Name: Creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage casing removed and cut into bite-size pieces; 3 strips of thick cut bacon; 2 large russet baking potatoes sliced in half, and then in 1/4 inch slices; 1 large onion chopped; 3 garlic cloves minced; 2 cups kale veins removed and cut into thin ribbons; 32 oz can chicken broth; 2.5 cups water; 1 cup heavy whipping cream

If you’re craving a soup that’s both hearty and comforting, you’re in for a treat with my Creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe. This Italian-inspired bowl of goodness is like a warm hug in every spoonful—perfect for cozy nights when you want something rich and satisfying.

A white bowl filled with creamy soup showing several layers: light yellow broth as the base, scattered small round beige sausage pieces, bright green spinach leaves, thin slices of yellow potato, and red tomato chunks. The soup has specks of black pepper on top. Around the bowl, pieces of light golden bread lie on a white marbled surface with a corner of a blue cloth under the bowl. Another white bowl with the same soup is partially visible at the top right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly make this soup whenever I need a quick dinner that feels special without a ton of fuss. The flavors just blend beautifully, and every spoonful is pure comfort.

Rich, creamy flavor: The heavy cream rounds out the broth perfectly, creating a silky texture that’s so satisfying.
Hearty and filling: Between the Italian sausage, bacon, and potatoes, this soup doubles as a complete meal.
Fresh greens: Kale adds that lovely pop of color and nutrition without overwhelming the flavors.
Easy to make: One pot, simple prep, and you’ve got a warming dinner ready in under an hour.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you’re gathering ingredients for this creamy Zuppa Toscana soup, focus on freshness and quality — it really makes a difference. I like using good Italian sausage and fresh kale for the best flavor and texture.

Flat lay of fresh Italian sausage pieces, halved and quarter-sliced russet potatoes, a large chopped onion, three thick-cut bacon strips, three peeled garlic cloves, curly kale leaves cut into thin ribbons, small white ceramic bowls of chicken broth, water, and heavy whipping cream, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Italian sausage: Removing the casing and cutting it into bite-size pieces ensures even cooking and a great texture.
Bacon: Adds a smoky crunch that balances out the creamy broth perfectly.
Russet potatoes: Their starchiness helps thicken the soup, plus they soften beautifully without falling apart.
Onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth after sautéing.
Garlic: A must for that savory aroma and flavor punch.
Kale: Offers a nutritious, slightly bitter contrast that keeps the soup vibrant.
Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup—homemade or store-bought both work.
Water: Helps balance the broth and cook the potatoes without overpowering the flavors.
Heavy whipping cream: The secret to that ultra creamy finish that makes this recipe a standout.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is how easily it bends to your tastes and pantry staples. Whether you want it a little lighter, spicier, or just different greens, there’s room to make it truly yours.

Spicy Variation: I love swapping the mild Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage when I’m craving a kick. It wakes up the flavors and adds a cozy heat that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Lighter Version: If you want a creamier texture but fewer calories, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half. It won’t be quite as rich, but still incredibly comforting.
Greens Swap: Kale is my go-to, but spinach works wonderfully if you prefer a milder green. Just add it at the end to keep that fresh, vibrant color and texture.
Vegetarian Twist: Skip the sausage and bacon, and add mushrooms or smoky paprika for a meaty texture and depth of flavor.
Make Ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day once all the flavors have mingled. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers that reheat beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

The image shows two white bowls of thick creamy soup placed on white plates, set on a white marbled surface. The soup has multiple visible layers: light cream broth as the base, with chunks of light brown meat, yellow potato pieces, small dark green leafy spinach, and bits of reddish-brown bacon spread throughout. A silver spoon stands inside the bowl in the front. In the background, there is a white plate with a few slices of yellow bread, slightly out of focus. The scene is well-lit, showing the different textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Sausage for Maximum Flavor

Start by slicing 1 lb of Italian sausage (with the casing removed) into small bite-sized pieces. Heat your soup pot over medium heat and brown the sausage thoroughly until it’s cooked through and just a bit crispy on the edges. This step locks in the savory richness that forms the base of the soup. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside—don’t worry, the pot isn’t clean just yet!

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic to Build Aroma

In the same pot, add your chopped large onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cooking them down for about 3 to 5 minutes until they're golden and fragrant creates a wonderful aromatic foundation. Stir occasionally and watch them soften and brown just right—it’s enough to awaken your kitchen with that classic Italian scent.

Step 3: Add Broth and Water, Then Simmer Potatoes and Sausage

Pour in the 32 oz can of chicken broth along with 2.5 cups of water, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Return the browned sausage to the pot. Now add 2 large russet potatoes, sliced in half and then into ¼ inch slices. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes until the potatoes become tender and soak up all that delicious flavor. Keep the heat moderate to avoid breaking the potatoes apart.

Step 4: Crisp Up the Bacon and Prep the Finish

While your soup gently simmers, crisp up 3 strips of thick-cut bacon in a separate skillet until golden and crunchy. Drain off any excess fat on a paper towel and chop the bacon into bite-size pieces. This smoky, crispy addition adds incredible texture and flavor complexity when folded back into the soup.

Step 5: Stir in Bacon, Kale, and Cream

Once your potatoes are tender, it’s time for the final touch. Add the cooked bacon pieces, 2 cups of kale (with veins removed and cut into thin ribbons), and 1 cup of heavy whipping cream to the pot. Give everything a good stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to marry all the flavors and soften the kale just enough while keeping its vibrant green color.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle this hearty, creamy soup into your favorite bowls and serve it piping hot. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or salty crackers to soak up all that rich broth. Perfect for a cozy night in or sharing with family, this Creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl.

Top Tip

Mastering a Creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures. Here are a few tips from my kitchen that truly elevate this comforting soup.

Browning the Sausage Properly: Take your time to brown the Italian sausage until it’s nicely caramelized. This step brings out the deep, savory flavor that makes the soup so irresistible.
Adding Bacon Last: Cooking bacon separately until crispy and adding it at the end keeps it from getting soggy, adding a perfect crunch and smoky note every time.
Simmer with Patience: Letting the potatoes simmer gently for a full 30 minutes ensures they’re tender but hold their shape – no mushy potatoes here!
Don’t Skip the Cream: Stir in the heavy whipping cream towards the end and simmer gently to keep the soup luxuriously creamy without curdling.

How to Serve Creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

The image shows a red-handled white pot filled with a creamy yellow soup. On top, there is a large pile of dark green leafy kale placed on one side. Scattered around the kale are small pieces of crispy red bacon. There is also a dollop of white cream or sour cream melting into the soup near the bacon. The soup has a smooth texture with some chunks of potatoes visible. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your presentation and flavors with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few red pepper flakes for a gentle heat boost. A small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dash of cracked black pepper can also add a lovely finishing touch. For a fresh contrast, some chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens every spoonful.

Side Dishes

This creamy Italian soup pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks—ideal for dipping into the rich broth. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup wonderfully. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the next-day soup even more satisfying.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe for up to 2 months. For best results, cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Note that the kale may become softer after freezing, so you might want to add fresh kale when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much upon cooling, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the consistency. Avoid boiling after adding cream to keep the texture smooth and creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use spinach instead of kale in this soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute kale with spinach. Just add the spinach near the end of cooking to prevent it from overcooking and turning mushy.

Is it possible to make this soup spicier?

Yes! Using hot Italian sausage instead of mild will add a nice spicy kick. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to increase the heat to your liking.

Can I lighten the soup by using a different cream?

You can substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half for a lighter choice. Keep in mind the soup will be less rich and creamy but still delicious.

How long does this soup keep in the fridge?

Store your Creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Beyond that, freezing is recommended.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe truly is a bowl of comfort—a perfect blend of spicy sausage, hearty potatoes, fresh kale, and luscious creaminess that warms you from the inside out. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, this Italian-inspired soup is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection. So grab your pot, gather the ingredients, and enjoy the cozy, delicious magic of homemade Zuppa Toscana!