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Comforting Crockpot Zuppa Toscana

Featured in: Warming Soups and Stews for Every Season

With this Crockpot Zuppa Toscana, you’ll have a classic Italian-inspired soup effortlessly. Start by sautéing Italian sausage with garlic and onion, then layer it into the slow cooker with potatoes and chicken broth to develop deep flavors. Toss in fresh kale once the potatoes soften, then stir in cream and Parmesan for a velvety finish. Let your slow cooker do its magic while you relax—it might even beat the restaurant version for taste!
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Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:08:40 GMT
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Comforting Crockpot Zuppa Toscana | yummygusto.com

Experience the rustic flavors of Italy with this hearty slow-cooker soup. Our Crockpot Zuppa Toscana features savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale simmered in a rich, creamy broth that develops deep flavor as it cooks throughout the day.

The key to exceptional flavor starts with properly browning the sausage to develop a rich foundation.

Key Ingredients

  • Italian Sausage: Choose spicy or mild varieties
  • Potatoes: Russet potatoes maintain texture
  • Kale: Select crisp, dark green bunches
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious texture
  • Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium variety

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base
Brown sausage thoroughly. Cook onions in rendered fat. Add garlic briefly until aromatic. Transfer mixture.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients
Place potato slices evenly. Add broth carefully. Season in stages.
Step 3: Final Additions
Incorporate kale near end. Finish with cream. Let parmesan incorporate. Adjust seasoning.

Adding a parmesan rind during cooking enriches the broth substantially.

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Yummy Crockpot Zuppa Toscana | yummygusto.com

Timing Guidelines

Precise timing ensures perfect results: introduce kale during final 30 minutes, warm cream slowly, season progressively, verify potato doneness early.

Preparation Tips

Optimize preparation by browning sausage ahead, preparing vegetables early, keeping ingredients separate until needed, heating carefully when reheating.

Problem Solving

Address common issues: cut potatoes larger to prevent mushiness, adjust cream quantity for thickness, trim kale stems thoroughly, balance heat with additional cream.

Serving Ideas

Enhance with crusty Italian bread, freshly grated parmesan, red pepper flakes, or crumbled bacon garnish.

The enticing aroma of simmering sausage and herbs signals soup completion.

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Close-up Crockpot Zuppa Toscana Recipe | yummygusto.com

This refined version of Zuppa Toscana balances traditional technique with modern convenience. The gradual cooking process allows potatoes to achieve ideal texture while keeping kale vibrant. Each bowl delivers a harmonious blend of flavors, ideal for family meals or weekly meal preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the best type of potato to use?
Gold potatoes keep their shape, while Russets break down to make the soup thicker. Both are great choices!
→ Is spinach a good replacement for kale?
Yes, spinach works wonderfully! Add it at the end of cooking since it softens quickly.
→ How can I make it less spicy?
Opt for mild Italian sausage and skip the red pepper flakes. It’ll still be tasty, just less heat!
→ Which type of cream works best?
Cream with a fat content of 10-30% works fine. The higher the fat, the creamier your soup!
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You absolutely can. Once cooked, store it in the fridge for 3–4 days. Keep in mind the potatoes might soften a bit more.

Creamy Sausage Potato Soup

A hearty and creamy soup made in your slow cooker with seasoned Italian sausage, buttery potatoes, and tender kale, all blended into a cheesy Parmesan broth.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
255 Minutes
By: Sandra

Category: Comforting Soups

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 12 ounces of Italian sausage (remove casings)
02 1 small onion, chopped up finely
03 A couple of garlic cloves, smashed and diced
04 3 cups of chicken stock (low sodium)

→ Vegetables & Seasonings

05 1 1/2 pounds of potatoes (gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
06 3/4 teaspoon regular salt
07 A pinch of crushed red pepper, optional
08 1/4 teaspoon of pepper (black)
09 2 cups of kale, chopped into small pieces

→ Finishing

10 3/4 cup of cream (10-30%)
11 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Instructions

Step 01

In a big skillet, cook the sausage and onion over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes till browned. Add garlic, stirring for another minute.

Step 02

Pour the sausage mixture into your slow cooker. Toss in the stock, potatoes, salt, pepper, and any red pepper flakes if you're using them.

Step 03

On Low, let it simmer for 4 to 5 hours, or if you’re short on time, turn it to High for 2 hours. Cook till the potatoes soften.

Step 04

Mix in the kale, cream, and Parmesan. Heat everything through, then taste and tweak the seasonings if necessary.

Notes

  1. Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days
  2. You can freeze it for one month max, but the potato texture might change a bit

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker (4-6 quarts)
  • A large skillet for frying

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (cream and Parmesan cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 579
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 41 g
  • Protein: 26 g