If thereโs one soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, itโs this Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup. Rich, velvety, and packed with flavor, this dish brings together savory sausage, tender kale, and a luxuriously creamy broth for the ultimate comfort food.
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Itโs the kind of meal that makes you want to cozy up with a blanket and savor every spoonful. Plus, itโs surprisingly easy to make, which means you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavor at home without the hassle. Trust meโthis oneโs a keeper!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal effort.
Rich & Satisfying: The perfect balance of creamy, hearty, and flavorful.
Nutritious & Delicious: Packed with protein, healthy greens, and a creamy broth.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone at the table will love it, even the picky eaters!
Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients in Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup
Sausage: The heart of the dish! Use spicy or mild Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
Kale: Adds a pop of color and a nutritious boost. If youโre not a kale fan, spinach works too!
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes make the broth thick and hearty.
Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that build deep, rich flavor.
Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the soup and adds a savory depth.
Heavy Cream: Gives the soup its signature creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami kick to the broth.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a touch of heat!
Butter & Olive Oil: Enhance the richness and help everything cook to perfection.
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below.)
How to Make Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup
Sautรฉ the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil and cook the sausage until browned. Break it into crumbles as it cooks. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, melt butter and sautรฉ onions until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add the Broth & Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the potatoes. Simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Stir in the Kale: Add the chopped kale and let it wilt into the soup.
Make it Creamy: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let everything meld together for a few minutes.
Final Touches: Return the cooked sausage to the pot, stir, and season to taste.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and top with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes for a little kick.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup
- With Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad balances out the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Because more garlic is always a good idea!
- On Its Own: Itโs hearty enough to be a complete meal.
Additional Tips
Use Different Greens: Swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard if you prefer a milder flavor.
Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for more heat.
Thicken the Broth: Blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in for a thicker texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
A1: Yes! Turkey sausage works great and keeps it lighter.
Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A4: Yes! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Just note that the cream may separate slightly when reheated.
Q5: Whatโs the best way to reheat it?
A5: Warm it on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Q6: Can I add other veggies?
A6: Definitely! Mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers would be great additions.
Q7: How can I make this soup keto-friendly?
A7: Skip the potatoes and use cauliflower instead.
Q8: What type of potatoes work best?
A8: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes hold up well in the broth.
Q9: Can I make this dairy-free?
A9: Yes! Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan.
Q10: Whatโs the best sausage to use?
A10: Italian sausage (mild or spicy) adds the best flavor, but any ground sausage will work.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. Whether youโre making it for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or just because youโre craving something hearty and delicious, itโs sure to be a hit.
PrintCreamy Sausage & Kale Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This rich and creamy soup is a comforting Italian-inspired dish made with savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and hearty kale. Itโs a homemade take on the Olive Garden classic, perfect for a cozy meal!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
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1 1/2 lbs Italian sausage (mild or a mix of mild & hot)
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1 large onion, chopped
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1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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2 teaspoons kosher salt
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons flour
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4 cups chicken broth
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3 cups whole milk
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2 lbs russet potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick coins
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1 large bunch kale (about 5 cups), stems removed, leaves chopped
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2 cups heavy cream
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Sausage & Aromatics:
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In a large soup pot, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon.
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Add onions, salt, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 7-10 minutes, until the sausage is browned.
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Stir in garlic and sautรฉ for 1 minute until fragrant.
Thicken the Broth:
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Turn off the heat and drain excess grease.
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Return the pot to heat, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
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Slowly add chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
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Gradually add whole milk, continuing to stir.
Simmer the Soup:
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Add sliced potatoes and bring the soup to a low boil over medium heat.
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Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add Kale & Finish:
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Stir in chopped kale and gently mix.
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Pour in heavy cream, stirring lightly to avoid breaking the potatoes.
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Reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, until the kale is wilted.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve:
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Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra shredded Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg