Hearty Italian Sausage Soup (Printable)

Savory sausage, bacon, potatoes, and kale in a creamy broth. A comforting Italian-inspired bowl ready in 50 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed
02 - 4 slices bacon, chopped

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
06 - 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped

→ Liquids

07 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 cup heavy cream

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
10 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
11 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving drippings in the pot.
02 - Add Italian sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned throughout. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Add diced onion and cook until softened, approximately 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add sliced potatoes, chicken broth, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
05 - Stir in chopped kale and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until wilted.
06 - Lower heat and pour in heavy cream. Heat gently until warmed through, being careful not to boil.
07 - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with reserved bacon.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • A complete, filling meal prepared in just 50 minutes
  • Classic Italian-American flavors that please the whole family
  • Easily adaptable for different spice levels and dietary needs
02 -
  • Always verify ingredient labels for the sausage and broth if you are maintaining a gluten-free diet
  • Make sure to remove the tough stems from the kale before chopping for a better texture
  • Garnish with the bacon just before serving to keep the pieces perfectly crispy
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