Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Zuppa Toscana, a hearty Italian soup famously served at Olive Garden, is beloved for its creamy broth, tender potatoes, spicy sausage, and nutrient-packed kale. But traditional versions can be heavy on calories, cream, and fat—making it a tricky choice for those on Weight Watchers. Enter this Zuppa Toscana Soup! We’ve reimagined the classic with lighter ingredients, slashing SmartPoints® while keeping the rich, comforting flavors intact. Perfect for chilly nights or meal prep, this soup is a guilt-free way to indulge in a bowl of cozy goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• WW-Friendly Swaps: By using turkey sausage, low-fat milk, and skipping heavy cream, we cut calories and points without sacrificing flavor.
• Nutrient-Dense: Loaded with kale, potatoes, and lean protein, this soup is as nourishing as it is delicious.
• Meal-Prep Hero: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for batch cooking.
• Family-Approved: Mildly spicy, creamy, and satisfying—even picky eaters will ask for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean Italian turkey sausage (casings removed)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 bunch kale (or 4 cups chopped), stems removed, leaves torn
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken, optional)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: grated Parmesan cheese (add points accordingly)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the turkey sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Once cooked through, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

2. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Simmer the Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the sliced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Add Greens and Creaminess:
Stir in the kale and cooked sausage. In a small bowl, whisk together the almond milk (or low-fat milk) and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to thicken the broth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.

5. Season and Serve:
Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and extra red pepper flakes if desired. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with a pinch of Parmesan cheese (optional).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~200
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• SmartPoints®: ~4-5 (calculated with almond milk and no Parmesan)

Tips for Success:

• Creamier Texture: Swap almond milk for low-fat evaporated milk for a richer consistency (adjust points).
• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
• Spice Control: Omit red pepper flakes for a milder flavor, or add hot sauce for extra kick.
• Thicker Broth: Mash a few potato slices into the soup for natural thickness.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with a Weight Watchers-friendly salad (like arugula with lemon vinaigrette).
• Serve with a slice of whole-grain bread for dipping.
• Top with a dollop of fat-free Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers:

By focusing on lean protein (turkey sausage) and swapping heavy cream for almond milk thickened with cornstarch, we’ve kept the soup creamy and satisfying while staying within SmartPoints® goals. The potatoes add heartiness without excess calories, and kale boosts fiber and vitamins. Plus, the recipe uses zero added oils—relying on the sausage’s natural fats for flavor.

This Zuppa Toscana Soup proves you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for fitness. With its velvety broth, tender potatoes, and spicy-savory kick, it’s a crowd-pleaser that aligns perfectly with your wellness journey. Whip up a batch tonight and savor every spoonful, knowing you’re nourishing your body and your soul.