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Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale

Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale
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Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana Soup with Sausage and Kale is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring savory sausage, tender russet potatoes, and vibrant kale simmered in a creamy broth. Perfect for easy weeknight meals or meal prepping, this hearty yet healthy soup delivers deep, layered flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Vegetables

  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups fresh kale, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced

Liquids & Dairy

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small chunks to evenly distribute flavor throughout the soup.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the sausage cooks, peel and dice the russet potatoes, chop the kale into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and dice the onion to create a rich flavor base.
  3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Combine the cooked sausage, potatoes, kale, garlic, onion, and chicken broth in the slow cooker. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
  4. Finish with Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Let it warm through, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed for a rich, creamy broth.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish as desired. Serve it on its own or with crusty bread for soaking up every last drop.

Notes

  • Use high-quality sausage with good seasoning for the best flavor.
  • Don’t skip browning the sausage to add caramelized flavor.
  • Add kale near the end to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
  • Cut potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
  • Adjust cream amount to preference for lighter or richer soup.

Nutrition

Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, slow cooker soup, Italian sausage soup, kale soup, comfort food, healthy soup, meal prep soup

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/slow-cooker-zuppa-toscana-soup-with-sausage-and-kale/