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Sausage and Kale Soup

4.67 from 3 votes
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posted: 03/04/15

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

This Sausage and Kale Soup is a family favorite. Packed with protein and veggies, this one pot wonder is done in under 30 minutes and loved by even my picky eaters!

white bowl of sausage and kale soup

This Sausage and Kale Soup is hearty and filling and definitely a family favorite. We eat it at least a couple of times a month. When I made this batch and told Gavin it was what we were having for dinner, I got a fist pump. My kids love the sweet sausage, the noodles, the beans, the warm broth, the hearty beans and mushrooms. There’s really something for everyone in this delicious soup. Serve it alongside this Three Ingredient Beer Bread for a filling supper any night of the week.

whit bowl of sausage and kale soup

SUGGESTIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS FOR THIS SOUP

This Sausage and Kale Soup is very forgiving and versatile. I’ve made it all sorts of ways, left out ingredients, added others and it always gets gobbled up. And the leftovers are so yummy!

  • If you don’t have kale on hand, feel free to swap it out for baby spinach.
  • Instead of a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes opt for just a pinch or leave them out entirely if you have kids who aren’t fans of lots of spice. Besides, you can always add a sprinkle to your own soup bowl later on.
  • Not a fan of mushrooms? Leave ’em out or just chop them up into smaller pieces. The kids will never even notice they’re in there.
  • Penne pasta noodles are yummy in this soup, however you can certainly add any shape of pasta you like. Macaroni, bowtie, gluten free, tortellini, ziti, whole wheat pasta, absolutely any kind will do.
  • We love to use Northern Beans which are buttery, tender and super flavorful. **tip** If you need to substitute beans, just don’t use kidney beans because that’s the only time this soup revolted against us. HAHA!
  • For more bulk, add extra veggies! More mushrooms, celery, diced green peppers, diced carrots, tomatoes, just about anything in your fridge can be chopped up and added to this soup recipe.
  • For an even heartier soup, chop up some red or russet potatoes and add in. They’re so delicious!
bowl of sausage and kale soup in a white bowl and spoon

CAN YOU FREEZE SAUSAGE AND KALE SOUP?

This soup makes for the most delicious leftovers! It’ll stay nice and fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, if you plan to freeze this soup I suggest this method:

  • First, make the soup with everything except the pasta.
  • Next, freeze the soup sans noodles for up to two months.
  • Then when you thaw it out, you can add the pasta while cooking and it’ll taste delicious. Pasta noodles that are frozen and reheated tend to turn mushy. Nobody has time for mushy noodles!
This Sausage and Kale Soup is a family favorite that we eat a few times a month. Packed with protein and veggies, this one pot wonder is done in under 30 minutes and loved by even my picky eaters!

MORE SAVORY SOUP RECIPES

If you’re in need of more simple, savory soups to wow your family, try some of these absolutely scrumptious recipes:

You’re going to love this gorgeous, healthy and flavorful soup! Serve with some toasty bread or a side salad and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. I urge you to comment below with your thoughts on this recipe and any others; I love hearing from you. Most importantly I can’t wait for you to try this soup; enjoy!

4.67 from 3 votes

Sausage and Kale Soup

Serves: 5 servings
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
This Sausage and Kale Soup is a family favorite! Packed with protein and veggies, this one pot wonder is done in under 30 minutes and loved by even my picky eaters!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms diced
  • 4 cups kale chopped, large stems removed
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup penne noodles uncooked
  • 15 ounces Northern beans drained and rinsed

Instructions

  • Heat a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up, browning it for about 3 to 5 minutes until you no longer see pink.
    1 pound Italian sausage
  • Add in onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and continue cooking for 5 minutes until the mushrooms are soft. Add the kale, cooking it until it is bright green, about three minutes.
    1 medium yellow onion, 4 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, 4 cups kale
  • Add the chicken broth, and bring it to a roaring boil. Then add the penne and cook about one minute less than what is indicated in the package directions.
    6 cups chicken broth, 1 cup penne noodles
  • Finally, stir in the beans. Allow them to heat through, about one minute.
    15 ounces Northern beans
  • Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper to taste.
Serving: 1.8cup Calories: 416kcal (21%) Carbohydrates: 40g (13%) Protein: 24g (48%) Fat: 17g (26%) Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g Cholesterol: 54mg (18%) Sodium: 2088mg (91%) Potassium: 536mg (15%) Fiber: 7g (29%) Sugar: 5g (6%) Vitamin A: 5391IU (108%) Vitamin C: 52mg (63%) Calcium: 171mg (17%) Iron: 2mg (11%)
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Italian

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Sausage and Kale Soup

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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  1. Joyce says

    This is the absolutely the worst recipe I have tried on Pinterest (and I have tried a Lot). Absolutely disgusting newest could not even eat it. Down the garage disposal it went

    • Lisa Longley says

      Literally making it again right now, had it last week, and the pickiest kiddo in my family LOVES it. It’s a fave around here. Taste totally varies though.

  2. Mallory says

    4 stars
    I am thinking about doubling the recipe and freezing some for when our new baby arrives. Do you think that will work? I was going to leave the noodles out for the freezer meals and maybe cook the kale a little less. What do you think?

    • Lisa Longley says

      That is exactly what I would do! Keep the noodles out and under cook the kale. I think it will work really well for this soup.

  3. Lauren says

    5 stars
    This turned out so great! I left out the pasta, but it was still such a winner and just as filling. Will be making this again!

    • Lisa Longley says

      So glad to hear you liked it Lauren! It’s one of my favorites in the fall and winter.

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