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While the ingredient list for this sausage potato and kale soup may not sound the most exciting, it is packed with tons of flavor. This is the ultimate bowl of comfort food.
Made popular by the Zuppa Toscana served at Olive Garden, this soup has become an instant favorite with everyone who has tried it over the years.
Sausage Potato and Kale Soup
The ingredients here are simple, but this soup is hearty, filling, and much more nuanced and flavorful than you’d guess.
Inspired by the popular Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana, I’ve streamlined the process a bit and omitted the bacon that appears in their version. I mean, I know bacon is always welcome, but this soup is just as good without it!
Copycat Zuppa Toscana
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Italian sausage
- onions
- garlic
- chicken broth
- potatoes
- salt
- pepper
- kale
- half and half
- Parmesan or Romano cheese
Recipe for Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana
Brown the sausage and onion in a large pot over medium heat. When the sausage is brown and the onions are translucent, add the garlic and saute for several minutes until lightly browned.
Add the chicken broth, potatoes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are barely soft.
Add kale and half and half and barely simmer or steam for several more minutes until kale is wilted or tender. Do NOT boil, as this will cause the half and half to separate or curdle. (I like my kale barely wilted, so I only do a couple of minutes. Some people like it a bit more cooked.
Top with Parmesan or Romano cheese before serving, if desired.
Easy Zuppa Toscana
This particular Zuppa Toscana (Tuscan Soup) is so easy and soul-warming, but it’s not the only wonderful soup here on Chocolate with Grace.
I make soups at least once a week throughout the cooler months because they are filling, nutritious, simple, one-pot meals. This Vegetable Beef Barley Soup is a perfect example.
Add a batch of dinner rolls or a salad and you’re set with a full meal that’s perfect for a laid-back weeknight or for a company dinner.
Do you know how easy it is to make Taco Soup? (You only need 7 ingredients!) This is a hearty chili-style soup made with beef, tomatoes, beans, and corn. It’s full of Mexican flavors and is the perfect thing to make for busy nights.
Zuppa Toscana Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian Sausage we love mild. (I used bulk sausage, but if necessary, just remove the casings)
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 4-5 medium white potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 cups half and half
- 2-3 handfuls of chopped kale adjust amount to your preferences
- grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese for serving if desired
Instructions
- Brown the sausage and onion in a large pot over medium heat. When the sausage is brown and the onions are translucent, add the garlic and saute for several minutes until lightly browned.
- Add the chicken broth, potatoes and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil cover and simmer 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are barely soft.
- Add kale and half and half and barely simmer or steam for several more minutes until kale is wilted or tender. Do NOT boil, as this will cause the half and half to separate or curdle. I like my kale barely wilted, so I only do a couple of minutes. Some people like it a bit more cooked.
- Top with cheese before serving, if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 3/19/18 – recipe notes and photos updated 1/23/25}
Can you substitute spinach for kale? I’m not a fan of kale it’s to bitter to me
Hi, Liz. You should be able to substitute spinach for kale in this recipe. I hope you love the soup!
Can you freeze this? Wasnt sure with the potatoes.
I do not typically freeze soups with potatoes and/or dairy, Margaret.
i freeze mine all the time and it is always very good.
Didn’t see where you mention at what point do you add the half & half. I presume at the very end so it doesn’t separate.
Yes. That is correct.