Description
A rich, creamy stovetop soup featuring browned Italian sausage, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, and kale. This one-pot meal builds deep flavor by layering ingredients and is ready in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Italian sausage (mix of sweet and hot, casings removed)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 large bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up until deeply browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon, leaving fat in the pot.
- Reduce heat to medium. Sauté diced onion in the sausage fat for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Add diced potatoes and simmer for 10-12 minutes until fork-tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and the browned sausage. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes without boiling. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add chopped kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted and bright green.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra black pepper, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
The key to this recipe is properly browning the sausage to create a Maillard reaction for deep flavor. Do not overcrowd the pan when browning. Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred as they hold their shape but thicken the soup slightly. Avoid boiling the soup after adding cream to prevent separation. Leftovers thicken in the fridge; add broth or water when reheating. Freezing is not recommended as the cream may separate and potatoes may become grainy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 22
Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, Italian Sausage Soup, One Pot Meal, Creamy Soup, Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food, Stovetop Soup