Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup, inspired by the beloved Olive Garden classic. This hearty soup features savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, fresh kale, and tender potatoes, all simmered in a creamy broth that warms the soul. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate experience!
4-6 servings
Servings
225
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kale
2 cups (stems removed, chopped)
Italian sausages
3 (casings removed)
Center cut bacon
5 slices (chopped)
Yellow onion
1 (diced)
Russet potatoes
3 large (peeled and cut into 1-inch slices, then quartered)
Fat-free chicken broth
32 ounces
Half-and-half
1 pint
Water
2 cups
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and drain it on paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2
Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary and set the sausage aside with the bacon.
3
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4
In a separate saucepan, combine the chicken broth and half-and-half, warming it over medium heat until just simmering.
5
Add the quartered potatoes to the onion in the pot, followed by the warmed broth mixture and water. Bring to a gentle boil and let simmer for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
6
Stir in the cooked sausage, bacon, and chopped kale leaves. Add the crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the kale is tender.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
11.7
Fat
17.5
Carbs
13.5
Protein
2
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup?
Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup is a hearty and creamy soup inspired by the Olive Garden classic, featuring Italian sausage, bacon, kale, and tender potatoes.
Is this soup similar to Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana?
Yes, this recipe is a delicious homemade version of the beloved Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include kale, Italian sausage, bacon, yellow onion, Russet potatoes, chicken broth, half-and-half, and water.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields between 4 and 6 servings.
How much protein is in this soup?
There are 13.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of the recipe?
Each serving contains 11.7 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
This soup contains 17.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, each serving provides 2 grams of fiber.
How do I prepare the bacon?
The bacon should be chopped and cooked in a large pot until crispy, then removed to drain on paper towels.
What should I do with the bacon fat?
You should leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot to cook the sausage and onions for added flavor.
How do I prepare the Italian sausage?
Remove the casings, then brown the sausage in the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
How long should I cook the onions?
Cook the diced yellow onion in the pot until it becomes translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
What is the best way to heat the broth and dairy?
Warm the chicken broth and half-and-half together in a separate saucepan until they are just simmering.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
Peel the Russet potatoes, cut them into 1-inch slices, and then quarter those slices.
How long do the potatoes need to simmer?
Simmer the potatoes in the broth mixture for about 10 minutes or until they are tender.
When do I add the kale to the soup?
Stir in the chopped kale leaves along with the cooked sausage and bacon after the potatoes have become tender.
How long does the kale need to cook?
The kale should simmer in the soup for about 5 minutes until it is tender.
Is this soup spicy?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which adds a bit of spice, but you can adjust this to your preference.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are recommended for their texture and ability to hold up well in the creamy broth.
Can I use a different type of broth?
The recipe calls for fat-free chicken broth, but you can use regular chicken broth or vegetable broth if preferred.
How should the kale be prepared?
The kale should have its stems removed and then be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, most of the cooking happens in one large pot, making for easy cleanup.
How should I serve the soup?
Serve the soup hot, preferably with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
What are some suggested garnishes?
You can garnish the soup with Parmesan cheese if desired.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What is the time category for this recipe?
This recipe falls under the < 4 Hours category for preparation and cooking.
Can I use half-and-half substitutes?
While half-and-half provides a creamy texture, you could use heavy cream for a richer soup or milk for a lighter version.
What type of onion is recommended?
One whole yellow onion, diced, is recommended for this recipe.
What kind of bacon is used?
The recipe specifies 5 slices of center-cut bacon.