Name: Hearty Tuscan Sausage Soup with Kale and Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed); 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), diced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 4 cups fresh kale, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese for serving

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This hearty Tuscan sausage soup with kale and potatoes is rich, comforting, and full of rustic Italian flavor. The combination of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale in a flavorful broth makes it the kind of soup I love serving on chilly evenings or when I’m craving a satisfying, one-pot meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this soup is both deeply flavorful and incredibly easy to make. The sausage adds a rich, savory base, the potatoes make it filling, and the kale brings a fresh, slightly earthy balance. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights at home. Plus, it tastes even better the next day. Hearty Tuscan Sausage Soup with Kale and Potatoes

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Olive oil (if needed)
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Carrots, sliced
Potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Fresh kale, chopped
Salt and pepper
Optional: red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions

I heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles. If there’s excess fat, I drain it; if the pot is dry, I add a drizzle of olive oil.
I add the onion and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
I stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
I add the potatoes and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a boil. I reduce the heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
I stir in the cream and chopped kale, cooking for another 3–4 minutes until the kale is wilted.
I season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
I ladle the soup into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, cooking takes around 30 minutes, so it’s ready in under 45 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the potatoes for cannellini beans to make it a little lighter.
For extra depth, I add a splash of white wine after cooking the sausage and let it reduce before adding the broth.
I’ve also made a dairy-free version using coconut milk instead of cream—it’s surprisingly good.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove over medium heat. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months—just leave out the cream before freezing and stir it in after reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, I’ve made this with fully cooked sausage sliced into rounds. I just brown it briefly with the onions before adding the broth.

What type of kale works best?

I like using curly kale for its texture, but Tuscan (lacinato) kale gives a softer bite and blends beautifully into the broth.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. I brown the sausage, onions, and garlic first, then add everything except the cream and kale to the slow cooker. I cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, stirring in the cream and kale at the end.

Is this soup spicy?

It depends on the sausage. I use spicy Italian sausage when I want a kick, but mild works perfectly for a more family-friendly version.

Can I add pasta?

Absolutely. Small pasta shapes like ditalini or orecchiette work well—just cook them separately and stir them in before serving so they don’t soak up all the broth.

Conclusion

Hearty Tuscan sausage soup with kale and potatoes is the ultimate comfort in a bowl—rich, flavorful, and filling. Whether I’m making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday meal, it’s a recipe I keep coming back to for its warmth, flavor, and simplicity.