Dave's Italian Sausage and Kale Soup

Warm, hearty, and brimming with flavor, Dave's Italian Sausage and Kale Soup is the ultimate comfort food. This one-pot recipe combines the robust flavors of savory Italian sausage, tender kale, and creamy russet potatoes, all simmered in a rich chicken broth and finished with a touch of heavy cream for a velvety texture. Brightened with aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying. With just 15 minutes of prep and minimal cleanup, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep staple. Customize the spice level with mild or spicy sausage and optional red pepper flakes, then elevate each bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and crusty bread on the side. Whether you're seeking a cozy dish for chilly evenings or an easy family favorite, this Italian-inspired soup has it all.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium Carrots, diced
• 2 stalks Celery stalks, diced
• 3 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 6 cups Chicken broth
• 6 cups Kale, stems removed and leaves roughly chopped
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2

Add the olive oil to the pot, if needed, to ensure about 1 tablespoon of fat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 5

Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the chopped kale, letting it wilt into the soup for 3-5 minutes.

Step 6

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring to incorporate. Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.

Step 8

Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3536.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3415.9

Total Fat 226.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 104.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 602.1mg	0%
Sodium 10929.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 191.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.2g	0%
Total Sugars 22.3g
Protein 154.9g	0%

Vitamin D 47.6IU	0%
Calcium 2005.8mg	0%
Iron 18.7mg	0%
Potassium 7166.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.5%

Protein: 18.1%

Carbs: 22.4%