Cozy Italian Zuppa Toscana Casserole (Easy One-Pan Comfort Food)

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the flavors of Italian Zuppa Toscana Casserole creamy potatoes, savory sausage, tender kale, and rich Parmesan all baked together into one bubbling, cozy dish. Inspired by the beloved Italian-style soup, this casserole transforms everything you love about Zuppa Toscana into a hearty, family-style meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings, potlucks, or make-ahead dinners.

If you’ve ever wished your favorite soup could be just a little more filling and oven-friendly, this Italian Zuppa Toscana Casserole is the answer. It delivers the same soul-warming flavors but with the added bonus of golden edges, cheesy layers, and sliceable servings that make weeknight dinners effortless.

Italian Zuppa Toscana Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6–8 servings
Calories: ~480 per serving

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups fresh kale, stems removed and chopped
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in the sliced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender.
5. Add the cooked sausage, kale, and heavy cream. Stir until combined and slightly thickened.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
8. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Substitutions & Dietary Swaps

• Protein: Swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage or plant-based sausage.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Low-Carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets.
• Greens: Spinach or Swiss chard work well instead of kale.

Chef’s Pro Tips

• Slice potatoes thinly and evenly for consistent cooking.
• Grate cheese fresh for better melting and flavor.
• Let the casserole rest before cutting to help it set.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

This Italian Zuppa Toscana Casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions until warmed through.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Too watery: Simmer the mixture longer before baking.
• Undercooked potatoes: Slice thinner or parboil briefly.
• Burnt cheese: Cover loosely with foil if browning too fast.

Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with Moroccan harira soup a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Italian Zuppa Toscana Casserole

This Italian Zuppa Toscana Casserole turns the classic creamy sausage, potato, and kale soup into a cozy baked dinner with golden cheese on top—perfect for weeknights and make-ahead meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Casserole

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Casserole Base

• 1 lb Italian sausage mild or hot
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups russet potatoes thinly sliced
• 2 cups kale stems removed and chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional

Cheese Topping

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated

Equipment

• 9×13-inch Casserole Dish
• Large skillet
• Chef’s Knife

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet (if needed). Sauté onion until soft, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
4. Add sliced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes begin to soften.
5. Stir in cooked sausage, chopped kale, and heavy cream. Cook 2 minutes until everything is well combined.
6. Pour mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 minutes more, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
8. Rest 10 minutes before serving to help the casserole set. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Tip: Slice potatoes thinly for even baking. For extra richness, add an extra 2–3 tablespoons Parmesan before the final uncovered bake. Swap kale for spinach if you prefer a milder green.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Italian Zuppa Toscana Casserole?

Yes, freeze baked and cooled portions for up to 2 months.

Is this casserole spicy? Only mildly.

Use spicy sausage or add extra red pepper flakes if desired.

Can I use sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! they add a subtle sweetness.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella and Parmesan provide the best melt and flavor balance.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free just check sausage labels.

Conclusion

This Italian Zuppa Toscana Casserole is everything you love about the classic soup reimagined as a cozy, oven-baked comfort dish. Creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Try it tonight and bring a little Italian-inspired warmth to your table.

For more on safe food storage and reheating guidelines, visit FoodSafety.gov.