Creamy Tuscan Soup

This classic Italian soup combines spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale in a creamy broth. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's a filling meal that tastes even better than the restaurant version. My Lighter Version of Olive Garden's Famous Soup I've been perfecting this creamy Italian soup for years trying to get that restaurant magic at home. The combination of spicy sausage tender potatoes and fresh kale creates pure comfort in a bowl. I've made it a bit healthier without losing any of that amazing flavor. Why This Soup Is Special This isn't just any soup it's layers of flavor from creamy broth spicy sausage and fresh vegetables. I've added beans and a touch of smoked paprika to make it even more satisfying while keeping all the comfort we love from the original. Everything You Need • The Star - Italian Sausage: ½ pound hot or mild whichever you prefer loose works best • Flavor Base - Aromatics: 1 yellow onion diced plus 2 cloves garlic minced they create magic together • Extra Goodness - Beans: 1 can Great Northern beans drained these make it more filling • Rich Base - Broth: 3 cups chicken broth homemade if you have it • Creamy Touch - Half and Half: 2 cups makes it silky smooth • Hearty Addition - Potatoes: 1 pound red potatoes sliced thin they soak up all the flavors • Fresh Greens - Kale: 8 ounces chopped fresh with stems removed • Perfect Seasoning: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika plus red pepper flakes and black pepper Let's Make The Soup Start With Sausage Brown your sausage breaking it up as it cooks then add onion and garlic until everything smells amazing. Add Some Heartiness Stir in those beans and that smoky paprika it adds such depth. Build Your Base Pour in your broth water and half and half let it come to a gentle simmer. Layer In Potatoes Add those thin potato slices and let them cook until they start getting tender. Finish With Greens Stir in your kale and watch it wilt into the soup creating beautiful color. Perfect The Flavors Let everything simmer until those potatoes are just right then season to taste. Cliquer sur lire la suite Make It Vegetarian Skip the sausage and use an extra can of beans instead. Add some Italian seasoning and extra smoked paprika to keep all that gorgeous flavor. Trust me it's just as delicious. What To Serve With It Nothing beats dunking warm garlic bread into this soup. A simple green salad on the side makes it feel just like you're at Olive Garden but even better because you made it yourself. Frequently Asked Questions Why temper the half and half? Tempering prevents the cream from curdling when added to hot soup. Heat it gently until bubbles form at edges before adding. Can I use spinach instead of kale? Yes, spinach works well. Add it at the very end as it wilts much faster than kale. How spicy is this soup? The spice level depends on your sausage choice. Use mild Italian sausage for less heat, hot for more kick. Can I make this ahead? Yes, but the potatoes may soften more. Reheat gently to prevent cream from separating. Can I freeze this soup? Cream-based soups don't freeze well as they can separate. Best enjoyed fresh or within 3-4 days when refrigerated. Italian Sausage Soup A hearty Italian soup featuring spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect winter comfort food. Prep Time 15 Minutes Cook Time 30 Minutes Total Time 45 Minutes By: Zaho Category: Main Dishes Difficulty: Intermediate Cuisine: Italian-American Yield: 8 Servings (12 cups) Dietary: Gluten-Free Cliquer sur lire la suite Ingredients 01 1/2 pound Italian sausage. 02 1 yellow onion. 03 2 garlic cloves. 04 1 can (15 oz) Great Northern beans. 05 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. 06 3 cups chicken broth. 07 1 cup water. 08 2 cups half and half. 09 1 pound red potatoes. 10 1/2 pound kale, chopped. 11 Red pepper flakes (optional). 12 Black pepper to taste. Instructions Step 01 Break into pieces. Brown in large pot. Step 02 Sauté onion and garlic until onions soften. Step 03 Add drained beans, paprika, broth, and water. Pour in tempered half and half. Bring to simmer. Step 04 Slice potatoes thin. Add with kale. Stir until kale wilts. Step 05 Simmer 15 minutes until potatoes are tender. Season with peppers. Cliquer sur lire la suite Notes Temper cream to prevent curdling. Use any type sausage. Great winter meal. Best served fresh. Customize spice level. Budget-friendly meal. Tools You'll Need Large soup pot. Sharp knife. Measuring cups. Small saucepan for tempering.