A hearty and flavorful Crockpot Zuppa Toscana recipe featuring Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale in a creamy broth.
Author:Clara Patel
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:3-8 hours
Total Time:3 hours 20 minutes - 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield:6-8 servings 1x
Category:Soup
Method:Slow Cooker
Cuisine:Italian-American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound mild or spicy Italian sausage
1 large yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1 cup heavy cream
4–6 cups fresh kale, tough stems removed and chopped
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease. Add the cooked sausage to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
In the same skillet (or directly in the slow cooker if it has a sear function), add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Transfer onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
Add chicken broth, thinly sliced potatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until potatoes are very tender.
Once potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the kale has wilted and the soup is heated through.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want a thicker soup, you can mash a few potato slices against the side of the slow cooker.
Serve hot, perhaps with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes.
If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half can be used, but the soup may be less rich.
Ensure the kale stems are removed as they can be tough and fibrous.
Nutrition
Serving Size:1.5 - 2 cups (estimated)
Calories:Estimated 450-550 kcal (will vary based on sausage fat content and exact cream amount)
Sugar:Estimated 5-8g
Sodium:Estimated 800-1200mg (will vary based on broth and sausage)