Keto Tuscan Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of Italy with low-carb ingredients. This soup is filled with savory sausage, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. It’s hearty enough to satisfy, yet light enough for a keto-friendly meal. Perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving something cozy, this soup brings all the warmth and flavor of a traditional Tuscan soup without the carbs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Keto Tuscan Soup is perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor from the savory sausage, garlic, and fresh spinach. The creamy broth made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese gives the soup a luxurious texture without the need for any flour or potatoes. It’s a hearty, filling meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Plus, it’s low in carbs and high in flavor, making it a great choice for anyone watching their carb intake.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (preferably mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the sausage and spinach: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir in the chopped spinach. Let the soup simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
- Make the soup creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the soup is creamy and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add more vegetables: Add low-carb vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower to bulk up the soup and add more flavor and texture.
- Use ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter option, you can substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken, though the flavor will be a bit milder.
- Spicy version: Use spicy Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Dairy-free version: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese to maintain a creamy texture without dairy.
- Make it thicker: To thicken the soup, add a tablespoon of almond flour or xanthan gum, or simmer the soup for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Keto Tuscan Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove over low heat.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the soup in a pot over low heat and stir occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use any type of sausage you like, such as turkey sausage or chicken sausage. Adjust the flavor based on whether you prefer a spicy or mild sausage.
2. Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but garlic powder will also work in a pinch.
3. Can I make this soup without spinach?
Yes, if you don’t have spinach, you can substitute with kale, Swiss chard, or any other leafy green of your choice. Just make sure to cook the greens until they’re wilted and tender.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. The flavors will develop even more after sitting for a while. Just reheat and serve.
5. How do I make this soup spicier?
To make the soup spicier, use spicy Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for an added kick.
6. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of this soup.
7. Can I add cream cheese to the soup?
Yes, adding cream cheese can make the soup even richer and creamier. Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese after adding the heavy cream.
8. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or another non-dairy alternative. For the cheese, you can use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese.
9. How can I make this soup more filling?
To make the soup more filling, you can add a small amount of cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or even shirataki noodles for added texture without many carbs.
10. Can I serve this soup with bread?
While traditional bread might be too high in carbs, you can serve this soup with a keto-friendly bread or a side of crispy almond flour crackers for a satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Keto Tuscan Soup is the ultimate comforting dish, packed with flavor from savory sausage, fresh spinach, and a creamy, rich broth. This low-carb, keto-friendly soup is easy to prepare and perfect for anyone looking for a hearty yet healthy meal. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just craving something indulgent, this soup is sure to hit the spot. Serve it for dinner, enjoy it for lunch, or use it for meal prep—no matter how you enjoy it, it’s guaranteed to be a favorite!
Print
Keto Tuscan Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: undefined
Description
Keto Tuscan Soup is a rich and creamy low-carb dish made with savory sausage, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This hearty, keto-friendly soup is perfect for chilly nights and is packed with flavor without the carbs.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened (3-4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the sausage and spinach: Return the sausage to the pot and stir in spinach. Let the soup simmer until the spinach is wilted (3-4 minutes).
- Make the soup creamy: Reduce the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the soup is creamy and the cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot!
Notes
- Spicy version: Use spicy Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Vegetarian version: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it for a vegetarian option.
- Make it thicker: Add almond flour or xanthan gum to thicken the soup further.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg