Go Back

Low Carb Sausage and Kale Soup - Comforting, Hearty, and Easy

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot; use chicken or turkey sausage if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed, depending on sausage fat)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional, boosts sausage flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 bunch curly or lacinato kale, stems removed and leaves chopped (about 6–8 cups loosely packed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat canned coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced (optional, adds texture without many carbs)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, brightens the finish)
  • Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Brown the sausage. Set a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, spoon off all but 1 tablespoon.
  2. Sauté the aromatics. Add the onion and cook until translucent, 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, fennel seeds, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze and add broth. Pour in a splash of chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the remaining broth and bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Add veggies. Stir in the zucchini (if using) and the chopped kale. Reduce to a simmer and cook 8–10 minutes, until the kale is tender but still bright.
  5. Finish with cream. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Warm through without boiling. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Brighten and serve. Stir in lemon juice if you like a fresh finish. Ladle into bowls and top with parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan.