When you’re craving a cozy, hearty soup that brings together bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, this Zuppa Toscana Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delicious blend of Italian sausage, tender kale, savory broth, and just the right touch of creaminess with Parmesan cheese, delivering layers of taste that warm you from the inside out. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this classic soup feels like a big comforting hug in a bowl that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to achieving that perfect balance of rich, savory, and fresh flavors that make the Zuppa Toscana Recipe so irresistible. Each element brings its own magic to the pot, creating a beautiful harmony of taste, texture, and color.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is the flavorful foundation for browning the sausage and softening the aromatics.
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing and crumbled: Provides the hearty, spicy kick essential to the soup’s character.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the garlic.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts the savory profile with its aromatic punch.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates a savory base that ties everything together.
- 32 ounces chicken stock: Adds rich, layered flavor and a bit more body to the soup.
- 1 cup chopped kale: Brings vibrant color and a healthy bite that balances the richness.
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes: Introduces a subtle acidity and freshness that brightens the soup.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Gives the soup its signature creamy, luxurious texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that enhances all the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate the taste perfectly.
How to Make Zuppa Toscana Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. This hot oil acts as the cooking medium that will brown the sausage and develop flavor layers from the very beginning.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the pot and cook it until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial because the caramelization brings out that deep, savory taste that is the soul of this Zuppa Toscana Recipe.
Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring them into the sausage. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and become translucent so their sweetness complements the spicy sausage beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Broth, Kale, and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and chicken stock, then add the chopped kale and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil before turning it down to a simmer. Let it cook for around 15 minutes, or until the kale is tender but still vibrant green, which adds freshness and texture to the soup.
Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan
Finally, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. These ingredients melt into the broth, creating that signature creamy consistency and adding a savory richness that makes this Zuppa Toscana Recipe stand out. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting so it’s just right for you.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve immediately. The warmth and aroma will invite everyone to dig in, and each spoonful is predictably comforting and full of flavor.
How to Serve Zuppa Toscana Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds an inviting look and a flavor boost atop your bowl. Freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate both presentation and taste beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks, perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth. A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve the Zuppa Toscana Recipe straight from a rustic Dutch oven at the table. For a more elegant touch, ladle the soup into individual bowls garnished with Parmesan crisps or a swirl of cream, creating an impressive yet cozy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen, making the soup even tastier the next day, so it’s a perfect make-ahead option.
Freezing
This Zuppa Toscana Recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that kale might soften further after freezing but the flavor remains delightful.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore the ideal creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and will still provide plenty of flavor. Just make sure it’s seasoned well since turkey is typically milder than pork sausage.
Is kale the only green I can use in the soup?
While kale is traditional and adds great texture, you can swap in other greens such as spinach or Swiss chard if you prefer—they’ll give a softer, slightly different texture but still taste great.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and stock, and you will still enjoy a tasty, comforting version of the Zuppa Toscana Recipe.
What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the richness of the soup will vary slightly depending on what you choose.
How spicy is this soup?
The spice level comes mainly from the Italian sausage. If you prefer a milder dish, opt for mild sausage or remove the sausage casing and rinse the meat before cooking to reduce some of the spice. Adding red pepper flakes can increase the heat if desired.
Final Thoughts
This Zuppa Toscana Recipe is a true kitchen winner, blending hearty, wholesome ingredients into one soul-satisfying meal you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, it’s simple to make and endlessly satisfying—give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to recipes for good reason.
Print
Zuppa Toscana Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Zuppa Toscana is a comforting Italian soup featuring savory Italian sausage, tender kale, diced tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth. Perfect for a hearty meal, this soup delivers rich flavors and satisfying warmth.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing and crumbled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 32 ounces chicken stock
- 1 cup chopped kale
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the sausage and vegetables.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and chicken stock, then add the chopped kale and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let cook for 15 minutes or until the kale is tender and flavors meld.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately while warm and comforting.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage.
- Fresh kale is preferred, but you can substitute with spinach if needed.
- If you want a thicker soup, simmer it a bit longer before adding cream and cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
