Zuppa Toscana Soup – A Lightened-Up Take on a Restaurant Favorite

This cozy, creamy bowl of Zuppa Toscana brings all the comfort of your favorite restaurant soup—without the extra heaviness. Packed with lean protein, tender potatoes, kale, and flavorful broth, it’s the perfect one-pot meal for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or anytime you’re craving something warm and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lighter, Healthier Twist – Made with lean turkey sausage and lightened-up cream.
Comfort in a Bowl – Hearty potatoes, tender greens, and a creamy broth.
One Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Meal Prep Friendly – Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean Italian turkey sausage (or chicken sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups diced potatoes (about 3 medium Yukon Golds)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups chopped kale (stems removed)
• 3/4 cup fat-free or light half-and-half

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the turkey sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Sauté Aromatics
Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Add Potatoes & Broth
Stir in the diced potatoes, chicken broth, water, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Stir in Kale & Cream
Add the chopped kale and cook for another 5 minutes until wilted. Stir in the half-and-half and heat through, but don’t boil.

5. Serve
Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot. Add a sprinkle of grated parmesan or crushed red pepper for extra flavor, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 230
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 17g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Lean Sausage Matters: Choose turkey or chicken sausage to keep things light but flavorful.
• Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: They hold their shape and add a buttery texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Sub in unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for a creamy, non-dairy finish.
• Bulk It Up: Add extra kale or chopped zucchini to increase volume without many extra calories.

Why This Recipe Works

It’s everything you love about the original—savory sausage, hearty potatoes, creamy broth—just made lighter and more nourishing. Perfectly balanced, it hits the spot without leaving you overly full. Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests.

This Zuppa Toscana delivers rich, comforting flavor with better-for-you ingredients that fit your everyday lifestyle. Whether you’re serving it with crusty bread or keeping it low-carb with a side salad, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again—because real comfort doesn’t have to come at a cost.