Simple Crockpot Zuppa Toscana
This is based off a similar soup served at Olive Garden. I have another version of Zuppa Toscana; but I needed one that I could just Toss & Go with my crockpot. Using the frozen hashbrown potatoes make a world of difference in the time without sacrificing any of the flavor.
What I like about this version is how little prep work is needed compared to the awesome results. Having browned sausage in the freezer really makes this a quick dish to put on before heading out the door.
Ingredients:
- 1 small or 1/2 large bag Hashbrown Potatoes
- 1 lb Italian Sausage, browned and drained (Spicy is awesome in this)
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2-3 cups kale, washed and diced small
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more or less to your preference)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 Tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
Instructions:
- Toss everything in the crockpot and cook for 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 on high
- Right before serving, slowly stir in the evaporated milk or heavy cream
Options:
Cook the sausage and onions together with the garlic and pepper flakes. It really deepens the flavors
I use both the evaporated milk and the heavy cream in mine. Love the extra creamy flavor
You can cut the cooking time down to a couple of hours if you will cook the kale before adding (microwave 5 minutes with a little water or simmer on stove until tender)
This looks so good! I love soup so much! I will be maknig this. Congrats on being included in the Amazing Top 50 Slow Cooker Soups on AllYou.com! 🙂
A lot of crockpot recipes end up bland for me; but this one is a perfect mix of flavorful ingredients and (so important!) it looks sooo easy to just throw in and forget about. Definitely putting this on my to-make list!
This sounds yummy. I especially love recipes can do in the crockpot. Makes cooking even easier.
This looks great! I want to try it. I love cooking in my crock pot. So easy!
This looks very tasty, I love Italian. I’ve never cooked this in a crock pot before, I’ll have to try it.
I love crockpot recipes. This one looks simple & sounds pretty tasty! I’ll try it.
I have never heard of this. It sounds too rich. I think I’ve gained a pound reading the ingredients!
I have never been to the Olive Garden, but this soup definitely looks and sounds delicious. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
I love the Olive Garden’s soups! Your recipe sounds wonderful. The only change I would make (and it’s only personal preference), is that I’d use the Sweet Italian Sausage instead of the Spicy. But I bet it comes out great!!!
It is good with the sweet sausage. I don’t care for the seasoning in the sweet but both will work.
This sounds so delicious and easy. I love crockpot meals. I’ll have to try this one soon! Thanks for the recipe!
Sounds really good . . . just can’t ever go wrong with kale and onions in a soup!
This sounds absolutely awesome and really easy. Zuppa Toscana is one of our faves- I expect this will be, too!
Thank you for sharing this recipe with us. This is one of my husband’s fave recipes.