Chicken Sausage Couscous Kale Soup Recipe

This hearty savory Chicken Sausage Couscous Kale Soup is made with sliced chicken sausage, pearl couscous, and fresh greens, and is ready in just 40 minutes. The tender pearls of couscous soak up the rich chicken broth while the kale cooks down perfectly into the savory base. I love how quickly this warm, comforting meal comes together on a busy weeknight.

Why This Classic Works

I used to think making a flavorful soup required simmering bones all afternoon. I quickly realized that using pre-cooked chicken sausage adds deep, seasoned flavor in minutes. The sausage acts as a shortcut for building a rich base without the long wait.

Adding pearl couscous directly to the pot was a lesson in texture. It releases just enough starch to slightly thicken the broth without turning mushy. It completely changed my weeknight soup routine for the better.

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Chicken Sausage Couscous Kale Soup Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb fully cooked chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup pearl couscous
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 3 cups chopped kale, tough stems removed
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Grated parmesan cheese for serving

How To Make Chicken Sausage Couscous Kale Soup

1. Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, add the sliced chicken sausage, and cook for 5 minutes until lightly browned.
2. Cook the aromatics: Add the diced onion and carrots to the pot, sauteing for 4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Simmer the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and dried oregano, bringing the liquid mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Cook the couscous: Stir in the pearl couscous, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until the couscous is tender.
5. Wilt the kale: Stir in the chopped kale and cook for 3-5 minutes until bright green and tender, then season with salt and pepper.

Recipe Tips

• Choose the right couscous: Pearl or Israeli couscous works best because it holds its shape much better than standard fine couscous in liquid.
• Do not overcook the greens: Add the chopped kale right at the end so it stays vibrant and retains a pleasant bite.
• Adjust the broth: The couscous will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so keep extra broth handy if you prefer a thinner consistency.

What To Serve With Chicken Sausage Couscous Kale Soup

Serve this comforting soup with a thick slice of crusty sourdough bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A simple side salad dressed in a bright lemon vinaigrette also cuts through the richness beautifully.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The couscous will soak up liquid over time, so you may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating. Freezing is not recommended as the couscous texture can become mushy once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken sausage?

Yes, just remove it from the casings and crumble it into the pot. Make sure it cooks completely before adding the vegetables.

What kind of kale is best?

Lacinato or curly kale both work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure you remove the tough center ribs before chopping.

Can I substitute the couscous?

Orzo or small ditalini pasta are great alternatives if you cannot find pearl couscous at your local store. They will cook in a similar amount of time.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 31g
• Protein: 18g

Try More Recipes:

• Chicken and Rice Soup with Ginger and Turmeric Recipe
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe
• Ginger Chicken Soup Recipe