Cozy Up with Our Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup: A Bowlful of Comfort

The Sausage and Kale Soup is the perfect choice for a comforting meal.

During the cold winter months, nothing beats a warm and filling dish that makes you feel cozy inside.

This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create rich flavors that are both rustic and refined.

The creamy texture of the soup pairs wonderfully with the savory taste of sausage.

Influenced by Italian and European traditions, this dish offers a taste experience that’s hard to forget.

With its healthy mix of ingredients, it delivers a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing at the same time.

Simple Tips For Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup

• Drain Excess Grease: Remove extra fat from the sausage to keep the soup lighter and prevent an overly greasy texture.
• Choose High-Quality Sausage: Select a flavorful Italian or spicy sausage to enhance the overall taste of the soup with minimal additional seasoning.
• Prevent Potato Breakage: Stir gently when adding cream and cooking to maintain potato chunks and avoid mashing them completely.
• Customize Dairy Options: Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with lighter alternatives like half-and-half or plant-based milk for a different dietary preference.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, starting with a small amount and adding more if desired.

Keep Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup Fresh

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing potatoes, as they may become mushy when thawed.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Microwave Option: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the soup is steaming hot throughout.

Best Matches For Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup

• Pair Crusty Rustic Bread: Grab a hearty artisan sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the rich, creamy soup broth and add delightful textural contrast.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanse.
• Match with Zesty Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's heavy, creamy profile and add fresh, bright notes.
• Enhance with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to introduce a pop of color and subtle herbal freshness that elevates the soup's deep flavors.

Fun Twists On Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup

• Vegetarian Kale & Bean Soup: Replace sausage with white cannellini beans or plant-based sausage crumbles for a hearty meatless version packed with protein and fiber.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a creamy soup suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with chopped cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and soup consistency.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream, and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast to create a creamy dairy-free adaptation that retains rich flavor profiles.

Answers About Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup

• What type of sausage works best for this soup?

Italian sausage is ideal, preferably mild or sweet varieties. The flavor complements the kale and creates a rich, hearty base for the soup.

• Can I make this soup healthier?

Use lean sausage, low-fat milk, and reduce the amount of cream. You can also add more kale or include additional vegetables like carrots for extra nutrition.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour as a thickener. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, which will help maintain the soup’s creamy texture.

• How can I make this soup spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes during cooking or include a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild for an extra kick of heat.

Reasons To Love Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up this hearty soup in under an hour with minimal cooking skills required.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Packed with protein from sausage, greens from kale, and vitamins from potatoes, delivering a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Creamy texture and mild spices make this soup appealing to both kids and adults, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, saving time and reducing kitchen mess for busy home cooks.

What You Need For Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup

• Sausage: Hearty meat base for the soup with rich flavor and protein.
• Chicken Broth: Provides savory liquid foundation and depth of flavor.

• Whole Milk: Creamy base that adds richness and smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious finishing touch for extra silkiness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese for depth and garnish.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds foundational soup flavor.
• Kale: Nutritious green with slight bitterness and substantial texture.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that helps thicken and add heartiness.

• Flour: Thickening agent to create smooth, velvety soup consistency.

• Salt: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and classic seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick for extra warmth.

How To Cook Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

• Grab a large soup pot
• Cook sausage over medium-high heat
• Break up meat with wooden spoon until it starts to crumble
• Let meat develop a golden-brown color

Step 2: Develop Flavor Base

• Onions
• Salt
• Red pepper flakes
• Combine ingredients with sausage
• Sauté for 7-10 minutes until sausage looks nicely caramelized

Step 3: Aromatic Boost

• Add minced garlic
• Stir quickly for 1 minute
• Let garlic release its fragrant notes

Step 4: Manage Excess Grease

• Turn off heat momentarily
• Drain any extra fat from pot

Step 5: Create Soup Foundation

• Return pot to stove
• Sprinkle flour evenly
• Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste

Step 6: Build Liquid Layer

• Pour chicken broth slowly
• Stir continuously to prevent clumping
• Incorporate whole milk gently

Step 7: Add Potato Goodness

• Drop sliced potatoes into liquid
• Bring mixture to gentle simmer
• Cook for 20 minutes until potatoes become tender

Step 8: Introduce Leafy Green

• Fold chopped kale into soup
• Mix carefully
• Pour heavy cream
• Stir lightly to protect potato texture

Step 9: Final Touches

• Reduce heat
• Cook for 15 minutes
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese
• Season with additional salt and black pepper

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

• Ladle into warm bowls
• Garnish with extra Parmesan
• Add freshly ground black pepper
• Serve immediately with crusty bread

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Heartwarming Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup brings Italian countryside comfort to your kitchen. Packed with rich flavors and nourishing ingredients, this soul-satisfying dish delivers a perfect balance of savory sausage and tender greens you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) Italian sausage (mild or a mix of mild & hot)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds (907 grams) russet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch thick coins
• 1 large bunch kale (about 5 cups), stems removed, leaves chopped
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Liquids and Thickeners:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Brown the sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat, using a wooden spoon to crumble the meat into small pieces.
2. Incorporate diced onions, salt, and red pepper flakes, cooking until the sausage develops a rich, golden color and the onions become translucent.
3. Introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant essence.
4. Eliminate excess grease by carefully draining the meat mixture.
5. Sprinkle flour over the meat and vegetables, stirring to create a light coating that will help thicken the soup.
6. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent any flour clumps from forming.
7. Slowly add whole milk, maintaining a smooth and consistent texture while stirring.
8. Introduce sliced potatoes and adjust the heat to create a gentle simmer, allowing the soup to bubble softly.
9. Let the potatoes cook until they become tender, easily pierced by a fork but not falling apart.
10. Fold in fresh kale, ensuring the leaves are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
11. Stream in heavy cream, gently folding to preserve the potato’s structural integrity.
12. Reduce heat and allow the soup to marry flavors, with the kale wilting and becoming tender.
13. Finish by stirring in grated Parmesan cheese, which will add a luxurious depth and slight saltiness.
14. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
15. Serve in warm bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper for visual appeal and added flavor.

Notes

• Choose lean sausage varieties like turkey or chicken for a lighter version that reduces overall fat content without compromising flavor intensity.
• Rinse kale thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit, ensuring a clean and crisp vegetable addition to the soup’s texture.
• Consider using gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a substitute for traditional flour to make the recipe accessible for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Swap whole milk with unsweetened almon

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg