A Historical Overview of Zuppa Toscana
Zuppa Toscana, meaning “Tuscan soup” in Italian, has roots in the rustic kitchens of Tuscany, where simple, hearty ingredients were used to create comforting meals. Traditionally made with potatoes, kale, and Italian sausage, this beloved soup gained worldwide popularity through Italian-American restaurants, most notably Olive Garden. The keto adaptation swaps potatoes with cauliflower, giving the dish a low-carb twist while maintaining its creamy, comforting essence.
Hearty Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup with Cauliflower – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy, hearty, and comforting Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup is the perfect one-pot meal for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners. Made with just four simple ingredients—cauliflower, sausage, kale, and cream—it’s a low-carb twist on a Tuscan classic. The cauliflower adds body, the sausage brings rich flavor, and the kale balances everything with freshness. Quick to make and satisfying, this soup is ideal for keto, gluten-free, or low-carb lifestyles.
Ingredients
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1 lb Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled
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1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
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4 cups chicken broth
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2 cups chopped kale
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 small onion, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
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Add chicken broth and cauliflower florets. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
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Stir in kale and cooked sausage. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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Pour in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and stir well.
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Serve hot with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Swap kale with spinach for a softer texture.
Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
For extra creaminess, blend half of the cauliflower before adding it back into the pot
Common Questions About Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup
1. Can I make Keto Zuppa Toscana dairy-free?
Yes! You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. The coconut flavor is subtle and pairs well with the sausage and kale.
2. How do I thicken the soup without potatoes?
Cauliflower naturally thickens the soup as it cooks. For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the cooked cauliflower and stir it back into the broth. This keeps it keto-friendly while mimicking the traditional potato base.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! For the slow cooker, brown the sausage first, then add everything except the cream and kale. Cook on low for 6 hours, stir in cream and kale at the end, and heat through. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté setting for sausage and onion, then cook on high pressure for 6 minutes before finishing with cream and kale.
