Creamy Tuscan Sausage Potato Soup

Recipe Introduction: Your New Go-To Soup!

Ever crave that warm, hug-in-a-bowl feeling? Honestly, this Italian sausage and potato soup is exactly what you need. It's packed with flavour and so easy to make. Trust me, you'll be hooked!

A Taste of Tuscany in Your Kitchen

This soup, inspired by the famous Zuppa Toscana recipe , brings a little bit of Italy right to your dinner table.

Think rustic charm meets modern comfort. Ready in under an hour, this recipe delivers 6-8 hearty servings. Perfect for a family dinner or batch cooking for the week.

Why You'll Love This Soup

Forget those bland, boring soups! This sausage potato kale soup packs a punch with tons of nutrients. It's also a great source of protein, thanks to the Italian sausage.

Serving it for a cosy night in? Or want to impress your friends? This hearty winter soup will be a winner.

Okay, let's get this show on the road! I'm ready to get cooking. I love this creamy potato soup on any given day!.

I have been trying to create something similar to Olive Garden soup copycat for a very long time. I can guarantee this one will be a treat.

So grab a ladle and let's get started! I promise you won't regret it. Let's move on to the star players.

Ingredients & Equipment: Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Perfection

Okay, let's get this show on the road! You know what? Making this Italian sausage and potato soup is easier than you think.

Honestly, it’s proper comfort food. Like a warm hug in a bowl, especially when the weather outside is frightful. And the best part? You probably have most of the kit already! Think of this Zuppa Toscana recipe as your new go-to, even if you are just getting started cooking!

This recipe for Tuscan soup recipe is so easy.

I’ll walk you through exactly what you'll need.

Main Ingredients

Let's talk shopping! Here's the lowdown on what you need to whip up this hearty winter soup .

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 mL ). Adds flavor and helps brown the sausage.
• Italian Sausage: 1 pound ( 450g ), sweet or spicy, casings removed. Quality matters here! Find a good butcher or use a brand you trust. This is the Italian sausage soup , after all!
• Onion: 1 large (about 1 cup / 150g ), chopped. Yellow or white onions work best.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, trust me.
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups ( 1.4 L ). Low sodium is preferred, so you can control the salt.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: 1 1/2 pounds ( 680g ), peeled and diced. These hold their shape nicely.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 mL ), or to taste. Adds a little kick. I sometimes double it.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 mL ). A classic blend of herbs.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 mL ), or to taste. Seasoning is key, don’t be shy.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.2 mL ), or to taste. Freshly ground is ideal.
• Kale: 4 cups ( 100g ), chopped, stems removed. Adds a lovely earthy note.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup ( 240 mL ). For that creamy potato soup texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional). Makes it look pretty.

Seasoning Notes

This sausage potato kale soup is all about the flavour combinations. You know? That little bit of red pepper heat, the earthy kale, and that savory sausage.

• Spice It Up : The Italian seasoning is a must. Garlic adds so much. Experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Flavour Boosters : A bay leaf added while simmering can add depth. Fish sauce could too if you feel adventurous.
• Substitutions : If you don't have Italian seasoning, use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and marjoram. A pinch of fennel seed can also do the trick!

Equipment Needed

Good news! You don't need fancy gear. Just these basics to get the job done.

• Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot: This is where the magic happens.
• Cutting Board: For chopping those veggies.
• Chef's Knife: A good knife makes all the difference.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is your friend.
• Ladle: For serving up that delicious comfort food recipes .

Honestly, you could get away with a large pot and a decent knife if that’s all you’ve got. My first time making this was in my student digs with a blunt knife, so trust me!

Before you go

This Italian sausage and potato soup recipe is incredibly easy and the ultimate way to warm up on a cold winter night.

From prep time to the first delicious bite, it’s all worth it for this easy soup recipes .

Cooking Method: Simmering Your Way to Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Perfection

Alright, let's get this show on the road! I'm gonna walk you through the best way to simmer your Italian sausage and potato soup for the most incredible flavour.

Honestly, it's all about the gentle heat. Forget boiling, we're going for a slow and steady approach. This is how my Nonna taught me to make a Tuscan soup recipe.

I always thought she was mad, but she was right.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place is Key

Essential mise en place is the secret. Dice those potatoes, chop your kale, mince that garlic! Having everything ready will make your cooking life so much easier.

I've lost count of the times I've started cooking, only to realize I'm missing an ingredient or haven't chopped something.

It's a nightmare!

Time saving organization tips: Chop your veggies while the sausage browns. It's efficient and keeps you from standing around doing nothing.

Plus, you can enjoy a cheeky glass of vino whilst you wait. And don't forget, you can actually buy pre-cut kale these days!

Safety reminder: Always use a sharp knife on a stable cutting board. Dull knives are more dangerous!

step-by-step Process: Simmering Like a Pro

1. Brown your Italian sausage in olive oil over medium high heat. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onions until softened, about 5 minutes . Add garlic, cook until fragrant, about 1 minute .
3. Pour in chicken broth, then add diced potatoes, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer.
4. Simmer for 15 minutes , or until the potatoes are just tender.
5. Stir in the cooked sausage and chopped kale. Simmer for 5 minutes , or until the kale wilts.
6. Stir in the heavy cream. Heat through gently, do not boil!.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup

Expert Technique: Low and slow simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The flavors of the Italian sausage soup will really sing!

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don't overcook the potatoes! Mushy potatoes will ruin the texture. Cook the until fork tender to avoid disaster.

Another trap is salting too late, salt at many stages to make the flavours richer.

make-ahead Options: This creamy potato soup is even better the next day. Make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This works great with Tuscan soup recipe.

So, there you have it! Simmering your way to the most incredible Italian sausage and potato soup . Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you'll be making this hearty winter soup all the time! This is more than just an Olive Garden soup copycat, it is a whole new deliciousness.

It's the perfect comfort food recipe. Okay, i hope I've given you everything you need to create the easy soup recipe, happy cooking!

Recipe Notes: Your Guide to Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Perfection

Okay, let's get this show on the road! So, you're about to tackle this epic italian sausage and potato soup .

That’s fab! But before you dive in headfirst, a few little pointers from someone who's been there, done that, and probably burned the odd potato or two along the way me! These handy tips are from my experience.

This is not just another potato soup recipe . So, stick around, and let's make this hearty winter soup sing!

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Presentation, darling, is everything! Especially when you're serving up a bowl of this glorious Creamy Tuscan Sausage & Potato Soup .

I love ladling it into rustic bowls. A swirl of cream, a sprinkle of fresh parsley… oh my gosh, it looks like a masterpiece! And honestly? A hunk of crusty bread for dipping is an absolute must .

The perfect vessel for scooping up every last delicious drop. Think ciabatta, or even some garlic bread if you're feeling extra indulgent.

Feeling fancy? Pair your soup with a crisp Pinot Grigio. The acidity cuts through the richness perfectly!

The Nitty Gritty: Storage Tips

Leftover italian sausage and potato soup ? Lucky you! This stuff tastes even better the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and it will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .

Want to freeze it? No worries! It's a great comfort food recipe . Just let it cool completely first. Then store in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months .

When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Gently reheat on the stovetop. Just be careful not to boil it, or the cream might split.

Switch It Up: Variations

Fancy putting your own spin on things? Go for it! I've tried a few variations over the years. For a dairy-free version , coconut milk works a treat.

Just use the full fat stuff for that creamy texture. And if you're not a kale fan, swap it out for spinach.

Add it right at the end, as it wilts super quickly. If you are looking for a Zuppa Toscana recipe kick, simply add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes.

Goodness in a Bowl: Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's be real. This Tuscan soup recipe isn't exactly a health food. But it's packed with protein from the sausage and fibre from the potatoes and kale.

Plus, it's seriously comforting, which is good for the soul! Each serving has roughly 350-450 calories . That can depend on how much sausage and cream you use, of course.

It also has about 20-25g of protein , 25-35g of fat , and 15-20g of carbohydrates . It’s a complete meal in a bowl!

So, there you have it! All my little tips and tricks to help you create the ultimate Italian sausage and potato soup .

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Get creative, get cooking, and most importantly, enjoy! You can make this Olive Garden soup copycat .

Honestly, you've got this. Now, go forth and soup!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Italian sausage and potato soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors often meld together even better when made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Like a fine wine, this soup can get better with age (within reason, of course!).

How do I store leftover Italian sausage and potato soup? Will it keep?

Leftover Italian sausage and potato soup is great for lunch the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Bear in mind that the potatoes might absorb some of the liquid as it sits, so you may want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Just be sure it smells and looks okay before tucking in.

Can I freeze this Creamy Tuscan Sausage & Potato Soup?

Freezing creamy soups can be a bit tricky because the dairy can sometimes separate upon thawing, resulting in a slightly grainy texture. However, you can freeze this Italian sausage and potato soup!

For best results, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Adding a little extra cream when reheating can help restore the creamy texture.

My Italian sausage and potato soup tastes a bit bland, what can I do?

Don't fret! A bland soup is easily fixable. First, make sure you've seasoned it well with salt and pepper sometimes that's all it needs. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce can also brighten the flavor.

If it's still lacking that "oomph," consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, some extra Italian seasoning, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the savory notes. Remember to taste as you go!

I don't have kale, what can I substitute in this Italian sausage and potato soup recipe?

No kale? No problem! Spinach is a fantastic substitute and wilts down beautifully. Other options include Swiss chard or even collard greens (though you might want to cook collard greens a bit longer to tenderize them).

If you don't have any leafy greens on hand, you can even skip it entirely the soup will still be delicious. It's all about making it work with what you've got bit like Ready Steady Cook!