Pioneer Woman Sausage Kale Soup (often reminiscent of the famous Zuppa Toscana) is a “hug in a bowl” that combines hearty comfort with wholesome greens. It is made with savory Italian sausage, tender chunks of potato, and vibrant leaves of kale, all swimming in a creamy, garlic-infused chicken broth. The result is a rich, satisfying soup with a kick of heat that warms you from the inside out. It is perfect for chilly winter evenings, a quick weeknight dinner, or dipping crusty bread into for a filling lunch.
Try More Soups Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Pioneer Woman White Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Split Pea Soup
🧡 Why You Will Love This Sausage Kale Soup Recipe:
- Flavor Explosion: The spicy Italian sausage releases seasoned oils that flavor the entire broth, while the red pepper flakes add a gentle heat.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single Dutch oven or soup pot, meaning cleanup is a breeze.
- Texture Variety: You get the creaminess of the broth, the soft bite of the potatoes, the chew of the sausage, and the tender wilt of the kale in every spoonful.
- Nutrient Dense: Despite the cream, it is packed with superfood kale, giving you a healthy dose of vitamins alongside your comfort food.
🧅 Pioneer Woman Sausage Kale Soup Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) mild or hot Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) russet or red potatoes, washed and sliced thinly (or diced)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

🥘 How To Make Pioneer Woman Sausage Kale Soup
- Brown the meat: by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain most of the excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
- Sauté aromatics: by adding the diced onion and garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the base: by pouring in the chicken broth. Add the sliced potatoes and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: by bringing the soup to a boil, then reducing the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Wilt the greens: by stirring in the chopped kale. Simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the kale is wilted and soft but still bright green.
- Make it creamy: by pouring in the heavy cream. Stir gently and let it heat through for 2 minutes (do not let it boil vigorously once the cream is added).
- Season and serve: by tasting the broth and adding salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and top generously with grated Parmesan cheese.

💡 Recipe Tips
- Potato Choice: Russet potatoes will break down slightly, thickening the soup naturally. Red or Yukon Gold potatoes will hold their shape better if you prefer distinct chunks.
- Kale Prep: Kale stems can be tough and woody. Make sure to strip the leaves off the thick stems before chopping. Massage the leaves briefly if you want them extra tender.
- Spice Level: If you are sensitive to spice, use mild sausage and omit the red pepper flakes. If you love heat, use “hot” sausage and be generous with the flakes.
- Lighter Option: You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the broth will be thinner and less luxurious.

🥙 What To Serve With Sausage Kale Soup?
This Sausage Kale Soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs perfectly with carbohydrates for dipping. Serve it with a slice of crusty baguette, garlic bread or soft dinner rolls. A simple crisp Caesar salad helps cut through the richness of the creamy broth.
How To Store Leftovers Sausage Kale Soup?
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze: While you can freeze it, creamy soups with potatoes can sometimes separate or become grainy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, it is best to do so before adding the cream, then add the cream when reheating.
How To Reheat Leftovers Sausage Kale Soup?
Important Note: It is normal for the fat from the sausage to solidify on top when cold. It will melt back into the soup as it warms up.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen it, as potatoes soak up liquid in the fridge. Do not boil to prevent the cream from curdling.
- Microwave: Heat in a covered bowl for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a tablespoon of water if it looks too thick.
FAQs
Yes, Spinach is a great substitute. However, spinach wilts much faster than kale, so add it at the very end—just 1 minute before serving—so it doesn’t turn to mush on your Sausage Kale Soup.
Absolutely, Turkey sausage is a leaner, healthier option. You may need to add a tablespoon of olive oil when sautéing the onion ons since turkey sausage releases less fat.
Yes, provided you check the sausage ingredients to ensure no wheat fillers are used. The Sausage Kale Soup naturally contains no flour or thickeners.

More Soups Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Turnip Green Soup
- Pioneer Woman Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Vegetable Beef Soup
Sausage Kale Soup Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 16g
Pioneer Woman Sausage Kale Soup Recipe
Course: Soups, Dinner, LunchCuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes30
minutes380
kcalPioneer Woman Sausage Kale Soup is a creamy, rustic comfort dish. It features spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale. Simmered in a garlic cream broth for a rich, satisfying meal. Ready in under 45 minutes and perfect for winter nights.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) mild or hot Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed)
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb (450 g) russet or red potatoes, washed and sliced thinly (or diced)
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
1 tsp red pepper flakes(optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese(for serving)
Directions
- Brown the meat: by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain most of the excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
- Sauté aromatics: by adding the diced onion and garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the base: by pouring in the chicken broth. Add the sliced potatoes and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: by bringing the soup to a boil, then reducing the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Wilt the greens: by stirring in the chopped kale. Simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the kale is wilted and soft but still bright green.
- Make it creamy: by pouring in the heavy cream. Stir gently and let it heat through for 2 minutes (do not let it boil vigorously once the cream is added).
- Season and serve: by tasting the broth and adding salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and top generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Potato Choice: Russet potatoes will break down slightly, thickening the soup naturally. Red or Yukon Gold potatoes will hold their shape better if you prefer distinct chunks.
Kale Prep: Kale stems can be tough and woody. Make sure to strip the leaves off the thick stems before chopping. Massage the leaves briefly if you want them extra tender.
Spice Level: If you are sensitive to spice, use mild sausage and omit the red pepper flakes. If you love heat, use “hot” sausage and be generous with the flakes.
Lighter Option: You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the broth will be thinner and less luxurious.
