Slow Cooker Creamy Zuppa Toscana soup recipe is a hearty soup that is comforting and easy to make. This recipe, a beloved classic, combines the rustic charm of Tuscan cuisine with the ease of modern slow-cooking techniques. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining in the Italian countryside, no passport required.

What We Love About This Favorite Soup Recipe

It’s incredibly easy to make. Just brown the sausage, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. You don’t have to do much at all.
The flavors are rich and comforting. With creamy broth, spicy sausage, and hearty tender potatoes, it’s a bowl of pure comfort that everyone loves.
It’s versatile. Whether you prefer it spicier or packed with more greens, this recipe can be tweaked to your liking.

Spicy Italian sausage in Zuppa Toscana slow cooker recipe.

Ingredients

Italian pork sausage
Sausage grease, reserved for sautéing
Yellow onion
Garlic cloves
Chicken broth
Salt and black pepper
Russet potatoes
Kale, chopped and de-stemmed
Heavy cream
Red pepper flakes (optional)

A full printable recipe with measurements and instructions is listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step-By-Step Instructions

In a large skillet on medium-high heat, brown your sausage until there is no more pink. Remove the pan from the heat and drain most of the grease, leaving about one tablespoon.
Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked sausage and return the pan to medium-high heat. Sauté until the onions begin to look translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Next, add your meat mixture, broth, chopped potatoes, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker and mix everything together until combined. Cover with the lid and turn on low for 6 1/2 hours.
After the soup has finished cooking, add the chopped kale and heavy cream and mix together. Cover and cook on high for 20 more minutes until the kale is tender.
Serve hot and enjoy! Optionally, top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick or parmesan cheese.

Variations

Swap sausage types. Use hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick, or keep it more traditional with mild Italian sausage.
Vegetable swaps. Try substituting kale with spinach for a different texture, or add cannellini beans for extra protein.
More meats. Add some crispy bacon to the top of the soup after cooking.

Tips

Skim the oil, optional. If you notice oil on the surface, skim it off after cooking for a cleaner taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken broth for chicken stock. For a richer base, stock can be used in place of broth.
Coconut milk for heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk is a great substitute.
Sweet potatoes for Russet potatoes. For a sweeter, nutrient-rich alternative use some sweet potatoes in the dish.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, add a bowl to a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Make sure the sausage gets to a temperature of at least 145 degrees.
Freeze. Freeze individual portions for easy reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.

Zuppa Toscana soup is one of our favorite meals, and the whole family loves it. This is similar to the Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup but much more affordable and delicious than the restaurant version. The recipe can be made in a slow cooker or Dutch oven.

Dish Pairings

We love to serve the soup with cheesy garlic bread, crusty bread, or some cornbread on the side. For a lighter side dish, a simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creamy soup beautifully.

This Slow Cooker Creamy Zuppa Toscana is more than just a soup; it’s a bowl of comfort food that brings a piece of Italy into your home. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving something hearty, this soup promises to satisfy. Have you ever tried making a Zuppa Toscana soup at home? What’s your favorite twist on this classic?