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Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

written by Ashley Fehr

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4.98 from 37 votes
Prep Time 15 mins
Total Time 4 hrs 15 mins
Servings 4 servings

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Published on October 28, 2020 / Last updated on November 2, 2020

This easy Zuppa Toscana is a creamy soup full of Italian sausage, kale, potatoes and Parmesan. It’s hearty, creamy, and perfect for fall! Step by step recipe video down in the recipe card.

slow cooker zuppa toscana in metal ladle
Table of Contents
  1. Why we love this Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana:
  2. Variations on this Zuppa Toscana recipe:
  3. Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana Recipe

I faintly remember those days when I used to go to Olive Garden.

And we’ve always lived at least an hour and a half away from an Olive Garden, so it’s not like it was a once a week thing, but still — every once in a while I think back to the days before Real Responsibilities (let’s call them “Kids” for short) and how we could go into a restaurant and just eat a relaxed meal.

But now I have two of the sweetest, cutest, funniest girls and I wouldn’t even trade them for a trip to Olive Garden (promise).

This means that I’ve learned to make more of our favorite restaurant meals at home, and this Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana is one of our favorite things to dip large chunks of bread into in the fall.

(What is soup without large chunks of bread??)

two bowls of zuppa toscana on white background with bread

Why we love this Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana:

  • The Italian sausage is loaded with herbs and spices, which cuts down on the extra ingredients required!
  • It’s got just the right amount of spice and sweetness (again, thanks Italian sausage!)
  • Aside from browning the meat, I can just dump it and go, which is perfect for busy weeknights
overhead image of one bowl of zuppa toscana with bread

Variations on this Zuppa Toscana recipe:

  • Lots of recipes for Zuppa Toscana include bacon, but I find it an unnecessary addition. If that’s your thing, feel free to cook some up in the same pan you fry your sausage and add it to the slow cooker (or save it to sprinkle on top later).
  • We prefer the texture of kale after it has softened in the slow cooker along with the vegetables. If you prefer it with more bite, you can leave it out until you add the cream to the slow cooker near the end.
  • You can swap the kale for spinach if that’s what you have on hand, but spinach isn’t as tough as kale and I would add it right before serving.
  • If you want to use a lighter dairy option, you can swap the heavy cream for evaporated milk. I don’t recommend low fat milk as it can curdle when added alone to hot liquid.
close up image of bowl of zuppa toscana soup
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Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

written by Ashley Fehr

4.98 from 37 votes
This Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana is a hearty potato soup made with Italian sausage and kale!
overhead image of one bowl of zuppa toscana with bread
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Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 4 hrs
Total Time 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine American
Course Main Course, Soup
Servings 4 servings
Calories 579cal

Ingredients

  • 375 g Italian sausage meat without casings, mild or spicy (¾ lb)
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1.5 lbs Russet or gold potatoes peeled and diced (about 4 medium)
  • 2 cups chopped kale
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 cup cream (10-30% will work fine)
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional, for extra spice

Instructions

  • In a large frying pan, brown the Italian sausage with the onion over medium-high heat (4-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute.
  • Add sausage mixture, broth, potatoes, kale (or save to add with the cream if you prefer more texture), salt and pepper to the Slow Cooker (4-6 quarts) and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for about 2 hours (cooking times vary by slow cooker). You can also reserve the kale to add at the end if you prefer it to have more texture.
  • Once potatoes are tender, stir in cream, Parmesan and red pepper flakes if using (optional for extra heat!). Let heat through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 579cal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 1170mg | Potassium: 1303mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3445IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 4mg

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Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

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Comments

  4. Darlene Schuller says

    I’d have to whip up a batch of cheesy scalloped potatoes.. always have been my favourite way to have taters!

    Reply

  7. Pat says

    I would be making this soup……….I make it all winter long and my recipe is very similar to yours, but I sometimes add chopped carrots to mine that we’ve grown in the garden…..a nice healthy soup….I always use Italian sausage in mine……have a nice day……………

    Reply

  14. Judy Cowan says

    Since it is comfort food time of I would love to roast some little potatoes around a beef roast along with some carrot, parsnips, and onion.

    Reply

  18. Kimberley Knull says

    I would make loaded Potato Soup with those yummy potatoes. It’s a perfect meal for the cooler weather that is soon to come! And I also love them baked in the oven with herbs! Yum.

    Love your blog! đŸ™‚

    Reply

  19. Izzy says

    I finally live in a town with an Olive Garden and I haven’t eaten there once lol. I love the name of this soup though and I’m all for any soup that has potatoes in it!

    Reply

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