Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana (Easy)
Easy crock pot Zuppa Toscana made with sweet Italian sausage, kale, potatoes, and a lightened-up creamy broth. A hearty one-pot slow cooker dinner!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds sweet Italian pork sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼ inch pieces
- 1 quart low sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup water
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
To Add at the End
- 4 cups chopped kale
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and break into bite sized pieces. Brown on one side, about 3 minutes.
- Flip the sausage pieces, add the onion, and cook until the onions are softened and the sausage is browned on both sides, about 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring frequently. Drain any excess grease and discard, if desired.
- Carefully transfer the cooked sausage and onion mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, stock, water, and salt, stirring to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours on high, or 7-8 hours on low, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Uncover and remove about 1 cup of cooked potatoes and ½ cup cooking liquid to a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Add the kale, cover, and cook on high for 15-30 minutes, or until the kale is tender.
- While the kale is cooking, using a fork, mash the potatoes with the cooking liquid until smooth.
- When the kale is tender but still bright green, add the mashed potato mixture and cream, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.
Notes
- For an even lighter version, use bulk chicken sausage in place of pork and half-and-half in place of cream.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 (of 6) | Calories: 619kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 702mg | Potassium: 1209mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 4755IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 177mg | Iron: 4mg
