Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana Recipe
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.
- Author: nova
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour in the Broth: Carefully pour 4 cups of chicken broth over the sausage and vegetables to provide the base for the soup.
- 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).
- 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