If you have been searching for the perfect cozy, hearty soup to warm your soul, the Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is here to steal the spotlight in your kitchen. This Tuscan-inspired classic combines savory Italian sausage, smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale all swimming in a creamy, flavorful broth. Each spoonful delivers a comforting balance of textures and tastes that feel like a big, delicious hug. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual family dinner, this soup promises to be your new favorite go-to meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the essentials for this soup is a breeze, and every ingredient plays a starring role in creating the rich flavors and pleasing textures. From the hearty sausage to the fresh kale, these staples come together beautifully to make the Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe truly special.
- Italian sausage: Provides a robust, spicy base flavor that defines this soup’s character.
- Sweet onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and a tender bite as it cooks down.
- Bacon (diced): Brings smoky crispness as a garnish and a savory depth while cooking.
- Potatoes (peeled and cut into ½" cubes): Offer creamy softness that turns the broth luxuriously thick.
- Kale (chopped): Introduces a fresh, slightly earthy green crunch that balances richness.
- Chicken broth (low sodium): Acts as a flavorful and light liquid base without overpowering other ingredients.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with warm aromatic notes that awaken the palate.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, silky texture that makes each spoonful irresistibly smooth.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to perfectly enhance and harmonize all flavors.
How to Make Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and adding the diced bacon strips. Cook until crispy and golden, about 5 minutes. This step not only gives you that wonderful crunch to top the soup later but also renders flavorful bacon fat that enriches the base of the soup. Once crisp, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel and carefully spoon out excess fat, leaving just about a tablespoon in the pot for the next steps.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Onion
Next, add the Italian sausage and diced sweet onion to the pot. Use a spatula to crumble the sausage as it cooks, letting it brown evenly until it’s no longer pink and the onions turn translucent—this usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. Introduce the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its fragrant aromas. After this, drain any extra fat to keep the broth from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Add the cubed potatoes and then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let everything cook together for about 10 to 12 minutes. The potatoes will soften, adding a creamy, starchy body to the soup without needing any extra thickener.
Step 4: Add the Kale
Stir in the chopped kale leaves and cook until they begin to wilt but still hold a slight bite. This step adds vibrant color and a nutritious element with a pleasant contrast to the richer ingredients.
Step 5: Finish with Bacon and Cream
Return most of your reserved crispy bacon to the pot—this boosts the savory crunch within the soup—then pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cream to fully blend into the broth. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed to perfectly balance the flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the soup hot, topped with the remaining crispy bacon for extra texture. Pair with some fresh breadsticks or crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious, creamy broth. Get ready for compliments because this Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is truly unforgettable!
How to Serve Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While the soup is already packed with flavor and texture, adding a sprinkle of the reserved crispy bacon on top creates that wonderful contrast between creamy and crunchy. For a fresh twist, you can also add a grate of Parmesan cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with simple, rustic breadsticks or a warm baguette. A crisp garden salad with a bright vinaigrette complements the creamy richness perfectly, adding freshness and variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe in rustic stoneware bowls for a cozy, authentic feel. For entertaining, ladle it into mini bread bowls—your guests will love the novelty and the blend of flavors from the bread soaking up the soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal to enjoy later in the week.
Freezing
While this soup is delicious fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely and transfer it into freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that the texture of the kale may change slightly after freezing but the flavor remains wonderful.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. If the soup thickens too much, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option and will still provide great flavor. Just be sure to select a variety with Italian seasoning for that authentic taste in your Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe.
Is kale necessary or can I substitute spinach?
Kale adds a slightly tough, earthy green to the soup, but fresh spinach is a wonderful substitute. It wilts faster and offers a milder flavor if that suits your preference.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to maintain the creamy texture without dairy. The soup will still be delicious and satisfying.
What bread pairs best with the soup?
Crusty breadsticks, garlic bread, or a warm baguette are perfect for soaking up the rich broth. The crunchiness and mild flavor of these breads complement the hearty soup wonderfully.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this soup?
The full preparation and cooking time is about 65 minutes total—20 minutes to prep ingredients and roughly 45 minutes to cook. This fits nicely into an afternoon cooking session or a leisurely weekend dinner plan.
Final Thoughts
Giving the Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe a try will reward you with a soul-warming meal that never disappoints. Its perfect blend of spicy sausage, smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and fresh greens in a comforting creamy broth is simply irresistible. Once you make it, you’ll find it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection—a dish you’ll look forward to sharing time and again with family and friends.
Print
Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Zuppa Toscana is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and fresh kale simmered in a creamy chicken broth. This warm, flavorful soup is perfect for chilly days and makes a satisfying meal served with breadsticks.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Broth
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cut into ½” cubes
- 2 cups kale, chopped (or fresh spinach)
- 5 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
Dairy and Seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Spoon out excess bacon fat from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Sauté Sausage and Onion: Add the Italian sausage and diced onion to the pot. Crumble the sausage as it cooks and sauté until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Simmer Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes, then reduce the heat to medium and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Kale: Stir in the chopped kale and cook until it begins to wilt, usually 2-3 minutes.
- Finish Soup: Return most of the reserved cooked bacon to the pot, reserving some for topping. Stir in the heavy cream and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with the remaining bacon pieces, and serve warm with bread sticks on the side.
Notes
- Substitute kale with fresh spinach if preferred for a milder flavor.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control the salt level in the soup.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though it will be less creamy.
- For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage and onion.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- This soup pairs excellently with crusty bread or breadsticks for a complete meal.
