CREAMY TUSCAN SOUP IRRESISTIBLE

Imagine twirling your spoon through a bowl of pure comfort: tender sausage, vibrant kale, and a creamy broth infused with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. That’s Creamy Tuscan Soup, and I promise you, this recipe will become your new weeknight obsession because it’s easier than you think and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, or a mix!), casings removed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 ounces fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh basil, chopped
• Crusty bread, for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started: Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Building the Flavor: Simmering the Soup

1. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained), sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for developing that rich, Tuscan taste.

Creamy Dreamy: Adding the Cream and Greens

1. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, as it may curdle.
2. Add the chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Finishing Touches: Seasoning and Serving

1. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the sausage and Parmesan cheese are already salty, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
2. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Crusty bread is a must for soaking up all that delicious broth!

Making it Your Own: Variations and Substitutions

This Creamy Tuscan Soup is incredibly versatile, so feel free to adapt it to your liking!

• Protein Power: Swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even leftover shredded chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little more heat, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Dairy-Free Delight: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious! You could even try using a plant-based Parmesan alternative.
• Pasta Perfect: Add cooked pasta (like ditalini or small shells) to the soup for a heartier meal. This turns it into a Creamy Tuscan Pasta Soup!

Tips for the Best Creamy Tuscan Soup

• Quality Ingredients Matter: Using good quality Italian sausage and Parmesan cheese will make a big difference in the flavor of your soup.
• Don’t Skip the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a burst of concentrated flavor that’s essential for that authentic Tuscan taste.
• Wilted Greens are Key: Make sure the spinach or kale is fully wilted before serving. Nobody wants tough, stringy greens in their soup!
• Grate Your Own Parmesan: Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt smoothly and add a richer flavor.
• Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Simmering the soup for a longer time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Storing and Reheating Your Soup

Creamy Tuscan Soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to develop further.

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it frequently to prevent it from splattering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Tuscan Soup isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly comforting and satisfying. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner recipe, but feels special enough for company. Plus, it’s packed with veggies and protein, so you can feel good about serving it to your loved ones. Forget ordering take out, this is the perfect homemade dinner recipe! I think you’ll find this recipe even faster than my Chicken Taco Soup, and just as satisfying. If you are in the mood for pasta you can always try the Lasagna Soup Recipe, or even the Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup! And if you’re looking for other soups, I have to suggest you try this Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup or the Olive Garden Soup.

Dinner Recipes Crockpot Soup: A Slow Cooker Option

Want to make this Creamy Tuscan Soup even easier? Try making it in your crockpot!

Crockpot Instructions:

1. Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Transfer the sausage to a slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach or kale, and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

This is a fantastic way to enjoy a warm, comforting meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Just toss everything in the crockpot in the morning, and come home to a delicious dinner!

Exploring Tuscan Parmesan Soup and Tuscan Parmesan Cream Soup

While this recipe is technically Creamy Tuscan Soup, it’s worth noting the variations out there, particularly Tuscan Parmesan Soup and Tuscan Parmesan Cream Soup. These are often similar, with the main difference being the emphasis on Parmesan cheese. Some recipes may include more Parmesan than others, or may even add a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers for extra flavor. The addition of cream is what makes this a Tuscan Parmesan Cream Soup, giving it that extra richness and velvety texture. You could even try making a Zuppa Toscana base and adding extra Parmesan and cream at the end! No matter how you choose to make it, I hope you enjoy this delicious and comforting Creamy Tuscan Soup as much as I do! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you. Buon appetito!