If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and flavorful soup, this Savory Sausage and Kale Soup is the perfect choice! Packed with juicy sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and a rich, savory broth, this soup is both comforting and nutritious.
It’s easy to make in just 30 minutes and is perfect for meal prep, cold nights, or whenever you need a cozy, satisfying bowl of goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pot Wonder – Easy cleanup and minimal effort!
✔ Rich & Hearty – A filling meal packed with protein and veggies.
✔ Ready in 30 Minutes – Quick, easy, and perfect for busy nights.
✔ Keto & Gluten-Free Friendly – Just swap the potatoes for a low-carb option!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup Base:
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion (chopped)
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3 cloves garlic (minced)
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3 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet, diced)
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6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Finish:
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1 bunch kale (stems removed, chopped)
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
For Garnish:
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Extra Parmesan cheese
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Crusty bread (for serving, optional)
How to Make Savory Sausage and Kale Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
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Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5-6 minutes).
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Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
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In the same pot, add onions and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Stir in potatoes, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
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Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
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Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add the Kale & Cream
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Stir in chopped kale, letting it wilt for 3-4 minutes.
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Pour in heavy cream and return the sausage to the pot.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, simmering for 2 more minutes.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
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Ladle into bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese.
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Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for the perfect meal!
Tips for the Best Sausage and Kale Soup
✔ Use spicy sausage – It adds a deep, bold flavor to the broth.
✔ Don’t overcook the kale – Add it at the end to keep it vibrant and fresh.
✔ Want extra creaminess? – Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese.
✔ More flavor? – Add a splash of white wine while sautéing the onions.
Variations & Add-Ins
Make It Low-Carb 🥦
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Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets or turnips.
Add More Veggies 🥕
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Try adding carrots, celery, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Make It Dairy-Free 🌱
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Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
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Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Swap the Protein 🍗
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Use turkey sausage, ground chicken, or smoked sausage instead of Italian sausage.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
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Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating
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Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
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Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Freezing
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Freeze without the cream for up to 3 months.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge, then stir in cream when reheating.
FAQs About Savory Sausage and Kale Soup
Q: Can I use spinach instead of kale?
A: Yes! Add spinach in the last minute of cooking—it wilts much faster than kale.
Q: What’s the best sausage to use?
A: Mild or spicy Italian sausage is best, but you can also use smoked sausage for a different flavor.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the sausage first, then add everything except the cream and kale to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, then stir in the kale and cream before serving.
Q: What’s the best side dish for this soup?
A: Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad pairs perfectly!
Final Thoughts
This Savory Sausage and Kale Soup is a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal, it’s always a hit!
Try it out and let me know how you like it! What’s your favorite soup recipe?
Print
Savory Sausage and Kale Soup – Hearty, Comforting & Easy
Description
This Savory Sausage and Kale Soup is the ultimate comfort food! Hearty sausage, tender kale, and creamy potatoes come together in a rich broth for a flavorful and satisfying soup that’s perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
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1 lb Italian sausage (bulk or casing removed)
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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2 cups water
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3 cups chopped kale, stems removed
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1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
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1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage:
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, crumble the Italian sausage and cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
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Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside. Leave a little bit of the drippings in the pot for added flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
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In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Broth and Potatoes:
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Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Stir to combine.
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Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add the Sausage and Kale:
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Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the chopped kale and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the kale is wilted and tender.
5. Stir in the Cream and Season:
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Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
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Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
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Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
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Serve warm with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
This Savory Sausage and Kale Soup is the perfect combination of savory sausage, creamy potatoes, and nutrient-packed kale. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out!
#SausageAndKaleSoup #ComfortFood #HeartySoup #HealthyMeals #WinterSoup
Let’s chat in the comments! 🍲✨
