Best 2 Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana Recipes

**Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana: A Flavorful Italian Treat**

Zuppa Toscana is a classic Italian soup that combines the rustic flavors of sausage, kale, potatoes, and beans in a creamy broth. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a chilly day or a cozy dinner with friends and family. In this article, we'll explore two delicious variations of Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana: a traditional version and a vegetarian version. Both recipes are easy to follow and can be made in a slow cooker, making them a convenient and hassle-free meal option. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary journey to savor the delightful flavors of Zuppa Toscana!

Let's cook with our recipes!

SLOW COOKER ZUPPA TOSCANA

Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana image

Slow cooker version of a famous restaurant soup. Easy taste of Italy brought home.

Provided by Heather Stalzer

Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Vegetable Soup Recipes Potato Soup Recipes

Time 5h53m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 pound bulk pork sausage
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
4 large russet potatoes, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 (32 ounce) container chicken broth
2 cups water, or as needed
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 bunch kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves torn into bite-size pieces
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir sausage in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Add onion and garlic; saute until onion is translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and discard grease.
Place potatoes in a slow cooker (such as Crock Pot®). Add the cooked sausage and onion mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour chicken broth on top. Add up to 2 cups water to cover potatoes fully. Stir soup gently. Cover and cook on Low until potatoes are fork-tender, 5 to 6 hours.
Pour heavy cream into the soup. Stir in kale to combine. Cover and cook on High until flavors are incorporated, about 30 minutes more. Garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 447.4 calories, Carbohydrate 42.3 g, Cholesterol 78.2 mg, Fat 24.8 g, Fiber 5.6 g, Protein 15.8 g, SaturatedFat 11.6 g, Sodium 1275.4 mg, Sugar 2.9 g

DAIRY-FREE SLOW COOKER ZUPPA TOSCANA

Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana image

This slow-cooker zuppa Toscana made with Italian sausage and coconut milk is perfect for those that can't have dairy.

Provided by Delittrell

Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes

Time 4h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
8 ounces mild Italian sausage
½ onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 quart chicken broth
2 cups water
2 large russet potatoes, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 pinch dried oregano, or to taste
1 pinch dried basil, or to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 cups chopped kale
1 (13.5 ounce) can coconut milk

Steps:

Place oil in a medium-sized pan and warm over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Add onion and cook until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until slightly browned, about 2 minutes more. Transfer mixture to a slow cooker.
Add broth, water, and potatoes to the slow cooker. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on High power for 4 to 6 hours.
Add kale to the soup in the slow cooker and let wilt slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in coconut milk.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 268.6 calories, Carbohydrate 21.9 g, Cholesterol 13.5 mg, Fat 17.7 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 7.8 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 752 mg, Sugar 1.5 g

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your soup taste its best. Choose ripe vegetables, good-quality sausage, and a flavorful broth.
Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: If you crowd the slow cooker, the ingredients won't cook evenly. Leave some space between the ingredients so that they can circulate.
Cook on low for the best flavor: Cooking the soup on low for 8-10 hours will allow the flavors to develop and meld together. If you're short on time, you can cook the soup on high for 4-6 hours, but the flavor won't be as good.
Add the kale at the end of cooking: Kale cooks quickly, so add it to the soup in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will prevent it from becoming overcooked and wilted.
Serve with a side of crusty bread or a salad: Zuppa toscana is a hearty and filling soup, but it's even better when served with a side of crusty bread or a salad. This will help to balance out the richness of the soup.

Conclusion:

Slow cooker zuppa toscana is a delicious and easy-to-make soup that's perfect for a cold night. It's packed with flavor and is sure to warm you up from the inside out. So next time you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give this soup a try. You won't be disappointed!