch thick rounds.

Add potato slices and previously cooked sausage to the simmering broth.

Cook for approximately 10 minutes until potatoes become tender but not mushy.

Step 6: Finish with Kale

Toss chopped kale into the soup.

Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing kale to soften while maintaining a slight crispness.

Remove from heat and serve immediately in warm bowls.

Serving Suggestion: Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and fresh cracked black pepper for an extra flavor boost.

Tips for Creamy, Spicy Zuppa

• Choose turkey sausage for a leaner version, adding a touch of butter to maintain rich flavor and texture.
• Add a splash of soy sauce to enhance depth without overpowering the soup's traditional taste.
• Cut potatoes uniformly at 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness.
• Add kale near the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and prevent turning mushy.
• Continuously stir flour to eliminate raw taste and create smooth, lump-free soup base.

Best Way to Keep and Reheat Zuppa

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing potatoes as they can become grainy when thawed.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency if it's too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Delicious Pairings for Zuppa Toscana

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the soup's richness, offering a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate with its bright, zesty notes.
• Serve with Rustic Crusty Bread: Artisan sourdough or ciabatta provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up the creamy broth, adding delightful texture and helping to balance the soup's hearty flavors.
• Complement with Fresh Herb Salad: Light arugula or mixed greens tossed with lemon vinaigrette introduces a peppery, tangy element that beautifully offsets the soup's creamy and savory profile.
• Enhance with Parmesan Crostini: Toasted bread topped with grated Parmesan cheese adds a crispy, salty crunch that elevates the overall dining experience and provides a delicious textural contrast.

Variations on Classic Zuppa Toscana

• Vegetarian Kale Soup: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to boost flavor depth.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free sausage and verify all ingredient labels to ensure zero cross-contamination.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips. These alternatives provide similar texture while significantly reducing carbohydrate content and maintaining the soup's creamy consistency.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Select unsweetened versions and consider adding nutritional yeast for extra richness and cheesy undertones without traditional dairy products.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra herbs for depth of flavor.

• Is this soup spicy?

The recipe uses hot sauce, so it has a mild kick. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce or using a milder version.

• What makes the soup creamy?

Heavy cream provides the rich, velvety texture. The flour also helps slightly thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.

• Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana?

Yes, but freeze without the cream. Add fresh cream when reheating to prevent separation and maintain the soup’s creamy texture.

Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Zuppa Toscana soup brings Tuscan countryside warmth to kitchen tables with rich sausage, potatoes, and kale dancing in creamy broth. Comfort meets Italian tradition in this soul-satisfying dish you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 4 russet potatoes
• 1 large white onion
• 2 cloves garlic

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Garnish and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) roughly chopped bacon
• 2 cups chopped kale
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and brown the sausage until crumbled, approximately 10 minutes. Drain excess grease, leaving a tablespoon for enhanced flavor. Transfer cooked sausage to a separate plate.
2. In the same pot, melt butter and sauté diced onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic, hot sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings. Stir for one minute until aromatic.
3. Sprinkle flour into the pot, continuously stirring for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and slightly thicken the soup. Ensure constant movement to prevent scorching.
4. Gradually pour chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add heavy cream in small increments. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
5. Slice potatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds and add to the simmering liquid along with previously cooked sausage. Simmer for 10 minutes or until potatoes reach tender consistency.
6. Introduce chopped kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes, maintaining slight texture without allowing leaves to become overly soft.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving hot. The soup will thicken slightly as it cools.

Notes

• Replace sausage with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tempeh or vegan sausage for a vegetarian version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a dairy-free option while keeping the soup’s creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
• Toast flour briefly before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and prevent raw flour taste, creating deeper complexity in the soup’s overall flavor profile.
• Consider using bone broth instead of regular chicken broth for extra protein and enhanced nutritional value, which boosts the soup’s health benefits without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg