Description
This Crockpot Zuppa Toscana is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring flavorful Italian sausage, tender potatoes, kale, and creamy Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, this slow cooker recipe lets the flavors meld together over several hours for a rich and satisfying dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage Mixture
- 375 grams Italian sausage meat without casings, mild or spicy (¾ lb)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1½ lbs Russet or gold potatoes, about 4 medium, peeled and diced
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional, for extra spice
Finishing Ingredients
- ¾ cup cream (10-30% fat works fine)
- 2 cups chopped kale
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage and Onions: In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage together with the finely diced onion for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sausage is cooked through and the onion is softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked sausage mixture to a slow cooker (4-6 quarts). Add the low sodium chicken broth, peeled and diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Soup: Cover and cook the soup on Low for 4 to 5 hours or on High for about 2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model.
- Add Kale, Cream, and Parmesan: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the chopped kale, cream, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine and allow the kale to wilt and the cheese to melt into the soup.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or spice level as desired. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, flavorful Zuppa Toscana!
Notes
- Using Italian sausage without casings allows for even browning and better integration into the soup.
- Russet or gold potatoes hold their shape well during slow cooking, providing the right texture.
- Adjust cream fat content according to your dietary preference, from light to heavy cream.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- If kale is not available, you can substitute with spinach or Swiss chard.
- Cooking times may vary based on the slow cooker, so check potatoes for doneness before adding finishing ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1¼ cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
