Zuppa Toscana

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Warm, creamy, and loaded with bold Italian flavors, Zuppa Toscana is the ultimate comfort soup. This Tuscan-inspired bowl of coziness features spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and fresh kale all swimming in a garlicky, creamy broth. It’s a one-pot meal that delivers hearty satisfaction in every spoonful.

Perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a restaurant-quality dish at home, this Zuppa Toscana recipe is surprisingly easy to make and always gets rave reviews. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or a light salad, this soup is bound to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Zuppa Toscana

• Packed with flavor from sausage, bacon, and garlic.
• One-pot meal, ideal for easy cleanup.
• Creamy texture without being overly heavy.
• Balanced with greens like kale for added nutrition.
• Perfect for meal prep—tastes even better the next day!

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What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

For an authentic and flavorful Zuppa Toscana, spicy Italian sausage is key. You can use either pork or turkey-based sausage, depending on your preference. If you’re heat-sensitive, opt for mild Italian sausage, but the spice adds a nice contrast to the creamy broth.

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Ingredients for the Zuppa Toscana

Each ingredient in this soup plays a delicious role. Here’s why you need them:

• Spicy Italian Sausage (1 lb): Brings a savory kick and heartiness to the soup.
• Thick-Cut Bacon (6 slices): Adds a smoky depth and crispy texture.
• Yellow Onion (1, diced): Builds a flavorful aromatic base.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Enhances the savory and comforting flavor.
• Russet Potatoes (4 medium, peeled and diced): Provide a creamy, starchy component that makes the soup filling.
• Chicken Broth (6 cups): Forms the soup base and carries all the flavors.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds richness and velvety smoothness.
• Fresh Kale (4 cups, chopped): Balances the richness with earthy freshness.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): For seasoning and enhancing overall flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love extra heat.

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How To Make the Zuppa Toscana

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook 6 slices of thick-cut bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add 1 pound of spicy Italian sausage to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add 1 diced yellow onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for another 30 seconds.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Broth

Stir in 4 diced russet potatoes and pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Add Cream and Kale

Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add 4 cups of chopped fresh kale and let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes until the kale wilts.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Top with crispy bacon and serve hot with crusty bread.

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Serving and Storing This Zuppa Toscana

This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings, perfect for feeding a family or having leftovers for lunch.

To store: Let the soup cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

To freeze: Omit the cream and kale before freezing, then add them fresh when reheating to prevent separation or mushiness.

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What to Serve With Zuppa Toscana?

H3: Crusty Italian Bread

A must-have for soaking up every drop of creamy broth.

H3: Caesar Salad

Adds a fresh crunch and bright flavor contrast.

H3: Garlic Knots

Soft, buttery, and perfect for dipping.

H3: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A healthy, earthy side that pairs well with the richness of the soup.

H3: Parmesan Garlic Breadsticks

Cheesy, garlicky breadsticks are always welcome.

H3: Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella balance the soup’s richness.

H3: Balsamic Roasted Carrots

Slightly sweet and tangy veggies that complement the savory soup.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Zuppa Toscana dairy-free?
Yes! Use unsweetened coconut cream or cashew cream in place of the heavy cream. The flavor will shift slightly but still be delicious.

2. Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the sausage and bacon for plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

3. Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Yes, spinach can be used, but add it at the very end as it wilts much faster than kale.

4. Why is my soup too thin or watery?
You may need to simmer longer with the lid off to reduce and thicken the broth. Also, starchy potatoes help naturally thicken the soup.

5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the bacon and sausage first, then add everything (except cream and kale) to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Stir in the cream and kale during the last 30 minutes.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup or dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add more spice or switch up the greens?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Conclusion

Zuppa Toscana is the kind of recipe that warms your heart and fills your belly. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough to serve to guests. Best of all, it’s flexible—you can adjust the spice, greens, or creaminess to suit your taste.

Looking for more comforting dishes to complete your menu? Try our Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef, Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Sausage and Spinach, or Rustic Tuscan Bean Soup next.

And don’t forget to check out even more delicious meal inspiration on Meals We Share.

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