Can I make Zuppa Toscana without a slow cooker?

Yes. You can prepare Zuppa Toscana on the stovetop by browning sausage, adding broth and potatoes, and simmering until tender for about 30 minutes. Finish with cream and kale before serving for a similar hearty flavor.

Can I freeze this soup for later?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze Zuppa Toscana before adding cream. Add the dairy and kale after reheating to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

How do I thicken Zuppa Toscana if it’s too thin?

Mash a few potatoes in the slow cooker or stir in a cornstarch slurry to make the soup thicker and creamier without altering its flavor.

What can I use instead of kale?

Spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens are excellent alternatives. Add them near the end since they cook faster than kale.

Can I make it lighter but still creamy?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk to keep the soup creamy while reducing calories.

Hearty Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana Soup – 5-Star Comfort Classic

Name: Hearty Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 4 cups russet potatoes, diced; 1 small onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 cups chopped fresh kale; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Description

This hearty slow cooker Zuppa Toscana soup is a comforting blend of Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and cream, simmered slowly for rich, full flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 cups russet potatoes, diced
1 small onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups chopped fresh kale
1 cup heavy cream
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Cook Mode Keep your screen awake while you cook

Instructions

Brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Transfer sausage to the slow cooker and add diced potatoes, onions, garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours until potatoes are tender.
Stir in kale and heavy cream about 15–20 minutes before serving.
Top with bacon and Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, brown the sausage well before adding to the slow cooker.
Add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
Best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 980
Fat: 29
Saturated Fat: 14
Unsaturated Fat: 13
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 24
Fiber: 3
Protein: 18
Cholesterol: 78