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High Protein Zuppa Toscana Soup – Cozy, Hearty, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) Italian turkey or chicken sausage, casings removed (hot or mild)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
  • 1 lb (450 g) baby gold or russet potatoes, thinly sliced or diced
  • 1 can (15 oz/425 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) 2% milk or half-and-half (or sub 3/4 cup whole milk + 1/4 cup cream)
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) plain 2% Greek yogurt (optional for extra protein and creaminess)
  • 4 cups packed chopped kale (stems removed) or baby spinach
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, brightens the finish)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until deeply browned with crisp edges, 6–8 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add onion and a pinch of salt. Cook until softened, 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build the base: Add potatoes, cannellini beans, oregano, and chicken broth. Scrape up browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a brisk simmer.
  4. Simmer until tender: Cook 12–15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart.
  5. Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk or half-and-half. If using Greek yogurt, whisk it in a small bowl with a ladle of hot soup to temper, then stir back into the pot to prevent curdling.
  6. Add greens: Stir in kale and simmer 2–3 minutes until wilted and vibrant. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add lemon juice if you like a brighter finish.
  7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning—this soup likes a confident pinch of salt to make all the flavors pop.