Creamy Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup
This luscious soup is a comforting blend of Italian sausage, tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and nutrient-rich kale, reminiscent of the beloved Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden. Perfect for chilly nights, this homemade version brings rich flavors to your table with every spoonful. It's simple to prepare and sure to please family and friends, embodying all the essence of cozy Italian dining. Enjoy the harmony of spices and creamy texture that makes this dish a favorite for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage
1 lb (mild, chopped)
russet baking potatoes
2 large (washed and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds)
Vidalia onion
1 large (chopped)
cooked bacon
4 slices (chopped)
Accent seasoning
1 teaspoon (optional)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
garlic cloves
2 (minced or 1 tablespoon of jarred minced garlic)
kale or Swiss chard
2 cups (fresh, chopped)
chicken broth
2 (8 ounce) cans (plus an envelope of chicken bouillon if desired)
water
1 quart
flour or cornstarch
2 teaspoons (mixed with enough water to create a paste)
heavy whipping cream
1 cup (tempered)
Instructions
1
Start by cutting the raw Italian sausage into small pieces and cooking it in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Brown the sausage thoroughly until it resembles ground meat, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
2
Once the sausage is browned, add the chopped vidalia onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir well and cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3
Reduce the heat to medium and carefully add the sliced potatoes to the pot. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine. If the chicken broth is low in flavor, add the envelope of chicken bouillon for an extra flavor boost.
4
Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, stirring occasionally, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
5
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, mix the flour or cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a paste alternative, and stir it into the soup. Let it simmer for another 15 minutes for the soup to thicken slightly.
6
Lower the heat to the lowest setting and add the chopped kale and cooked bacon, stirring gently. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuously stirring until the soup is well blended and creamy.
7
Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with additional bacon or a sprinkle of cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup?
This soup is a luscious, comforting blend of Italian sausage, tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and nutrient-rich kale, similar to the Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana.
What type of sausage is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of mild Italian sausage, chopped into small pieces.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
Wash 2 large russet baking potatoes and slice them into 1/4 inch rounds.
Can I use a different type of leafy green besides kale?
Yes, you can use either fresh chopped kale or Swiss chard for this recipe.
How do I thicken the soup?
Mix 2 teaspoons of flour or cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a paste, then stir it into the soup and simmer for 15 minutes.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies using one large chopped Vidalia onion for its sweet flavor.
Is there a specific way to brown the sausage?
Cook the sausage pieces over medium-high heat until they are thoroughly browned and resemble ground meat.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves or 1 tablespoon of jarred minced garlic.
What liquids are used for the soup base?
The base consists of two 8-ounce cans of chicken broth and 1 quart of water.
Can I add more flavor to the chicken broth?
Yes, you can add an envelope of chicken bouillon for an extra flavor boost if the broth is low in flavor.
When should I add the heavy cream?
Add the heavy cream at the very end after lowering the heat to the lowest setting to prevent curdling.
Do I need to cook the bacon before adding it to the soup?
Yes, the recipe requires 4 slices of cooked bacon, chopped, to be stirred in at the end.
What spices are used in this soup?
The seasonings include salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and optional Accent seasoning.
How long do the potatoes need to simmer?
Simmer the potatoes in the broth for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a mild kick from the 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and the Italian sausage.
What is the final step before serving?
Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary, then serve hot in bowls with optional garnishes.
Can I use cornstarch instead of flour?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 teaspoons of flour or cornstarch to be used as a thickener.
What should the heat setting be when adding kale and cream?
The heat should be reduced to the lowest setting before adding the kale and cream.
How much heavy cream is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of tempered heavy whipping cream.
Should the onions be translucent before adding potatoes?
Yes, cook the onions and garlic for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
How much kale is needed?
You will need 2 cups of fresh, chopped kale or Swiss chard.
Is Accent seasoning mandatory?
No, the 1 teaspoon of Accent seasoning is listed as an optional ingredient.
What is the best way to stir in the heavy cream?
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuously stirring until the soup is well blended.
Can I garnish the soup?
Yes, it is recommended to garnish with additional bacon or a sprinkle of cheese.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup has a creamy texture with chunky sausage, potato rounds, and leafy greens.
Is this a good recipe for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as perfect for chilly nights and embodying the essence of cozy Italian dining.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
How much red pepper flake should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but you can adjust to taste.
Is the chicken broth canned or boxed?
The recipe specifically mentions using 2 (8 ounce) cans of chicken broth.
Does the recipe require tempering the cream?
Yes, the recipe notes that the 1 cup of heavy whipping cream should be tempered.