Kale and Potato Soup with Turkey Sausage is a simple, satisfying one-pot meal that combines tender potatoes, hearty kale, carrots and savory turkey or chicken sausage. This flavorful, nutritious soup is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or freezing for later—reheat easily and still taste great. Kale adds vitamins K, A and C and contributes antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, while potatoes and sausage make the bowl filling and comforting.
Kale and Potato Soup with Turkey Sausage
This easy kale and potato soup comes together quickly and delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Browning the sausage first builds depth; aromatic onions, carrots and garlic round out the base. The broth simmers with potatoes until tender, and shredded kale is added near the end so it retains texture and vibrant color. The recipe scales well and stores nicely in the freezer for convenient, healthy meals throughout the week.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Choose a sausage you enjoy: the flavor of the soup depends heavily on the sausage. Italian-style turkey or chicken sausage works well for a mild, herbed profile.
- For more heat, substitute a spicy turkey sausage or try a Cajun-style Andouille sausage for bolder, smoky notes.
- To make a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- If you prefer legumes over potatoes, canned white beans make a great swap and add extra fiber and protein.
- Other greens like escarole or Swiss chard are good alternatives to kale and work similarly when added near the end of cooking.
Recipe
Yield: 6 servings | Serving size: about 2/3 cup
Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 35 mins | Total time: 45 mins
Ingredients
- 14 oz Italian chicken or turkey sausage (about 1 pound)
- 8 cups shredded kale (about 1/2 bunch, stems removed)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 cups water
- 3 medium red potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 pinch dried red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the sausage over medium-low heat until browned, about 8–10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot, let it cool slightly, then slice into thin rounds or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the olive oil to the pot if needed, then sauté the chopped onion and sliced carrot over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Add the chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, then stir in the black pepper, sliced sausage, diced potatoes and red pepper flakes. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the potatoes begin to soften. Add the shredded kale, partially cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender and the kale is wilted but still bright, about 5–6 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot. This soup pairs nicely with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Recipe makes approximately 10 cups. Check sausage labels if you are following a specific diet such as Whole30. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for several days and freeze successfully for longer storage.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 232 kcal | Carbohydrates: 31 g | Protein: 19 g | Fat: 4 g | Fiber: 5.5 g | Sugar: 3 g | Sodium: 647 mg
More Soup Ideas
- Creamy roasted cauliflower chowder — a comforting vegetarian option.
- Red lentil soup with spinach — hearty, protein-rich, and warming.
- Chicken and avocado soup — bright, creamy, and satisfying.
- Spinach tortellini en brodo — a light, Italian-style broth with stuffed pasta.
- Macaroni and cheese soup with broccoli — a rich, family-friendly comfort soup.
Final Note
If you make this Kale and Potato Soup with Turkey Sausage, please leave a rating and comment to share how it turned out. Feedback helps others find the recipe and makes it easier to refine for different tastes and dietary needs.
