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Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana Recipe

4.9 from 660 reviews

A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana that blends tender kale, creamy potatoes, savory Italian sausage, and a touch of coconut milk for a creamy, flavorful soup perfect for any chilly day.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 bunch green curly kale, rinsed and chopped (stems removed)
  • 4 medium-large potatoes, peeled and chopped (or 1 head cauliflower for keto option)
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

Meat

  • 1 lb Italian sausage, sweet or hot, broken up or sliced

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • ½ can full-fat coconut milk, mixed
  • Salt, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Rinse the kale thoroughly and chop it, removing the tough stems to ensure tender bites. Place the kale at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Chop Potatoes, Onions, and Garlic: Peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onions and mince the garlic cloves. Layer these vegetables evenly over the kale in the slow cooker.
  3. Add the Sausage: Break up or slice the Italian sausage and place it evenly on top of the vegetables for even cooking and flavor distribution.
  4. Pour in the Broth: Carefully pour 4 cups of chicken broth over the sausage and vegetables to provide the base for the soup.
  5. Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high heat for about 4 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Finish with Coconut Milk and Seasoning: Stir in the half can of full-fat coconut milk to add creaminess. Season with salt to taste and, if desired, add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Stir well and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a keto-friendly version, substitute the potatoes with a head of cauliflower.
  • You can use either sweet or hot Italian sausage depending on your preferred spice level.
  • Be sure to check that the sausage is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
  • Adjust salt and red pepper flakes to your taste preference.
  • Using full-fat coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture without dairy.
  • For added texture and flavor, consider garnishing with grated Parmesan or crispy bacon bits before serving (optional).

Keywords: slow cooker soup, Zuppa Toscana, Italian sausage soup, kale soup, creamy soup, gluten free, coconut milk soup