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A cozy bowl of Zuppa Tuscana is garnished with grated parmesan cheese showcasing a comforting meal for chilly evenings.
Brianna Hughes

Easy Zuppa Toscana Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Cozy up this fall with a bowl of hearty Zuppa Toscana. Savory sausage, crisp bacon, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale make it a comfort food favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, dinner, lunch, Soup
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 493

Ingredients
  

  • 5 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium red potatoes, diced (leave skins on)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 small bunch kale, torn into bite-sized pieces (stems removed)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven or soup pot
  • 1 Whisk

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a little bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned. Remove excess fat if needed
  3. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the diced potatoes and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and kale. Cook until the kale is wilted, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with the crispy bacon or shredded parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Use red potatoes with skins on for extra texture and nutrients.
  • Fresh kale brightens the soup and adds a beautiful color contrast.
  • For a slightly lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Make a big batch. This soup tastes even better the next day and it freezes beautifully.
  • Serve with crusty bread or a simple side salad to round out the meal.