If you're craving a bowl of something absolutely comforting, you've just found it. Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup is richly savory, creamy, and brimming with rustic Italian flavors that will warm you from the inside out.

This soup is loaded with tender potatoes, flavorful Italian sausage, fresh kale, and a luxuriously creamy broth. Each spoonful brings a perfect balance of hearty textures and aromatic herbs-making it impossible to stop at just one bowl!

The very best part? It all comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you're serving a weeknight family dinner or cozying up on a chilly evening, this soup is always a must-try.

My inspiration comes from my favorite trattoria in Florence, where soups like this are part of everyday life-simple, nourishing, and ridiculously delicious.

A steaming bowl of Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup topped with fresh herbs

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Incredibly comforting and hearty-true Italian comfort food.
One pot, minimal cleanup, and fuss-free for busy weeknights.
Loaded with creamy potatoes, savory sausage, and vibrant kale.
Easily adaptable-make it dairy free, swap the greens, or spice it up.

Key Ingredients for Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Italian Sausage

This is the star of the show, infusing the soup with layers of bold, savory flavor. Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference-both work beautifully here. For easy prep, buy sausage in bulk or simply remove the casing. Turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter version, but you'll lose a bit of that classic richness.

Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes

Potatoes bring heartiness and a creamy texture to the soup, soaking up all the beautiful flavors. Cut them into bite-sized cubes so they cook quickly and evenly. Russet potatoes will break down a little more, making the broth creamier, while Yukon Golds hold their shape better. Red potatoes are a solid substitute if that's what you have on hand.

Kale

This leafy green gives the soup a fresh, earthy bite and a lovely pop of color. Curly or lacinato (dinosaur) kale both work, and you can use spinach if you prefer a milder green. Be sure to remove the tough stems and chop into bite-size pieces for the best texture.

Heavy Cream

The addition of cream gives the soup its luxurious, velvety finish. If you want to lighten it up, use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free touch. Skipping the cream entirely for a brothy version still tastes amazing-but the cream does make it extra decadent!

Chicken Broth

A rich chicken broth is the flavorful base that ties everything together. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels, or swap for vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian-friendly version (just omit the sausage or swap for a plant-based one!).

Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup cooking process

Instructions for Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned, crumbly, and no longer pink. Transfer the cooked sausage to a bowl, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian herbs, and optional red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Simmer the Potatoes

Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are just fork-tender.

Add Kale and Finish the Soup

Return the browned sausage to the pot, along with the chopped kale. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, just until the kale wilts. Reduce heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir until fully combined and heated through. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle hot soup into bowls and top generously with grated Parmesan and extra red pepper flakes if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dunking and enjoy immediately!

Recipe Variations

Make It Dairy-Free

Swap the heavy cream for a can of full-fat coconut milk or your favorite unsweetened non-dairy creamer. The soup stays just as creamy, with a subtle twist!

Go Gluten-Free

This soup is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your sausage and broth labels to be sure no gluten sneaks in.

Try It Spicy

Use hot Italian sausage and double up on the red pepper flakes for a zesty, fiery version that spice lovers will devour.

Use Different Greens

If you don't have kale, try baby spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens. All add their unique texture and flavor.

Make It Vegetarian

Replace sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth for a meatless twist that still packs plenty of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For the perfect meal, serve this soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast-it's perfect for soaking up every drop of the creamy broth. Pair with a fresh green salad topped with vinaigrette and extra Parmesan. For a heartier spread, add a platter of roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto board on the side.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water. You can freeze this soup (without the cream) for up to 2 months; let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Stir in the cream when reheating after thawing for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different sausage besides Italian?

A: Absolutely! Turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage all work great. Just keep in mind the flavor will slightly change depending on your choice.

Q: Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

A: Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup?

A: Yes, but for best results freeze it without the cream. Add the cream when reheating so the texture stays silky and smooth.

Craving comfort? This creamy, savory Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup is truly a bowl of happiness. Give it a try, and don't forget to leave a comment or rating to let me know how it turns out in your kitchen!