Sausage Potato and Kale Soup Recipe

During my travels through Tuscany, Italy, I fell in love with the simplicity and heartiness of traditional Italian soups.

This Sausage Potato and Kale Soup Recipe, inspired by the famous Zuppa Toscana beautifully captures the warmth of Italian countryside cooking.

The combination of spicy sausage, creamy broth, and earthy kale reflects Tuscany’s passion for using humble ingredients to create something soul-satisfying.

It’s the kind of dish that feels like sitting down to dinner in a cozy Italian farmhouse. 🇮🇹

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious soup. Using quality ingredients will give you the best, most flavorful result.

• 1 lb bulk Italian sausage – I prefer using a spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick, but mild works just as well.
• 1 medium onion, chopped – A yellow onion provides a sweet, aromatic base that complements the sausage.
• 4 cups cubed potatoes – Yukon Gold potatoes are my top choice because they hold their shape well and have a naturally buttery texture.
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Using low-sodium broth lets you control the salt level, as the sausage is already quite salty.
• 4 cups half-and-half – This is the key to the soup’s rich, creamy texture.
• 2 cups kale, torn into bite-sized pieces – Be sure to remove the tough stems. Fresh kale is a must; frozen will not provide the right texture.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano – Adds a classic, earthy Italian flavor.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – Feel free to adjust this based on how much heat you enjoy.
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste – Adds a final touch of spice.

Note: This recipe makes a large batch with about 10-12 servings, perfect for a family or for having leftovers.

Variations

One of the best things about this soup is how easily you can adapt it. Here are a few of my favorite variations.

• Dairy-Free Option: To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the half-and-half with full-fat coconut milk from a can. It will add a subtle sweetness and still provide a creamy texture.
• Leaner Protein: If you want a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork. Just be sure to season it well.
• Add More Veggies: Carrots and celery are fantastic additions. Sauté them with the onion at the beginning to build more flavor. You can also swap the kale for fresh spinach, adding it at the very end as it wilts quickly.
• Bean Boost: For extra fiber and protein, stir in a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans along with the kale.

Cooking Time

This comforting soup comes together in just under an hour, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Equipment You Need

You won’t need any specialized tools for this recipe, just a few kitchen basics.

• Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even cooking and prevents the bottom from scorching.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for breaking up the sausage as it cooks.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for safely and efficiently chopping your potatoes and onion.
• Ladle: For easy, mess-free serving.

How to Make Sausage Potato and Kale Soup?

This recipe is incredibly straightforward. The process fills your home with an amazing aroma, building anticipation for the delicious meal to come. It’s a one-pot wonder that simplifies both cooking and cleanup.

Brown the Sausage and Onion

Place your large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the bulk Italian sausage to the pot and use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 8-10 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Once cooked, add the chopped onion to the pot with the sausage and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, soaking up some of the flavorful sausage drippings.

Simmer the Soup Base

Next, add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir everything together. Now, pour in the half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. As soon as it starts to bubble, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Don’t boil the soup rapidly after adding the dairy, as it can curdle.

Wilt the Kale and Serve

Once the potatoes are soft, it’s time to add the final ingredient. Stir in the torn kale pieces and continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, just until the kale has wilted and become tender but still holds a bit of its vibrant green color. Give the soup a final taste and season with freshly ground black pepper as needed. Your creamy, hearty soup is now ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed.

🇮🇹 Tuscany, Italy: The Heartwarming Charm of Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup

While exploring the rolling hills and rustic villages of Tuscany, Italy, I discovered this comforting Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup, known locally as Zuppa Toscana.

This dish embodies the essence of the Tuscan countryside: simple, hearty, and full of soul.

The blend of spicy sausage, creamy potatoes, and fresh kale reflects the region’s love for farm-fresh ingredients and humble home cooking.

It’s especially famous in central Italy, where family kitchens turn local produce into timeless, heartwarming meals. 🇮🇹

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Over the years, I’ve discovered a few little tricks that make this already great soup even more spectacular.

• I always sauté the onions in the rendered sausage fat instead of draining it all. It adds an incredible depth of flavor to the entire soup that you just can’t get otherwise.
• To avoid any chance of the dairy curdling, I warm the half-and-half slightly before adding it to the pot. You can also “temper” it by slowly whisking a ladleful of the hot broth into the half-and-half before pouring it all back into the soup.
• Don’t be shy with seasoning. The potatoes and cream absorb a lot of salt. While the sausage helps, I find a little extra salt at the end really makes all the flavors pop.
• For a thicker soup, I sometimes mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot with my spoon. This releases their starches and naturally thickens the broth without having to add any flour or cornstarch.

How to Serve Sausage Potato and Kale Soup?

This soup is rooted in the rustic traditions of Tuscany, a region celebrated for its simple yet deeply flavorful cuisine.

Italians have long embraced the “farm-to-table” approach, and this dish perfectly showcases that spirit hearty, wholesome, and made with love.

In Tuscany, versions of this soup are often enjoyed during the colder months, served with crusty bread and olive oil.

Each spoonful tells a story of Italian comfort, community, and the joy of gathering around a warm meal. 

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this sausage, potato, and kale soup.

• Calories: Approximately 270-350 kcal
• Protein: Around 12g
• Carbohydrates: Around 18g
• Fat: Around 19g

Make Ahead and Storage

This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it for the best results.

Storing

Let the soup cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen overnight.

Freezing

Due to the high dairy and potato content, freezing this soup is not ideal. The cream can separate, and the potatoes can become grainy upon thawing. If you must freeze it, do so in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, but be prepared for a change in texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to ensure it heats evenly and to prevent the bottom from scorching. Avoid bringing it to a rolling boil, as this can cause the creamy base to separate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this cozy and flavorful soup.

• Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s a rich, creamy, and hearty soup that is incredibly warming and satisfying, making it perfect for a chilly day.
• Simple One-Pot Meal: Everything comes together in a single pot, which means you get maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s an ideal recipe for a hassle-free dinner.
• Full of Robust Flavor: The combination of spicy Italian sausage, creamy broth, tender potatoes, and healthy kale creates a perfectly balanced and delicious meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing and Hearty: This recipe makes a generous amount and is a proven hit with family and friends. It’s filling enough to serve as a main course for any occasion.