Low Carb Zuppa Toscana (High Protein)
Easy high protein low carb Zuppa Toscana with 18g protein & only 5g net carbs. Creamy Tuscan soup made with Italian sausage, kale & turnips. Ready in 30 min.
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 329kcal
Cost: $10
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or heavy bottom pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb italian sausage
- ½ medium white onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 turnip peeled and diced in ½" pieces
- 3 cups chopped kale
- 4 cups gluten free chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream 35%
- ½ cup shredded parmesan
Instructions
- Add Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking into bite-sized pieces. Brown for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked with no pink remaining. Remove to a plate.
- In the same pot with the sausage drippings, add diced white onion. Cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring well.
- Pour in chicken broth and add diced turnips. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until turnips are fork-tender.
- Add chopped kale and simmer uncovered for 3 minutes until wilted.
- Return the browned sausage to the pot. Pour in heavy cream and stir gently for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Do not boil.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls, top with shredded parmesan, and serve with extra grated parmesan on the side.
Video
Notes
- Dice turnips small (½ inch pieces): Smaller pieces cook through in 12-15 minutes; larger chunks will take much longer and delay your meal.
- Don't skip browning the sausage: Those caramelized bits create deep, authentic Tuscan flavor that's essential to this creamy sausage soup.
- Add cream last and keep the heat low: Never boil the cream or it will separate. Just warm gently on medium-low to maintain that silky, creamy texture.
- Simmer turnips longer for more flavor: If you prefer turnips more infused with the soup flavors, cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes instead of 12-15. They'll be softer and absorb more of the sausage, garlic, and tomato paste flavors.
Nutrition
Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 29g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g
