Name: Easy Homemade Zuppa Toscana
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1.5 lbs potatoes (Yukon gold or russet), thinly sliced or cubed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 2 cups kale, chopped (or substitute spinach); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; Optional: Grated Parmesan for topping

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Easy Homemade Zuppa Toscana is a rich, comforting soup made with Italian sausage, tender potatoes, hearty kale, and a creamy broth that warms me up from the inside out. Inspired by the beloved restaurant version, this one-pot soup is simple to make at home—and honestly, I think it tastes even better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s full of bold flavors, cozy textures, and it all comes together in just one pot. The spicy sausage gives it a savory kick, the potatoes make it filling, and the kale adds freshness and color. The creamy broth ties it all together in a way that feels both hearty and satisfying. It’s a perfect cold-weather dinner, but I crave it year-round. Easy Homemade Zuppa Toscana

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Potatoes (Yukon gold or russet), thinly sliced or cubed
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Kale, chopped (or spinach as a substitute)
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Optional: red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan for topping

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and cook the sausage until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Then I remove it from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, I sauté the chopped onion until soft, then stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
I add the sliced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. I bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
I return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir in the chopped kale. I let it wilt for a few minutes.
I lower the heat and pour in the cream, stirring gently to combine. I season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want some heat.
I let it simmer for another 5 minutes, then serve it hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings and takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.

Variations

I use turkey or chicken sausage when I want a lighter version.
For a dairy-free option, I swap the cream with coconut milk or a plain plant-based alternative.
If I want it extra thick, I mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream.
I swap kale for baby spinach when I want a milder green.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. I avoid boiling it again to keep the cream from separating. Easy Homemade Zuppa Toscana

FAQs

Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana?

Yes, but I prefer freezing it before adding the cream. When reheating, I stir in fresh cream for best texture and flavor.

What kind of potatoes work best?

I like using Yukon gold for their creamy texture, but russet potatoes also work well and break down slightly to thicken the broth.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, I brown the sausage first, then add everything except the cream and kale to the slow cooker. I cook on low for 6–7 hours, stir in the cream and kale during the last 30 minutes, then serve.

Is it spicy?

It depends on the sausage I use. Spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick, but I can use mild and add red pepper flakes to control the heat.

Can I use pre-washed bagged kale?

Definitely. It saves time and works just as well—I usually give it a rough chop to make the pieces smaller and easier to eat.

Conclusion

Easy Homemade Zuppa Toscana is one of my favorite one-pot meals. It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor, with just the right balance of creaminess, spice, and freshness. Whether I’m making a quick dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup always hits the spot. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to warm me up, no matter the season.