Crock Pot Tuscan Sausage Soup
There's nothing like coming home to a house that smells like an Italian kitchen, and this crock pot Tuscan soup delivers exactly that. Loaded with spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and silky kale in a creamy parmesan broth, this set-it-and-forget-it dinner tastes like it simmered all day at a little trattoria.
Simple, everyday ingredients and clear, step-by-step instructions — every recipe made in Dorothy’s kitchen before it reaches yours. Jump to the full recipe card below.
Crock Pot Tuscan Sausage Soup
A creamy, comforting crock pot Tuscan soup with Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and parmesan simmered low and slow.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 medium russet potatoes, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups chopped kale, stems removed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the sausage to the crock pot along with the onion, garlic, chicken broth, potatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in the chopped kale and let it wilt for about 10 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, stirring until the soup is creamy and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. Spinach can be used in place of kale if that’s what you have on hand. This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make crock pot Tuscan soup without browning the sausage first?
Browning the sausage first isn't required, but it adds a deeper, richer flavor to the crock pot Tuscan soup and helps render out excess fat before it goes into the slow cooker.
What can I use instead of kale in this soup?
Baby spinach is a great substitute for kale in this crock pot Tuscan soup. Just stir it in during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking since it wilts much faster than kale.
Can I freeze crock pot Tuscan soup?
This soup freezes best without the cream added. Freeze the base for up to 3 months, then thaw, reheat, and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan right before serving.
How do I make this crock pot Tuscan soup less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes and choose a mild Italian sausage instead of hot for a gentler, family-friendly version of this soup.
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