This is the kind of soup that makes the whole kitchen smell comforting before you even sit down to eat.

Creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying, this Zuppa Toscana is built with simple ingredients that come together into something rich and cozy. Italian sausage browns in the pot, potatoes soften into the broth, bacon adds a salty bite, and kale melts into the soup just enough to balance the creaminess. Everything is finished with heavy cream and a generous shower of parmesan on top.

It’s hearty without being heavy, familiar but still special. The kind of soup you make once and immediately add to your regular rotation.

Why I Love This Recipe So Much

This is my go-to soup when I want something that feels comforting but still well-rounded.

The sausage brings depth and seasoning, the potatoes make it filling, and the kale adds just enough freshness to keep things from feeling too rich. Bacon bits scattered throughout give you little salty pops in every spoonful, and the creamy broth ties everything together in the most comforting way.

It’s also a true one-pot recipe, which makes it perfect for weeknights, slow weekends, or anytime you want a cozy meal without a lot of cleanup.

And like most soups, it somehow tastes even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Zuppa Toscana

Rich, creamy, and deeply comforting
Made with simple pantry-friendly ingredients
One-pot and easy to make
Perfect for chilly nights
Great for leftovers and meal prep
Family-friendly and filling

If you love cozy soups that feel classic but still homemade and intentional, this one is a must.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup:

1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped (or ½ cup bacon bits)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
4 cups chicken broth
3 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups chopped kale (stems removed)
¾ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
½ tsp black pepper

For serving:

Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Crusty bread or sourdough (optional, but highly recommended)

How to Make Zuppa Toscana:

Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through.

Add the chopped bacon and stir to combine. If there’s excess grease, drain some off, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons in the pot for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened and translucent.

Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Add the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15–18 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Make it Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. The broth should turn rich and slightly thickened.

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Add the Kale
Stir in the chopped kale and let it cook for 2–3 minutes, just until wilted and tender.

If you prefer a thicker soup, lightly mash a few potato pieces directly in the pot before serving.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping.

Tips for the Best Zuppa Toscana

Use good-quality sausage, it seasons the whole soup
Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate
Add kale at the end to keep it tender and vibrant
For extra richness, add an extra splash of cream
For more heat, increase red pepper flakes

Ways to Make This Recipe Your Own

This soup is easy to customize:

Swap kale for spinach
Use spicy sausage for extra kick
Add a splash of white wine after sautéing the onion
Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version

Once you’ve made it once, it becomes a flexible template.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

To Store:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much.

This soup is even better the next day.

What to Serve with Zuppa Toscana

This soup pairs beautifully with:

Crusty sourdough or garlic bread
Simple green salad
Roasted vegetables
A glass of crisp white wine

Final Thoughts

This Zuppa Toscana is everything a cozy soup should be.. creamy, savory, filling, and deeply comforting. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve to guests, and it always delivers that warm, satisfying feeling you want from a bowl of soup.

If you’re looking for a recipe that feels classic, comforting, and truly reliable, this one belongs in your rotation.

Creamy Zuppa Toscana