Go Back
To make Zuppa Toscana, you need some key ingredients: - 1 lb Italian chicken sausage or spicy turkey sausage - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium) - 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced - 1 cup kale, chopped (stems removed) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients create a rich, hearty soup. The sausage adds a savory taste, while the potatoes give it body. The kale brings color and nutrients, making it a balanced meal. To make your soup even better, consider adding these garnishes: - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving These garnishes add freshness and a nice touch of flavor. The cheese melts into the soup, making it creamy and delicious. Fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color. Enjoy your bowl of Zuppa Toscana with these simple yet effective additions! Sautéing the onion and garlic Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes. You want it to soften but not brown. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute until it smells great. Browning the sausage Now, add 1 pound of Italian chicken sausage to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns brown. This adds flavor and depth to your soup. Adding chicken broth and potatoes Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring this mix to a gentle simmer. Then, add 2 thinly sliced medium potatoes to the pot. Let them cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. You want them fork-tender for the best texture. Incorporating kale and cream After the potatoes are ready, stir in 1 cup of chopped kale and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Now reduce the heat and mix in 1 cup of heavy cream. Heat through for about 3 to 5 minutes, but don't let it boil. Adjusting seasonings and serving suggestions Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. This is where you make it your own! Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy the rich flavors of your Zuppa Toscana! To make the best Zuppa Toscana, start by choosing the right sausage. I recommend using Italian chicken sausage for a mild flavor. If you like heat, go for spicy turkey sausage. This will add a nice kick to the soup. Next, focus on the potatoes and kale. Cut the potatoes thinly to help them cook evenly. Aim for about 1/4 inch slices. This way, they become soft and tender without losing their shape. For the kale, always remove the tough stems. Only use the leaves for a better texture. One common mistake is overcooking the vegetables. If you cook the potatoes and kale too long, they become mushy. You want them tender but still holding their shape. Another mistake is not adjusting the seasonings. Always taste the soup before serving. If it lacks flavor, add salt and pepper. A little more red pepper flakes can also enhance the spice level. Adjusting these can make a big difference in your soup. {{image_2}} You can easily change the sausage. For a vegan twist, use plant-based sausage. Many brands offer tasty options. They can mimic the flavor without meat. If you're lactose intolerant, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Both add a nice richness. Your soup will still taste great! To boost flavor, play with spices. Try adding thyme, oregano, or even a pinch of smoked paprika. Each herb gives a unique taste. You can also add more veggies. Carrots, celery, or bell peppers work well. They add color and extra nutrients. Don't be afraid to experiment! Each variation can turn your soup into something new and exciting. To keep your Zuppa Toscana soup fresh, store it properly. First, let the soup cool down. Then, pour it into an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze the soup. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, reheating the soup well is key. The best method is to use the stove. Pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This keeps the flavors and texture intact. If the soup looks too thick, add a splash of broth or water. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. This way, your soup stays warm and tasty. Zuppa Toscana Soup is a hearty Italian soup. It blends flavors from Tuscany, a region known for its rich food. This soup often features sausage, kale, and potatoes. It warms your body and soul, making it a popular dish during cold months. Many families pass down their own recipes through generations, showing its importance in Italian culture. Yes, you can make Zuppa Toscana Soup in advance. To do this, follow these best practices: - Cool the soup: Let it cool to room temperature before storing. - Use airtight containers: Store it in the fridge for up to three days. - Freeze for longer storage: Use freezer-safe containers for up to three months. - Reheat gently: When ready to eat, heat it slowly on the stove. This keeps the flavors intact. Adjusting the spice level is easy with Zuppa Toscana Soup. Here are some tips: - Add or reduce red pepper flakes: Start with less if you prefer mild flavors. - Use spicy sausage: Choose spicy turkey or Italian sausage for more heat. - Incorporate hot sauce: Add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce for extra kick. - Taste and adjust: Always taste before serving and add more spice if needed. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Zuppa Toscana soup. You learned about essential ingredients like chicken sausage, fresh veggies, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. I also gave important tips to avoid common mistakes. You can try variations for different flavors and learn proper storage methods. Enjoy creating this delicious soup. You can customize it to suit your taste!

Zuppa Toscana Soup

Warm up your evenings with this delicious Zesty Zuppa Toscana recipe! Packed with savory Italian chicken sausage, creamy potatoes, and nutritious kale, this comforting soup will become a family favorite. Easy to make and ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for chilly nights. Click through to discover how to whip up this flavorful dish and impress your loved ones with every bite!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb Italian chicken sausage (or spicy turkey sausage), removed from casings

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)

2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

1 cup kale, chopped (stems removed)

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it begins to soften.

    Add the minced garlic and Italian chicken sausage to the pot, breaking the sausage up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

      Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

        Add the sliced potatoes to the pot. Allow them to cook for about 10-15 minutes until fork-tender.

          Stir in the kale and red pepper flakes, simmering for an additional 5 minutes.

            Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to heat through, about 3-5 minutes.

              Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

                Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6