Zuppa Toscana Crockpot: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Tuscan Soup

Zuppa Toscana Crockpot: Craving the creamy, savory goodness of Olive Garden’s famous soup but don’t want to leave the comfort of your home? Or spend hours slaving over the stove? Then you’ve come to the right place! This recipe brings all the comforting flavors of Zuppa Toscana right to your kitchen, with the added bonus of effortless preparation thanks to your trusty crockpot.

Zuppa Toscana, meaning “Tuscan Soup” in Italian, is a hearty and rustic soup originating from the Tuscany region of Italy. While its exact origins are debated, it’s believed to have been a peasant dish, utilizing simple, readily available ingredients like potatoes, kale, beans, and sausage. Over time, variations have emerged, with Olive Garden’s version becoming a beloved favorite in America.

What makes this soup so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of creamy broth, spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and earthy kale. The richness of the cream balances the spice of the sausage, while the potatoes provide a comforting heartiness. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself? That’s where the Zuppa Toscana Crockpot method shines. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort with minimal effort!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, or a mix)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 5-6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 bunch kale, washed, stemmed, and chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving

Preparing the Sausage and Aromatics:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is brown our Italian sausage. This step is crucial because it adds a ton of flavor to the soup. I usually use a mix of mild and hot sausage for a little kick, but feel free to use whatever you prefer. If you’re not a fan of sausage, you could substitute with ground turkey or even leave it out altogether for a vegetarian version.

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble the Italian sausage and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. This will help it distribute evenly throughout the soup. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy soup!
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Once the sausage is browned, add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it’s softened, about 5-7 minutes. The onions should be translucent and slightly sweet-smelling. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Building the Soup Base in the Crockpot:

Now that we’ve got our sausage and aromatics ready, it’s time to transfer everything to the crockpot. This is where the magic happens! The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and comforting soup.

1. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Transfer the browned sausage, cooked onion, and garlic to your crockpot. Add the chicken broth, water, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together to combine.
2. Add the Potatoes: Next, add the peeled and cubed russet potatoes to the crockpot. Make sure the potatoes are submerged in the liquid. If not, you can add a little more water or chicken broth. The potatoes will cook until they’re tender, adding a creamy texture to the soup.
3. Season with Salt and Pepper: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the sausage and chicken broth already contain some salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed. You can always add more salt later, but you can’t take it away!
4. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. I prefer to cook it on low for a longer period of time because I think it allows the flavors to develop more fully, but if you’re short on time, the high setting works just fine.

Adding the Finishing Touches:

Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to add the final ingredients that will really take this soup to the next level. The kale and heavy cream add a wonderful texture and richness that makes this soup so satisfying.

1. Add the Kale: Stir in the chopped kale and cook until it’s wilted, about 15-20 minutes. The kale will shrink down quite a bit as it cooks, so don’t worry if it seems like a lot at first. I like to use Tuscan kale (also known as lacinato kale or dinosaur kale) because it has a slightly milder flavor than curly kale, but you can use whichever type you prefer.
2. Stir in the Heavy Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Don’t let the soup boil after adding the cream, as it can curdle. The heavy cream adds a luxurious richness to the soup that is simply irresistible. If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can substitute with half-and-half or even milk, but the soup won’t be quite as creamy.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Serving and Enjoying Your Zuppa Toscana:

Now for the best part – serving and enjoying your delicious Zuppa Toscana! This soup is perfect on a chilly evening, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I love to serve it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread for dipping.

1. Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. A sprinkle of fresh parsley also adds a nice touch.
3. Enjoy! Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can omit them altogether.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Potato Variety: You can use other types of potatoes, such as Yukon gold or red potatoes, but russet potatoes tend to hold their shape best in the slow cooker.
• Kale Substitute: If you’re not a fan of kale, you can substitute with spinach or Swiss chard. Add the spinach or Swiss chard during the last 5 minutes of cooking, as they wilt very quickly.
• Make it Ahead: This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Zuppa Toscana freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork before adding the kale and heavy cream. Alternatively, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Adding Bacon: For an even richer flavor, add some cooked and crumbled bacon to the soup.
• Using Different Broth: While chicken broth is traditional, you can experiment with vegetable broth or even bone broth for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
• Fat: 20-30g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g

Enjoy your homemade Zuppa Toscana! I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s a comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Zuppa Toscana Crockpot recipe is truly a game-changer. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The sheer simplicity of tossing everything into your crockpot and walking away, only to return to a house filled with the comforting aroma of Italian sausage, creamy broth, and hearty vegetables, is an experience everyone deserves. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a chilly evening, a stress-free weeknight dinner solution, and a crowd-pleaser all rolled into one delicious bowl.

What makes this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the ease of preparation, it’s the incredible depth of flavor. The combination of the spicy Italian sausage, the earthy kale, the tender potatoes, and the creamy broth creates a symphony of tastes that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the spice level by using mild or hot Italian sausage, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. You can also swap out the kale for spinach if that’s what you have on hand, or add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini for even more nutritional value.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Speaking of versatility, let’s talk serving suggestions! I personally love to serve this Zuppa Toscana with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a salty, savory touch that elevates the dish even further. For a lighter meal, you can skip the bread and simply enjoy the soup on its own. And if you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Creamy Tomato Zuppa Toscana: Add a can of diced tomatoes and a splash of heavy cream for a richer, more tomato-based flavor.
• Spicy Chorizo Zuppa Toscana: Substitute the Italian sausage with chorizo for a smoky, spicy twist.
• Vegetarian Zuppa Toscana: Omit the sausage and add a can of cannellini beans for a protein-packed vegetarian option. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Low-Carb Zuppa Toscana: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb version that’s just as satisfying.

The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. That’s the beauty of cooking, isn’t it? It’s all about creating something delicious that you and your loved ones will enjoy.

But seriously, you absolutely have to try this Zuppa Toscana Crockpot recipe. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

Now it’s your turn!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of slow-cooked Italian goodness. Once you’ve made it, please, please, please come back and share your experience in the comments below! I’d love to hear what you thought of the recipe, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Did you add extra garlic? Did you use a different type of sausage? Did you serve it with a side of garlic bread? I want to know everything! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to improve my recipes and create even more delicious content for you.

So go ahead, grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t regret it. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your Zuppa Toscana adventures!