zuppa toscana slow cooker recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
zuppa toscana slow cooker recipe
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The Best zuppa toscana slow cooker recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Zuppa Toscana slow cooker recipe. This hearty Italian-inspired soup is a staple in our household, and for good reason.

It’s comforting, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. I first fell in love with this recipe when I was a young mom, trying to feed my family a healthy and satisfying meal after a long day of work.

My kids would devour it in minutes, and I loved watching them slurp up the rich broth and veggies. As they grew older, they started to ask for the recipe, and now it’s a family favorite that we all enjoy together.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make in the slow cooker, which means I can just set it and forget it while I tackle other tasks around the house.

When I serve it up at family gatherings or potlucks, everyone raves about it. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a warm hug on a chilly evening.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with plenty of veggies, lean protein, and complex carbs, this soup is a nutritional powerhouse that will keep you full and satisfied until your next meal.

Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

4.9 from 1191 votes

A hearty and creamy Italian soup made with spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and kale in a rich broth. This slow cooker version delivers all the flavor of the classic with minimal effort.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 15 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 8 minutes.
2Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
3Add the diced onion to the same skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, about 4 minutes.
4Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
6Add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
7Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
8Stir in the cooked sausage and heavy cream.
9Add the chopped kale and stir until the kale is wilted and bright green, about 2 minutes.
10Cover and cook on high for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.
11Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
6-quart slow cooker
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use turkey sausage. The soup thickens as it sits; add a splash of broth when reheating.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana Works

This Zuppa Toscana slow cooker recipe has been a staple in our household for years now – it’s comforting, flavorful, and packed with nutrients that keeps us all going strong until our next meal.

Whether you’re serving it at home on busy weeknights or taking it along as an easy potluck dish for events & parties – people rave about its rich flavors!

With such ease & convenience provided by using your slow cooker every single time without fail; no one wants anything complicated here only pure simplicity plus wholesome goodness guaranteed whenever possible; trust me!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

1. Can I use a different type of sausage in this zuppa toscana slow cooker recipe?

Yes, you can use mild Italian sausage, hot Italian sausage, or even turkey sausage. The flavor will change slightly but it still works well. If you use turkey sausage, you may want to add a little extra seasoning like fennel or red pepper flakes.

2. Do I need to brown the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker?

Browning the sausage first is recommended because it adds more flavor and texture. You can cook it in a skillet until browned and then drain the fat before adding it to the slow cooker. This step takes only a few minutes but makes a difference.

3. Can I make this soup dairy free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full fat coconut milk or a dairy free cream alternative. The soup will have a slightly different taste but it will still be creamy and delicious. Just add it at the end like you would the cream.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. The soup may thicken as it sits so you can add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

5. Can I freeze this zuppa toscana soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup but the texture of the potatoes and cream may change slightly. Freeze it in a freezer safe container for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat gently. Stir well before serving.

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