This keto zuppa toscana soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—all while being low-carb and keto-friendly!
We first discovered this recipe while experimenting with ways to recreate the classic zuppa toscana in a more nourishing, keto-approved way. After a few tweaks, we landed on this version, which has become a cozy favorite in our kitchen.
It’s the perfect balance of savory sausage, crisp beef bacon, tender cauliflower, and fresh spinach, all simmered in a creamy broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Whether you’re following a keto reset meal plan or just looking for a satisfying zero-carb soup, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your routine.
Quick Look at What’s Inside
Ingredients for Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup
This Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup comes together quickly with a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 6 slices beef bacon, cut into pieces
- 8 cups chicken broth (we recommend Better Than Bouillon chicken base; beef bone broth is another keto-friendly option for added richness)
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups spinach, coarsely chopped
Optional:
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon xanthan gum for thickening
Special equipment: A Dutch oven or large pot with a lid works best for this recipe.
How to Make Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup
This Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup is as easy to make as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty keto soup ready to serve in no time.
1. Brown the sausage and onion
In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, diced onion, and crushed red pepper until the sausage is browned and no longer pink.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Drain the mixture, remove it from the pan, and set it aside.
2. Cook the beef bacon
In the same pot, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until they’re crispy and golden. Once cooked, remove the beef bacon and set it aside.
3. Simmer the cauliflower
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and let them cook for about 15 minutes, or until tender. If you prefer a creamier texture, use a spoon to mash some of the cauliflower directly in the pot.
4. Combine and simmer
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, along with the cooked sausage and onion mixture. Let everything heat through, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the finishing touches
A few minutes before serving, stir in the chopped spinach and crispy bacon. If you’d like a thicker soup, sprinkle xanthan gum over the surface and quickly whisk it in to combine. Let the soup simmer gently until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Serve and enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this comforting bowl of keto-friendly goodness!
Simply Nourished Life’s Cooking Tips
- For extra flavor: Use a mix of hot and sweet Italian sausage, or add more crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and skip the Parmesan topping.
- Customize the veggies: Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different twist.
Variations, Leftovers & Storage
This keto zuppa toscana soup is perfect for customizing to suit your needs:
- Ingredient swaps: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage for a lighter version.
- For leftovers: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Facts
We love that this soup is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. Here’s the approximate breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 307
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 451mg
- Potassium: 369mg,
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 1791IU
- Vitamin C: 25mg
- Calcium: 49mg
- Iron: 1mg
These numbers may vary slightly based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but this Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup is a great example of how you can enjoy hearty, satisfying meals while staying on track with a keto lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup
Is this soup really low-carb?
Yes! With only 4g of carbs per serving, this soup is ideal for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet. The cauliflower in place of potatoes keeps the carb count low while still providing a hearty texture.
Can I make this soup thicker?
Absolutely. You can mash more of the cauliflower to create a creamier base or use xanthan gum as a thickener. Sprinkle it over the soup and whisk quickly to avoid clumping.
What’s the best way to add flavor to the broth?
We recommend using a high-quality chicken or bone broth, like Better Than Bouillon. You can also add a splash of dry white wine for extra depth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep! The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so it’s just as delicious (if not more so) the next day.
Make this once + you’ll crave it weekly!
This keto zuppa toscana soup is a true crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it as part of a keto reset meal plan or enjoying it as a cozy weeknight dinner. With its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients, it’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.
We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, tips, or favorite variations. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or Pinterest @SimplyNourishedLife when you share your creations.
Looking for more hearty keto soup recipes? Check out our collection of low-carb soups for more inspiration. Let’s keep nourishing your life one delicious bowl at a time!
Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion diced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 6 slices beef bacon cut into pieces
- 8 cups chicken broth we recommend Better Than Bouillon chicken base; beef bone broth is another keto-friendly option for added richness
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups spinach coarsely chopped
Optional:
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon xanthan gum for thickening
Instructions
Brown the sausage and onion
- In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, diced onion, and crushed red pepper until the sausage is browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Drain the mixture, remove it from the pan, and set it aside.
Cook the beef bacon
- In the same pot, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until they’re crispy and golden. Once cooked, remove the beef bacon and set it aside.
Simmer the cauliflower
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and let them cook for about 15 minutes, or until tender. If you prefer a creamier texture, use a spoon to mash some of the cauliflower directly in the pot.
Combine and simmer
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, along with the cooked sausage and onion mixture. Let everything heat through, stirring occasionally.
Add the finishing touches
- A few minutes before serving, stir in the chopped spinach and crispy bacon. If you’d like a thicker soup, sprinkle xanthan gum over the surface and quickly whisk it in to combine. Let the soup simmer gently until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve and enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this comforting bowl of keto-friendly goodness!