If you're craving a comforting bowl of soup that won't weigh you down, look no further than this Lightened Up Zuppa Toscana! This Italian classic is reimagined with healthier ingredients, making it the perfect choice for a cozy dinner without the guilt. With its rich flavors of Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale, this dish will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. Ready to impress your family or guests? Dive into our easy-to-follow recipe and discover how to create this delicious, lighter version of Zuppa Toscana in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, turkey or chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup light cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of Italian sausage (turkey or chicken), 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of chopped kale, 1 cup of diced potatoes, 1 diced onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 cup of light cream, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the pot over medium heat. Once heated, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients, then pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- After the potatoes are cooked, add the chopped kale to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the kale to wilt and soften.
- Finally, stir in the 1 cup of light cream. Mix well and let the soup heat through for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once everything is well combined and heated, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the Lightened Up Zuppa Toscana hot, garnished with additional kale or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious and lighter version of Zuppa Toscana, perfect for a cozy meal!
Tips
- Choose Your Sausage Wisely: Opt for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, but feel free to use your favorite Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and gather your ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and make it more enjoyable.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can add a bit more light cream, or even a splash of milk, to achieve your desired consistency.
- Spice It Up: For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it simmers.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the garnish! A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a few extra leaves of kale on top can elevate the dish and add a burst of flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for future meals.
- Serve with Bread: Pair your Zuppa Toscana with crusty bread for dipping—it's the perfect complement to this hearty soup!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
