Get ready to warm up your soul with the most comforting soup you'll make this season! This Creamy Sausage and Kale Soup is not just another recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a bowl of pure magic. Imagine tender Italian sausage, vibrant kale, and a luxuriously creamy broth that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a hearty meal that hugs you from the inside out, this soup is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of Italian sausage, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of chopped kale, 1 cup of heavy cream, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 tsp of red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is cooked through, add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté the onion with the sausage for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits from the sausage and onion.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the chopped kale to the pot and stir well. Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the kale is tender.
- After the kale has softened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix well to combine and allow the soup to heat through for another 5 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of spice, add the optional red pepper flakes at this stage and stir to combine.
- Once the soup is heated through and seasoned to your liking, remove it from the heat. Serve hot, garnished with additional red pepper flakes or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor—the meat's quality makes a huge difference in the final dish.
- Don't rush the sausage browning process. Allow it to develop a nice golden color to enhance the soup's depth of flavor.
- When adding kale, remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces for better texture.
- Control the soup's spiciness by adjusting the red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, though the soup will be less rich.
- If the soup becomes too thick, thin it out with a bit more chicken broth. Conversely, let it simmer longer if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and reheat gently.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 95mg
