Name: Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference); 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 large potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or red potatoes work well); 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on spice preference); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 35 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a soup that combines comforting creaminess with hearty, wholesome ingredients, you have to try this Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup Recipe. It’s a beautiful balance of savory chicken sausage, tender diced potatoes, and vibrant kale all swimming in a luscious, creamy broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or looking for a filling meal that’s both nourishing and delicious, this soup checks all the boxes with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows fresh cooking ingredients spread neatly on a wooden table with a white marbled texture. In the center, a coiled sausage wrapped with a simple label sits prominently. Around it are fresh green kale leaves with detailed texture, a small wooden bowl filled with grated cheese, a tiny white bowl holding minced garlic, a peeled garlic clove, and a set of metal measuring spoons near a white empty bowl. There is also a small jug of white milk and a few drops of liquid scattered on the table, with a metal grater placed at the bottom right. The colors contrast well with natural greens, beige, white, and pinkish sausage tones, all presented in a clean and organized way, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in creating layers of taste and texture you’ll love. From the aromatic onions to the hearty kale, all the elements come together perfectly to make this soup shine.

1 pound chicken sausage (mild or spicy): Your main protein that brings savory depth and can be tailored to your spice preference.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base that builds flavor complexity.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts the aroma and adds a delightful punch of garlicky warmth.
4 cups chicken broth: The liquid foundation that carries all the flavors while keeping the soup hearty.
1 cup heavy cream: This is where the creamy texture comes from, making the soup indulgently smooth.
2 large potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or red): Provides heartiness and tender bite, helping to thicken the soup naturally.
4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped: Adds vibrant color and a nutritious, slightly earthy note.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses herby, fragrant undertones that complement the sausage beautifully.
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the palate, adjustable to taste.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the other flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing, it ensures the ingredients caramelize nicely and adds a subtle richness.
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish): A final touch of salty umami that elevates the soup before serving.

How to Make Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook them until they turn translucent and soft, about five minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and stir it constantly for about a minute until fragrant; this will awaken the flavors and set a delicious base for your soup.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Next, crumble the chicken sausage into the pot and cook it for five to seven minutes. Make sure to break it apart with your spatula so it cooks evenly and browns nicely, which adds a lovely savory depth and texture to the soup.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Thyme

Stir in the diced potatoes and sprinkle the dried thyme over everything. Toss the mixture so the potatoes get lightly coated with the herbs and mingle with the sausage and onions for a minute or two before moving on.

Step 4: Simmer Potatoes in Broth

Pour the chicken broth into the pot, raising the heat to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender throughout. This step ensures that the potatoes release their starch, helping to thicken the soup beautifully.

Step 5: Wilt the Kale

Add the chopped kale and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Let the soup continue to simmer for five more minutes, just long enough for the kale to soften and absorb the rich flavors while retaining a slight bite. The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that brightens the overall taste.

Step 6: Stir in the Cream and Season

Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Be careful not to boil the soup once the cream is added to keep its silky smooth texture intact. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your liking, adjusting the balance as you see fit.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top right before serving. It melts just a little in the warmth of the soup and offers a nutty richness that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup Recipe

A stainless steel pot on a stove with four stages of making a soup: first, browned small meatballs and translucent chopped onions being stirred with two wooden spoons; second, the pot filled with broth showing floating small brown meatballs and diced pale yellow potatoes poured from a white bowl on a white marbled surface, and dried green herbs floating in the liquid while an orange carton pours broth; third, the soup is cooking with chopped dark green kale added by a woman's hand, mixed with meatballs, potatoes, and red pepper flakes in the broth; fourth, creamy white liquid is poured in the center of the simmering soup creating swirling patterns in the light brown broth with visible ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh grated Parmesan is a wonderful finishing touch, lending salty umami and a creamy texture contrast. You can also add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of brightness and color that makes the bowl feel even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm garlic toast to help soak up every last drop of the creamy broth. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side also complement the richness of the soup perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests, serve the soup in rustic bowls and add a swirl of cream or a few crisp kale chips on top for texture. You could even turn it into a fancy appetizer by ladling it into mini bread bowls or small mason jars for a cozy, shareable presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup Recipe saves wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent the kale from becoming overly mushy.

Freezing

While the soup is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to three months. It’s a good idea to wait and add the cream after thawing and reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor. Freeze the broth and solid ingredients separately if possible for optimal results.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently reheat the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it has been frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add a splash of cream as it warms to revive the silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage instead of chicken sausage?

Absolutely! Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage can all work well. Just adjust the seasoning according to the flavor profile of the sausage you choose to keep the soup balanced.

Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk like cashew or oat milk. The texture might change slightly, but the creamy goodness will still be there.

Can I use kale stems in this recipe?

It’s best to remove the tough kale stems as they do not soften as well and can be fibrous. The leafy parts wilt nicely and add the perfect texture to the soup.

How spicy is this soup with the red pepper flakes?

The heat level from the red pepper flakes is mild but noticeable. You can always adjust the amount to suit your taste, or omit it entirely for a completely mild version.

What type of potatoes works best in this Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup Recipe?

Yukon Gold and red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well while cooking and add a nice creamy bite. Russet potatoes tend to break down more and make the soup thicker and less chunky.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a favorite because it’s hearty, comforting, and packed with fresh, simple ingredients that taste incredible together. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you want a bowl of happiness that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again.