Hearty Italian Sausage & Kale Soup Recipe: Simple Comfort Bowl

Hearty soups have a magical way of warming cold evenings, and this zesty Italian sausage and kale soup delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Robust flavors dance through a rich broth packed with savory sausage and tender kale leaves.

The combination creates a robust meal that satisfies deep hunger and warms you from the inside out.

Spices and herbs mingle beautifully, bringing an authentic Italian countryside feel to your kitchen.

Each bite tells a story of rustic cooking and bold ingredients.

Nutritious and filling, this soup turns a simple meal into a delightful culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delicious recipe and transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Tools You’ll Need for This Hearty Kale Soup

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the entire soup, preferably with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing cooked sausage from the pot without excess grease.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife needed for dicing onions, mincing garlic, slicing potatoes, and chopping kale.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients safely.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring chicken broth and water.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up sausage while cooking.
• Ladle: Useful for serving the hot soup into bowls.

How to Simmer Zesty Italian Sausage and Kale Soup

• Sausage Sizzle

Brown Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Once cooked through, transfer to a side plate.

• Aromatic Foundation

Sauté diced onions in the same pot until they become translucent and glassy. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to release its fragrant oils.

• Liquid Canvas

Pour chicken broth into the pot, adding sliced potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until potatoes become tender and soft.

• Green and Meaty Fusion

Return sausage to the pot and introduce chopped kale. Let the greens mingle and soften, creating a vibrant and hearty mixture.

• Creamy Finale

Swirl in heavy cream and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to create a rich, balanced flavor profile. Heat through for a few moments, allowing all ingredients to embrace each other. Serve piping hot, with an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra indulgence.

Cooking Tips for a Better Kale Soup

• Hearty Soup Swaps: Replace Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the soup's robust flavor profile.
• Veggie Power Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or spinach to increase nutritional value and add more color and texture to the soup.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – use a pinch for mild warmth or go bold with a generous sprinkle for serious kick.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to restore perfect consistency.

Bowl Presentation for Zesty Italian Sausage and Kale Soup

• Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair this hearty soup with a crusty sourdough bread for dipping, soaking up all those delicious flavors and adding a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving, creating a rich, salty layer that melts beautifully into the warm soup and enhances its overall taste profile.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the robust flavors of the Italian sausage and kale soup with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which will balance the soup's richness and provide a sophisticated dining experience.
• Healthy Side Boost: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to add freshness and balance the soup's hearty and creamy texture, creating a well-rounded meal that satisfies both comfort and nutrition.

Storing and Reheating This Soup Like a Pro

• Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store the soup in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to maintain best flavor and texture.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
• Quick Reheat Technique: When warming leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent the soup from becoming too thick. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
• Ingredient Separation Hack: If planning to freeze, consider storing kale separately from the soup base. Add fresh kale when reheating to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture, preventing wilting during extended storage.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients to Make Zesty Italian Sausage and Kale Soup

• Italian Sausage: Delivers bold, spicy flavor and hearty protein punch; choose fresh, high-quality sausage for best taste and texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Create deep, savory foundation; select firm onions without soft spots and fresh garlic with tight, unbroken skin.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Provides rich, comforting liquid foundation; opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
• Potatoes: Adds creamy texture and substance; pick firm, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for smooth consistency.
• Kale: Introduces nutritious, earthy green element; choose crisp, dark green leaves without yellowing or wilting.

• Heavy Cream: Brings luxurious, silky richness; select high-fat content cream for most indulgent result.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers optional spicy kick; adjust quantity based on heat preference.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Balances and elevates overall flavor profile; use freshly ground pepper for maximum zest.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds salty, nutty complexity; select fresh, high-quality wedge for grating.
• Olive Oil: Facilitates initial sautéing and adds subtle fruity undertone; choose extra virgin for best flavor.

Rich Italian Sausage and Kale Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty zesty italian sausage and kale soup delivers rich, comforting flavors from Italian culinary traditions. Home cooks can savor this nourishing one-pot meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to winter dinner tables.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage
• 4 large russet potatoes, sliced thin
• 2 cups (80 g) kale, chopped
• 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
• 3 cups (710 ml) water
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear Sausage: Over medium heat, brown Italian sausage in a large pot, breaking meat into crumbles until achieving a golden exterior and releasing rich, savory drippings.
2. Build Foundation: Utilize sausage fat to sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic, creating an aromatic base that infuses depth into the soup’s essence.
3. Liquid Landscape: Pour chicken broth and water into the pot, introducing sliced potatoes and simmering until vegetables become tender and soft, absorbing surrounding flavors.
4. Integrate Components: Return seared sausage to the simmering liquid, gently fold in chopped kale leaves, allowing them to wilt and meld seamlessly with the soup’s robust character.
5. Enhance Complexity: Stream heavy cream into the mixture, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle heat, creating a luxurious and multi-dimensional flavor profile.
6. Season and Finish: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a harmonious balance that elevates every spoonful.
7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle hot soup into bowls, optionally crown with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for visual and gustatory appeal.

Notes

• Sear Sausage Perfectly: Brown meat thoroughly for maximum flavor development, ensuring golden-brown edges that unlock deep, rich taste profiles.
• Potato Tenderness Tip: Cut potatoes uniformly to guarantee even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Cream Integration Technique: Add heavy cream at the end and avoid boiling to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
• Kale Wilting Strategy: Tear kale leaves into bite-sized pieces and add near the end of cooking to preserve nutrients and prevent overcooking, maintaining vibrant green color and tender texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg