Crockpot Zuppa Toscana

Crockpot Zuppa Toscana is a cozy, hearty soup inspired by the classic Italian favorite made famous by restaurants, but adapted for the convenience of a slow cooker. With tender potatoes, savory Italian sausage, aromatic garlic and onions, and silky cream all brought together in a flavorful broth, this soup is pure comfort in a bowl. The crockpot method allows the flavors to slowly develop and meld, resulting in a deeply satisfying dish that feels like it simmered all day—because it did.

Perfect for busy weekdays, cold evenings, or when you’re feeding a crowd, this soup is both indulgent and surprisingly simple to make. Add a handful of fresh kale at the end, and you have a balanced, soul-warming meal that never fails to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Once everything goes into the crockpot, it practically cooks itself. The potatoes become perfectly tender, the sausage infuses the broth with richness, and the cream ties it all together into a luxurious, comforting soup. It’s reliable, filling, and always a hit with family and guests.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Classic Italian-inspired comfort food
• Easy slow cooker preparation
• Rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
• Crowd-pleasing and family-friendly

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: ~6½–7½ hours
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~420 calories per serving (approx.)
• Course: Soup / Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 4 cups russet potatoes, thinly sliced or diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups kale, chopped (stems removed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cooked bacon bits (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Add to Crockpot: Transfer sausage to the crockpot. Add potatoes, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and chicken broth.
3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
4. Add Cream & Kale: Stir in heavy cream and kale. Cover and cook an additional 20–30 minutes until kale is wilted.
5. Taste & Adjust: Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Brown Italian sausage until fully cooked.
2. Drain and add sausage to the slow cooker.
3. Add sliced potatoes, onion, garlic, and broth.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Slow cook until potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Stir in cream and kale near the end.
7. Let cook briefly, then serve warm.

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How to Serve

Serve Crockpot Zuppa Toscana hot with crusty bread, garlic knots, or breadsticks. A simple green salad or Caesar salad pairs perfectly. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese and crispy bacon bits for extra indulgence.

Recipe Tips

• Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking
• Use heavy cream for best texture (milk may curdle)
• Add kale at the end to keep it vibrant and tender
• For thicker soup, mash a few potatoes in the crockpot
• Taste before serving—sausage salt levels can vary

Variations (Detailed)

• Lighter Version: Use turkey sausage and half-and-half
• Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes
• Dairy-Free: Replace cream with full-fat coconut milk
• Extra Veggies: Add carrots or celery with the potatoes
• Keto-Friendly: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Freeze without cream for best results, up to 2 months
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring often

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (crockpot)
• Skillet (for browning sausage)
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Conclusion

Crockpot Zuppa Toscana is the ultimate comfort soup—rich, creamy, and packed with savory flavor, all made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or preparing it ahead for busy days, this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction every single time. One spoonful, and it’s easy to see why this soup is such a beloved classic.

Crockpot Zuppa Toscana

Crockpot Zuppa Toscana is a cozy, hearty soup inspired by the classic Italian favorite made famous by restaurants, but adapted for the convenience of a slow cooker.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: Italian Course: Soups & Drinks

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Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 7 hrs Total Time 7 hrs 15 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 lb Italian sausage , casings removed (mild or spicy)
• 4 cups russet potatoes, thinly sliced or diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups kale, chopped (stems removed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cooked bacon bits (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Add to Crockpot: Transfer sausage to the crockpot. Add potatoes, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and chicken broth.
3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
4. Add Cream & Kale: Stir in heavy cream and kale. Cover and cook an additional 20–30 minutes until kale is wilted.
5. Taste & Adjust: Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Keywords: Crockpot Zuppa Toscana