Description
Creamy Sausage & Kale Soup is a rich, hearty, and comforting bowl featuring savory chicken sausage, tender diced potatoes, and nutrient-packed kale all simmered in a creamy broth. This soup brings warmth and flavor perfect for cozy meals, balancing protein, vegetables, and creaminess with a touch of spice and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound chicken sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant, which will build the flavor base for the soup.
- Cook garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release its aroma.
- Brown sausage: Add the chicken sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the sausage is browned and cooked through, infusing the soup with savory depth.
- Add potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and dried thyme to combine with the sausage and onions, coating the potatoes with the flavors.
- Simmer potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes until the potatoes become tender and start to soften into the broth.
- Cook kale: Add the chopped kale and red pepper flakes to the pot. Continue to simmer the soup for another 5 minutes until the kale wilts and blends with the other ingredients.
- Add cream: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Warm the soup through carefully without letting it boil to maintain a creamy texture and prevent curdling.
- Season and garnish: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a savory, cheesy finish just before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter soup, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Using Yukon gold potatoes helps the soup thicken slightly as they cook, but red potatoes also provide a good texture.
- The Parmesan garnish is optional but adds a delightful salty, umami flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
