Warm up your kitchen and your taste buds with this Homemade Tuscan Chicken Soup. Packed with chicken sausage, kale, and creamy goodness, it’s comfort in a bowl.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe for a variety of reasons.
First and foremost, it’s incredibly comforting. There’s something magical about a warm, creamy soup that makes even the coldest days feel cozy.
Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken sausage and kale, making it a hearty and healthy choice.
But what truly sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. It’s easy to make, and the flavors are out of this world.
This Tuscan soup brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
▪️ Rich and Creamy: The velvety texture of this soup is a delight for your taste buds.
▪️ Nutritious: With lean chicken sausage and nutrient-packed kale, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
▪️ Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a culinary expert to nail this recipe.
▪️ Budget-Friendly: Everyday ingredients mean you won’t break the bank.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Ingredients
▪️ 1 lb chicken sausage links: These add savory, meaty goodness to the soup, making it hearty and satisfying.
▪️ 1 onion, finely chopped: The onion provides a sweet and savory flavor that forms the base of the soup.
▪️ 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is like a flavor booster, adding depth and aroma to the soup.
▪️ 4 cups chicken broth: This is the liquid that brings all the flavors together. It’s like the soup’s secret sauce.
▪️ 2 cups kale, chopped (stems removed): Kale not only adds a vibrant green color but also brings a slight bitterness that balances the dish’s richness.
▪️ 2 cups potatoes, diced: Potatoes make the soup thick and creamy when they cook down. They’re like the velvety blanket of the soup.
▪️ 1 cup heavy cream: Heavy cream adds luxurious creaminess to the soup. It’s the cozy hug in a bowl.
▪️ 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme brings an Italian flair to the dish, making it aromatic and flavorful.
▪️ Salt and pepper to taste: These are like the seasoning superheroes, enhancing all the other flavors in the soup.
▪️ Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish: Parmesan cheese on top adds a salty, cheesy kick that elevates each bite.
▪️ Olive oil for sautéing: Olive oil is our cooking buddy, helping us sauté onions, garlic, and sausage to perfection.
Instructions
STEP 1: First things first, let’s get our soup party started! Pour a bit of olive oil into a big pot and put it on medium heat. Now, toss in those chopped onions and minced garlic. You’ll know it’s time to move on when the kitchen starts smelling fantastic!
STEP 2: Take chicken sausages out of their casing and throw them into the pot. Use your trusty wooden spoon to break it up into tasty, little bits. Keep cooking until it turns a lovely shade of brown.
STEP 3: Drop in those diced potatoes and chopped kale. Give everything a good stir, so they get to know each other. Then, pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle in some Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
STEP 4: Cover your pot and let it all simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll want those potatoes to become tender. Keep an eye on it and give it a loving stir now and then.
STEP 5: Lower the heat a bit and pour in the heavy cream. Give it a gentle stir until the soup turns creamy and luxurious, like a cozy blanket for your taste buds.
STEP 6: If you want your soup super smooth and velvety, use an immersion blender right in the pot. If you don’t have one, don’t worry! Just scoop out some soup into a regular blender, blend it until it’s silky smooth, and pour it back in.
Now, grab your favorite soup bowls, ladle in this creamy goodness, and top it off with some grated Parmesan cheese. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl for your loved ones!
Tips and Techniques
▪️ Take your time when sautéing the onions and garlic – this builds the delicious base flavor of your soup.
▪️ Adjust the amount of kale to your liking – more for a hearty bite and less for a milder taste.
▪️ If you like a little kick, try using spicy chicken sausage for extra flavor.
▪️ Leftover soup tastes even better the next day, so make a little extra for future meals.
▪️ For a silky-smooth texture, use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend the soup until it’s just right.
Serving Size
This recipe generously serves about six people, making it perfect for a family dinner or some tasty leftovers to enjoy over the next few days. So gather around the table and dig in!
Serving Suggestions
▪️ Grab a crusty baguette to dip into your creamy soup; the crunch and flavor combo is pure bliss.
▪️ Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if you’re feeling adventurous and want to turn up the heat.
▪️ Pair your Tuscan soup with a fresh side salad to round out your meal with some greens and crunch.
Variations
▪️ Swap out chicken sausage for your favorite veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
▪️ Try using sweet potatoes instead of regular ones for a slightly sweet and unique flavor.
▪️ Add cannellini beans for extra creaminess and protein – they’ll blend right in.
▪️ Experiment with different herbs and spices to match your taste buds, like a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Storage Tips
To keep your Homemade Warm Creamy Tuscan Soup with Chicken Sausage and Kale tasting its best, let it cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container, and choose between the fridge (for 3-4 days) or the freezer (for longer storage). Label and date the container for easy reference, and when reheating, do so gently to preserve the flavors. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before enjoying your delightful leftovers.
FAQ’s
Q. Can I use turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works great as a substitution.
Q. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup reheats beautifully. Just remember to store it properly in the fridge or freezer.
Q. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version?
Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter soup, but the texture won’t be as creamy.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup With Kale
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage links mild or spicy, your choice
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale chopped (stems removed)
- 2 cups potatoes diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Remove the sausage from its casing and add it to the pot. Break it up with your wooden spoon and cook until nicely browned.
- Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Toss in the diced potatoes and kale. Stir it all together.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover your pot and let everything simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Reduce the heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir until the soup turns creamy.
- For a velvety consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Or transfer a portion to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Don’t rush the sautéing step; it builds the base flavor of your soup.
- Adjust the kale to your liking; more for a hearty bite, less for a milder taste.
- For an extra kick, opt for spicy chicken sausage.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
