Zuppa Toscanna Soup
A hearty Italian sausage and potato soup with kale and bacon, rich, creamy, and perfect for comforting meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the Italian sausage in a 300°F oven for approximately 30 minutes, then drain on paper towels and cut into slices.
- Place chopped onions, sliced potatoes, chicken broth, water, and minced garlic in a large pot and cook on medium heat until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the sliced sausage, bacon bits, salt, and pepper to taste to the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Turn the heat to low and add chopped kale and heavy whipping cream to the soup.
- Heat through and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute turkey sausage for Italian sausage. If you don't have kale or Swiss chard, spinach works well too. Consider using an Italian Pasta-Bean Soup Mix for added flavor and texture. To enhance the soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Zuppa Toscana with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with Baked Lasagne With Meat And Cream Sauce for a comforting dinner. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Zuppa Toscana in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zuppa Toscanna Soup contains roughly 1284 calories, with 72g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (145% of the Daily Value), potassium (61% of the Daily Value), and iron (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2985mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, Zuppa Toscana can be made ahead and refrigerated. In fact, the flavors meld beautifully after a day. Just reheat it gently before serving. However, add the heavy cream and kale just before serving to maintain their freshness.
Is it possible to freeze Zuppa Toscana?
Freezing the soup is not recommended due to the cream and kale, which can change texture when thawed. However, you can freeze the base without the cream and kale, then add those ingredients when reheating for the best results.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter alternative to heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that the soup will be less rich. Coconut milk can be a good non-dairy substitute, adding a unique flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).