Creamy Zuppa toscana soup with spinach
This creamy soup is one of those recipes where it instantly makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a nice warm hug! it’s made with simple ingredients that come together nicely and doesn’t take up a lot of your time. I call that a win! If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden and ordered their zuppa soup, this one is very similar. They use kale, and my family prefers spinach, so that’s what I use. It doesn’t taste as bitter and really compliments the rest of the ingredients.
This is the meal you make when the day feels long and the weather is chilly, which given the date that I’m writing this out, most of the U.S could probably use a nice warm meal. Serve this with a yummy crusty bread and a sprinkle of parmesan, and you’ve got yourself comfort food at it’s finest!
ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage - mild or hot, your choice
1/2 package of bacon - cut it right in half. Or just all of it! again, your choice! cut into bite size pieces
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
3-4 russet potatoes, diced
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
salt and pepper to taste
grated parmesan cheese for serving
how to make it
In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Drain excess grease if needed, leaving a little behind for flavor. Set aside.
Stir in the diced onion into the leftover grease and cook until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Lower the heat and stir in the sausage, bacon and heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes if using.
Add the spinach and stir until just wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to your liking.
Spoon into bowls and top with grated parmesan cheese. This soup pairs beautifully with warm homemade bread, breadsticks, or even a simple side salad.
** This soup tastes even better the next day! Makes the perfect meal as leftovers or even sharing with a neighbor who could use a warm bowl of soup!
The Best Cast Iron Dutch Oven
This is the dutch oven I have and use almost daily for a variety of foods! It’s great for soups!
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