There's something about a big pot of soup simmering away that makes a home feel extra cozy. One of my family's absolute go-to recipes is Delicious Zuppa Toscana. It's packed with tender potatoes, spicy sausage, and hearty kale in a creamy broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
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I first tried this soup years ago when my neighbor brought a pot over on a snowy afternoon. Since then, it's been on repeat at our house whenever the weather turns chilly. And the best part? You only need one pot and about 45 minutes to make it happen.
If you love cozy soups, you might also enjoy the creamy chicken gnocchi soup - another one-pot recipe that's just as comforting.
The story behind zuppa Toscana
Zuppa Toscana simply means "Tuscan soup." This rustic Italian dish was traditionally made by farmers using what they had on hand: sausage, greens, potatoes, and beans. It's the kind of meal that stretches simple pantry staples into something filling and satisfying.
Of course, each family puts their own twist on it. My version stays true to the spirit of the original while keeping it weeknight-friendly.
What makes this zuppa Toscana so good
The magic of this soup is in its balance:
- Savory sausage brings bold flavor.
- Tender potatoes give it body.
- Kale adds just the right earthy bite.
- A splash of half and half ties everything together into a silky broth.
Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients
- ½ lb. Italian sausage, hot or mild
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz.) can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 lb. red potatoes, thinly sliced
- ½ lb. kale, chopped, stems removed
- 2 cups half and half, room temperature
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
Instructions
Cook the sausage
Add the sausage to a large soup pot and cook over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Most sausages have enough fat, but if it sticks, drizzle in a little olive oil.
Add onion and garlic
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Stir them into the pot and sauté until the onions soften. The onion's moisture will loosen up any browned bits on the bottom.
Build the broth
Stir in the beans, smoked paprika, chicken broth, and water. Cover the pot and let it come to a gentle simmer.
Add potatoes and kale
Slice the potatoes into thin ⅛-inch pieces. Add them along with the chopped kale. Don't worry if the kale fills the pot - it will wilt quickly. Stir occasionally to help it along.
Simmer until tender
Let everything cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Finish with cream
In a small bowl, whisk some hot broth into the room-temperature half and half to temper it. Slowly stir this mixture back into the soup. Keep the heat gentle - don't let it boil.
Season and serve
Taste and add red pepper flakes or cracked black pepper if you like a little heat. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- Make ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better overnight.
- Freezer tip: Freeze without the half and half, then stir in cream after reheating.
- Customize: Swap kale for spinach, or use turkey sausage for a lighter version.
FAQs about delicious zuppa Toscana
Spinach or Swiss chard are great swaps. They cook down quickly and taste just as good.
Yes! Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. You can also bulk it up with more beans or veggies.
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
Definitely. Cannellini beans or chickpeas work well. I used Great Northern beans in this version for extra protein.
Conclusion
Delicious Zuppa Toscana is one of those soups that never disappoints. It's cozy, filling, and simple enough for a weeknight. Whether you're serving it with family or just making a pot for yourself, it's the kind of meal that makes any day feel a little warmer.
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📖 Recipe
Delicious Zuppa Toscana
There’s something about a big pot of soup simmering away that makes a home feel extra cozy. One of my family’s absolute go-to recipes is Delicious Zuppa Toscana. It’s packed with tender potatoes, spicy sausage, and hearty kale in a creamy broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- ½ lb. Italian sausage, hot or mild
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz.) can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 lb. red potatoes, thinly sliced
- ½ lb. kale, chopped, stems removed
- 2 cups half and half, room temperature
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Add the sausage to a large soup pot and cook over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Most sausages have enough fat, but if it sticks, drizzle in a little olive oil.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Stir them into the pot and sauté until the onions soften. The onion’s moisture will loosen up any browned bits on the bottom.
- Stir in the beans, smoked paprika, chicken broth, and water. Cover the pot and let it come to a gentle simmer.
- Slice the potatoes into thin ⅛-inch pieces. Add them along with the chopped kale. Don’t worry if the kale fills the pot — it will wilt quickly. Stir occasionally to help it along.
- Let everything cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk some hot broth into the room-temperature half and half to temper it. Slowly stir this mixture back into the soup. Keep the heat gentle — don’t let it boil.
- Taste and add red pepper flakes or cracked black pepper if you like a little heat. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Make ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better overnight.
Freezer tip: Freeze without the half and half, then stir in cream after reheating.
Customize: Swap kale for spinach, or use turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 bowlAmount Per Serving: Calories: 350Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 15g
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