Description
Hearty Zuppa Toscana is a comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring savory Italian sausage, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth enriched with Parmesan cheese and a hint of lemon. This stovetop recipe delivers a warm, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Yellow Onion (diced)
- 3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 Teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- 1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Protein
- 1 Pound Mild Italian Sausage (casing removed)
Thickening & Vegetables
- 1/4 Cup Arrowroot Starch or Tapioca Flour or Corn Starch (optional for thicker soup)
- 4 Small Yukon Gold Potatoes (diced into chunks)
- 1 Cup Kale (chopped)
Liquids & Cheese
- 32 Ounces Organic Chicken Broth
- 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream or Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Dairy-Free Milk of Choice
- 1/3 Cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated; plus more for topping)
Finishing Touches
- 1 Lemon (juiced and squeezed over the finished soup)
Instructions
- Heat Pan: Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat, then add the olive oil to warm up.
- Soften Onions and Aromatics: While the oil heats, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add them to the pan along with Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant.
- Brown Sausage: Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and add the meat to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Add Potatoes, Kale, and Thickener: Stir in the arrowroot starch (or your choice of tapioca or cornstarch), diced Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped kale, chicken broth, heavy cream (or dairy alternative), and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring to Boil and Simmer: Increase heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender. Extend simmering if needed to achieve desired tenderness.
- Finish and Serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the soup for brightness and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve hot and enjoy immediately. Store leftovers in a mason jar in the fridge for up to one week.
Notes
- The arrowroot starch or other starch is optional but helps thicken the soup for a creamier texture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or any dairy-free milk of your choice for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust red chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator will keep the soup fresh for up to one week.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds the best flavor; pre-grated may not melt as smoothly into the soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
