Name: Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground Italian sausage, hot or mild; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon soy sauce, can substitute Worcestershire sauce; 3 tablespoons flour; 5 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 3-4 small russet potatoes, about 1 pound; 3 cups kale, roughly chopped; 1 teaspoon mustard powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried basil; 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional); Grated Parmesan cheese; Roughly chopped bacon

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe that warms you up from the inside out. The creamy broth, tender potatoes, spicy sausage, and hearty kale come together in a way that just feels like a big, cozy hug. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want it in your regular rotation.

A large, deep red pot filled with creamy soup that has a pale yellow color as the base. Inside the soup, there are visible layers of dark green kale leaves, small round pieces of light brown sausage, small strips of crisp reddish-brown bacon, and light orange shredded cheese. The soup looks thick and mixed with hints of freshly ground black pepper sprinkled throughout. A wooden spoon is scooping some soup from the pot, showing the mix of all the ingredients. The pot is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress guests and family alike. It’s a wonderful blend of bold flavors balanced with creamy goodness — plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that doesn’t demand much fuss.

Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of Italian sausage, kale, and potatoes delivers warmth and a satisfying depth of flavor.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s creamy yet hearty, perfect for chilly days or anytime you want something comforting.
Easy to Make: Few ingredients and a straightforward process make it approachable, even if you’re new to cooking soup.
Versatile: It adapts well — you can tweak the spice level or swap kale for spinach without losing its essence.

Ingredients & Why They Work

What makes Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe so special is how perfectly the ingredients complement one another. The sausage provides savory depth, the potatoes add creaminess and texture, and the kale brings a slight bitterness that balances everything out. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping and prepping:

Flat lay of a small mound of fresh ground Italian sausage, a pat of pale yellow butter, a small yellow onion whole and unpeeled, three cloves of whole garlic with skins on, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red hot sauce, another small white ceramic bowl holding dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing fine white flour, a simple white ceramic bowl of rich golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl with thick creamy heavy cream, three whole russet potatoes with rough brown skins, a neat pile of dark green roughly chopped kale leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with bright yellow mustard powder, a small cluster of dried green parsley leaves, a small heap of dried oregano, a small heap of dried basil, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated pale ivory Parmesan cheese, a few roughly chopped pieces of cooked crispy bacon arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground Italian Sausage: Choose hot if you want a subtle kick or mild if you prefer mellow flavors. I usually go with mild to let the other seasonings shine.
Butter: Helps cook the onions and garlic until fragrant and soft, building the base flavor.
Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth once sautéed.
Garlic: Essential for that warm, aromatic punch—don't skimp on it.
Hot Sauce: Just a touch for complexity; it won’t make the soup hot, just flavorful. I use Frank’s classic for this.
Soy Sauce or Worcestershire Sauce: These add umami, enriching the broth without overpowering it.
Flour: Creates the roux to thicken the soup, giving it that velvety texture.
Chicken Broth: The primary liquid base, go for low sodium so you can control the salt better.
Heavy Cream: Adds indulgent creaminess that rounds out the soup.
Russet Potatoes: Their starchy nature means they get tender without falling apart too quickly.
Kale: Sturdy and full of nutrients, it adds color and crunch once cooked.
Seasonings: Mustard powder, parsley, oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes create a subtle herbal warmth.
Parmesan & Bacon (for serving): These finishing touches amp up flavor and texture.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve found that customizing this Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is part of the fun, so don’t hesitate to adjust it according to your taste or pantry stock. I like to experiment with the level of heat and sometimes swap kale for baby spinach when I’m short on time.

Variation: I once tried it with turkey sausage for a leaner version, and while it wasn’t quite as rich, it still felt like a cozy meal.
Dietary Modifications: For a dairy-free version, replace cream with coconut milk and skip the cheese garnish — still delicious!
Seasonal Changes: You can add shredded carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition in the colder months.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy soup that has several layers visible: large thin potato slices that are pale yellow with smooth edges, scattered small pieces of browned sausage, bits of dark green kale leaves, and small red bacon pieces. The soup base is thick and off-white with a slightly textured surface from the pepper and seasoning. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Sausage with Care

I start by cooking the ground Italian sausage over medium heat. The key detail here is not to rush or crank the heat too high — medium heat ensures the sausage stays juicy and releases flavorful drippings that we’ll use for the next step. Cook and crumble it for about 10 minutes until fully browned, then set the sausage aside but keep that reserved one tablespoon of drippings in the pot (or add butter if needed).

Step 2: Sauté Onions & Garlic With Flair

Next, add butter and the reserved drippings to the pot along with diced onions. Cook them gently over medium heat until the onions soften and become translucent—that’s about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, hot sauce, soy sauce, and all those delicious seasonings, and cook for another minute. This builds an aromatic base you’ll love.

Step 3: Make the Roux & Build the Broth

Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes. The goal here is to cook off that raw flour taste without burning it. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth, adding it in small splashes while stirring vigorously to avoid lumps. Repeat this with the heavy cream. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Step 4: Add Potatoes & Sausage; Simmer Until Tender

Wash and slice your russet potatoes into thin, quarter-inch slices—cutting thin means they’ll cook through evenly and quickly. Add these along with the cooked sausage back into the pot. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Finish with Kale & Serve Warm

Finally, stir in the chopped kale and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. The kale wilts just enough to soften but keeps a nice texture and vibrant color. Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with your favorite garnishes like freshly grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or crispy bacon bits. Then, dig in!

Top Tip

From my experience, these small details make the biggest difference in your Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe:

Low and Slow Sausage Cooking: Cooking the sausage over medium heat preserves its moisture and yields rich drippings, which become the flavorful base for sautéing the aromatics.
Gradual Liquid Addition: Adding broth and cream in small splashes while stirring avoids lumps in the roux and gives the soup a silky texture.
Potato Slicing Thickness: Cutting potatoes too thick means longer cooking times; too thin means mushy soup. Aim for consistent ¼-inch slices for perfect bite.
Seasoning Balance: Mustard powder, hot sauce, and soy sauce are subtle flavor boosters — the soup won’t taste spicy or salty but will have depth and complexity.

How to Serve Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of finishing each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan. It melts beautifully into the hot soup, adding a sharp, nutty flavor. For some crunch and smoky goodness, crispy bacon bits are my go-to. If you like a little extra heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top does the trick without overpowering the soup.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty, airy bread for dunking — I often serve mine with my No Knead Bread recipe, which is perfect for soaking up every last bit. A simple green salad or roasted veggies also complement the richness of the soup nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in cute mini crocks or bread bowls — it’s always a crowd-pleaser. You can also layer garnishes in little bowls for guests to customize their soup, adding fun and a personal touch to your meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, where the soup stays fresh for up to 3 days. Before reheating, I give it a good stir since the potatoes tend to soak up some liquid overnight. Adding a splash of broth or cream when reheating helps refresh the texture.

Freezing

This Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe freezes quite well for up to 3 months. Just remember that cream-based soups can sometimes separate a bit after freezing. To minimize this, avoid overcooking the potatoes before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, do it gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it seems too thick, add a little broth or cream to loosen it up. This way, the soup retains its creamy texture and delicious flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?

You absolutely can! Turkey sausage works as a leaner alternative, though it will change the flavor slightly and might yield less fat for sautéing. Add a bit of butter or oil when cooking to compensate.

What can I substitute for kale?

Spinach is a great substitute if you don’t have kale on hand. It cooks faster and offers a milder flavor. Just add it towards the end of the cooking time so it wilts but doesn’t become soggy.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can adapt the recipe for the slow cooker by following the first two steps on the stove, then transferring everything except the cream, potatoes, and kale to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4. Add potatoes in the last 45 minutes, then stir in cream and kale at the end for about 5 minutes.

How do I prevent the soup from getting too thick after refrigeration?

Potatoes tend to absorb liquid overnight, making the soup thicker. To fix this, just add a splash of broth or water when reheating and stir until you reach the desired consistency. This helps bring the soup back to life without diluting flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making this Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe has become one of those kitchen rituals I truly enjoy—there’s something so satisfying about simmering flavors that remind me of cozy family dinners. It’s reliably tasty, comforting, and easy, which is a rare but wonderful combo. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in it as I do. You’ll be surprised how this simple soup can quickly become a family favorite.