Let me tell you, there’s something incredibly comforting about a big bowl of crockpot zuppa toscana! This Italian soup has become a cherished family favorite in my home, and it’s not hard to see why. Picture this: tender potatoes, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant kale all simmering together in a rich, creamy broth. The best part? I can throw everything in the crockpot, set it, and forget it! It fills my kitchen with the most amazing aroma, drawing everyone in from whatever they’re doing. Trust me, when you serve this hearty soup, you’ll see smiles all around the table. It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul and fills your belly—perfect for chilly evenings or any time you need a little comfort food magic. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delicious crockpot zuppa toscana, you’ll need the following ingredients. Make sure to have everything ready before you start—trust me, it makes the process so much smoother!
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
- 4 medium potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, diced finely
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter touch)
- 2 cups kale, chopped (feel free to add more if you love it!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious, creamy finish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gathering these ingredients will set you on the path to a cozy meal that everyone will adore! Enjoy!
How to Prepare Crockpot Zuppa Toscana
Preparing crockpot zuppa toscana is a breeze, and I love how easy it is to make a hearty meal with just a little bit of prep! Let’s dive into the steps to get this delicious soup simmering away in your crockpot.
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
First things first, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook it until it’s nice and browned, around 5-7 minutes. This step is super important because browning the sausage adds depth and flavor to the soup! You want those tasty bits to really shine.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Once your sausage is browned, it’s time to transfer it to the crockpot. Add in the diced potatoes, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and pour in the chicken broth. I like to give it a little stir to combine everything evenly. This way, all those flavors meld beautifully as they cook together!
Step 3: Cooking Time
Now, set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cooking it on low gives you a richer flavor and creamier texture, but if you’re short on time, high works just fine. Just know that the longer it simmers, the more delicious it becomes!
Step 4: Add Kale
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the chopped kale. This timing is key! Adding it too early might make it mushy, and we want that lovely texture to remain. Just let it wilt slightly in the hot soup, and it’ll be perfect!
Step 5: Finish with Cream
Finally, right before serving, mix in the heavy cream. Oh, this is where the magic happens! It transforms the soup into a creamy, dreamy delight. Give it a good stir, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You’re now ready to enjoy a bowl of comfort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why crockpot zuppa toscana has become a staple in my kitchen! Here are just a few that I think you’ll appreciate:
- Quick preparation time: With just 20 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it!
- Hearty and comforting flavors: Each bowl is like a warm hug, filled with savory sausage and tender potatoes.
- Easy cleanup: Using the crockpot means fewer dishes to wash—just one pot to clean!
- Great for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Freezes well: Leftovers can be frozen, so you can enjoy this delicious dish anytime you want!
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why this soup is such a hit!
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying a bowl of crockpot zuppa toscana, it’s nice to know what you’re getting in terms of nutrition! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (1 cup): about 350 calories, 22g of fat, 15g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust based on your preferences. Enjoy your hearty meal while keeping an eye on the numbers!
Tips for Success
To ensure your crockpot zuppa toscana turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my go-to tips! First, don’t be shy with seasoning—taste as you go! You might want to adjust the salt and pepper based on your broth’s saltiness. If you love a little kick, add some red pepper flakes for extra warmth!
Also, feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Turkey sausage works wonderfully if you’re looking for a lighter option, and you can swap out kale for spinach or Swiss chard if that’s what you have on hand. Lastly, keep an eye on the cooking time; if you’re home, check it a bit earlier on high, just to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal with crockpot zuppa toscana even more delightful, I recommend serving it with some warm, crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the creamy soup! A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, adding a nice crunch and brightness to the meal. You could even add some grated Parmesan on top of the soup for that extra touch of Italian flair. Enjoy your cozy dinner!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your crockpot zuppa toscana is super easy! Just let the soup cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm. If you want to store it for longer, this soup freezes wonderfully! Just portion it out, and it’ll be good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy every comforting bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out this creamy zuppa toscana recipe or this slow cooker chicken and lentil soup for another comforting option!
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Crockpot Zuppa Toscana: 5 Reasons to Savor This Comforting Soup
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and comforting Italian soup made with potatoes, kale, and sausage, cooked slowly in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the browned sausage, potatoes, onion, garlic, and chicken broth to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in the chopped kale.
- Before serving, mix in the heavy cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use turkey sausage.
- Adjust the amount of kale based on your preference.
- This soup freezes well for future meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: crockpot zuppa toscana