Looking for the perfect cozy meal that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor? This Sausage Kale Soup (Zuppa Toscana Style!) is your answer. With creamy potatoes, savory Italian sausage, fresh kale, and a touch of spice, this one-pot wonder tastes just like the iconic Olive Garden favorite—only better, fresher, and completely homemade.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a weeknight dinner, this soup delivers comfort in every spoonful. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing bowl of goodness and learn how to make the ultimate easy homemade Sausage Kale Soup at home.
⭐️ Why You’ll Love This Sausage Kale Soup
✅ One-pot dinner – minimal cleanup
✅ Ready in under 45 minutes
✅ Creamy and comforting without being too heavy
✅ Perfect balance of spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale
✅ Easily customizable for dairy-free or low-carb needs
🥣 What is Zuppa Toscana?
“Zuppa Toscana” means Tuscan Soup in Italian. While the traditional Tuscan version uses beans, cabbage, and rustic vegetables, the Americanized version, popularized by Olive Garden, includes:
Italian sausage
Potatoes
Kale
Bacon
Cream
Our version sticks to these comforting ingredients with a homemade twist and simplified process—ideal for busy home cooks seeking a hearty meal made from scratch.
🛒 Ingredients for Sausage Kale Soup (Zuppa Toscana Style!)
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this creamy, savory soup to life:
Main Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Italian sausage | 1 lb (spicy or mild) |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Potatoes (Yukon or Russet) | 4 medium, diced or sliced |
| Chicken broth | 6 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Kale | 3 cups, de-stemmed & chopped |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ tsp (optional) |
Optional Add-ins:
Bacon: 4 strips, cooked and crumbled (adds extra depth)
Parmesan cheese: For serving
Lemon juice: A squeeze at the end adds brightness
🔪 How to Make Sausage Kale Soup Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to create your perfect pot of homemade Sausage Kale Soup:
🧅 Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink (about 7–8 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to transfer sausage to a bowl and set aside.
Pro Tip: Drain excess grease, but leave about 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.
🧄 Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant.
🥔 Step 3: Add Potatoes & Broth
Stir in the sliced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
🥬 Step 4: Add Kale & Cook
Stir in the chopped kale and cooked sausage. Let the soup simmer for another 5–7 minutes, allowing the kale to wilt and flavors to meld.
🥛 Step 5: Finish with Cream
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until heated through. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
🧀 Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with crispy bacon, shredded Parmesan, and a pinch of extra red pepper flakes if desired.
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 880 mg |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
🌟 Tips & Variations
💡 Pro Tips:
Thinly slice potatoes for a faster cook time and better texture.
Use pre-washed kale to save time on prep.
Sauté bacon first, then cook sausage in the rendered bacon fat for added flavor.
🔄 Variations:
Make it dairy-free: Substitute the cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream.
Low-carb version: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.
Add beans: Cannellini or Great Northern beans add protein and fiber.
Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
This Zuppa Toscana-style sausage kale soup stores and reheats beautifully.
🧊 Storage:
Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. (Leave out cream if freezing; add after thawing.)
🔥 Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat on medium-low until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.
Note: The soup may thicken slightly after chilling. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
❓ FAQs about Sausage Kale Soup
1. Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Yes! Baby spinach is a great substitute and wilts even faster than kale. Just add it in the final 2 minutes of cooking.
2. What kind of sausage works best?
Italian sausage—either spicy or mild—is ideal. Chicken sausage also works for a lighter option.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the sausage and aromatics first, then add everything (except cream and kale) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours, stir in kale and cream during the last 30 minutes.
4. How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Lower the heat before adding cream. Don’t let the soup boil after adding it—gentle heat keeps the texture smooth and velvety.
📌 Final Thoughts – Save & Share the Comfort!
This Sausage Kale Soup (Zuppa Toscana Style!) is a must-have for your cozy dinner rotation. It’s satisfying, simple to make, and tastes like it simmered for hours. Whether you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s version or just love hearty homemade soups, this one is guaranteed to warm your belly and win hearts.
📍Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with your soup-loving friends and family. Leave a comment below if you gave it a try—we love hearing how it turned out!
