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Crockpot Olive Garden Copycat Zuppa Toscana

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 3-4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4-6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2-3 cups chopped kale
  • Optional: bacon, red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Brown the Sausage (Build the Flavor)
    First, heat a pan and cook the sausage until browned and crumbly.
    This step matters more than it seems. Browning creates a deeper, richer flavor that simply doesn’t develop in the slow cooker alone.
  2. Step 2: Load the Crockpot
    Next, transfer the sausage into the crockpot. Then add:
    Sliced potatoes
    Onion and garlic
    Chicken broth
    After that, give everything a quick stir so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: Let It Slow Cook
    Now it’s time to let the crockpot do the work.
    Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours
    Or use HIGH for 3–4 hours
    During this time, the potatoes will soften and absorb all the surrounding flavor. Meanwhile, the broth becomes richer and more cohesive.
  4. Step 4: Add Kale and Cream
    About 20–30 minutes before serving, stir in the kale and pour in the cream.
    At this stage, keeping the heat lower helps prevent the cream from separating. At the same time, adding kale later ensures it stays vibrant instead of overcooked.
  5. Step 5: Taste and Adjust
    Finally, taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
    You can add salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of warmth. If the soup feels too thick, simply stir in a splash of broth.