Crockpot Tuscan Soup is a warm and hearty dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your home. This comforting soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale, all simmered together in a creamy broth. It’s an easy recipe that requires minimal effort and is perfect for chilly evenings.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Crockpot Tuscan Soup is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it’s simple to prepare — just toss the ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work. Second, it’s delicious and satisfying, making it a great option for family dinners. Lastly, it is customizable; you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Plus, it fills your home with a wonderful aroma as it cooks.
How to Make Crockpot Tuscan Soup
Ingredients
- 375 grams Italian sausage meat (without casings, mild or spicy (¾ lb))
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1½ lbs Russet or gold potatoes (about 4 medium, peeled and diced)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- ¾ cup cream (10-30% will work fine)
- 2 cups chopped kale
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
- In a large frying pan, brown the Italian sausage with the onion over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Transfer the sausage mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook on Low for 4-5 hours or on High for about 2 hours. Cooking times can vary by slow cooker, so check for readiness.
- Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the kale, cream, and Parmesan.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
How to Serve Crockpot Tuscan Soup
Serve Crockpot Tuscan Soup hot in bowls. You can add extra Parmesan cheese on top for more flavor. It pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Crockpot Tuscan Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Tips to Make Crockpot Tuscan Soup
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes after they have cooked.
- Use Italian sausage with herbs and spices for added flavor.
- Experiment with different greens — spinach or Swiss chard also work well.
- Adjust the cream to your preferred richness; you can even use a dairy-free option if desired.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the Italian sausage and adding more vegetables like carrots and zucchini. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat before serving.
2. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free sausage and check the broth for any gluten ingredients.
3. Can I substitute the cream with a lighter option?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat milk or a dairy-free cream alternative if you prefer a lighter soup.
