Crockpot Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Copycat

Few soups deliver cozy comfort quite like a bowl of Zuppa Toscana. This beloved Italian-inspired soup made famous by Olive Garden combines a creamy broth, spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale for a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Now, imagine all that goodness prepared effortlessly in your crockpot!

Our Crockpot Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Copycat recipe recreates the magic without pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol, making it a family-friendly and comforting dish for chilly fall and winter evenings. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, this slow cooker soup recipe is easy to make, freezes well, and tastes even better the next day.

Why This Crockpot Zuppa Toscana is Better Than Olive Garden’s

• Slow Cooker Magic: The crockpot allows flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.

• No Pork, Bacon, or Alcohol: Perfect for those avoiding these ingredients, without sacrificing flavor.

• Fresh Ingredients: Real kale, potatoes, and sausage give this soup a hearty, wholesome base.

• Creamy & Spicy: A rich broth balanced with a touch of heat from sausage and spices.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Freezes and reheats with ease, making it ideal for busy weeks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sausage and Protein

• 1 lb (450g) spicy Italian chicken sausage (casings removed) — a great substitute for pork sausage

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for optional browning)

Vegetables and Greens

• 1 large yellow onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 4–5 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced or diced

• 4 cups fresh kale, roughly chopped (stems removed)

Liquids and Broth

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• 1 cup water (optional, to adjust thickness)

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Crockpot Zuppa Toscana Step-by-Step

Step 1: Brown the Sausage (Optional But Recommended)

While you can add sausage raw, browning it first brings out deeper flavor and texture.

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add chicken sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon.

• Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.

• Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot

• Place sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the crockpot.

• Add diced onion, minced garlic, and browned sausage (or raw sausage if skipping browning).

• Sprinkle dried oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper evenly.

• Pour chicken broth over the top.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.

• Potatoes should be tender and sausage fully cooked.

Step 4: Add Kale and Cream

• About 30 minutes before serving, stir in chopped kale and heavy cream.

• If you want a thinner broth, add up to 1 cup water.

• Cover and cook on High for the remaining 30 minutes to wilt the kale and warm the cream.

Step 5: Final Taste and Serve

• Stir well and taste for seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

• Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crockpot Zuppa Toscana

Choosing the Right Sausage

Look for chicken or turkey Italian sausage without pork or bacon. Removing casings helps the sausage crumble better in the soup.

Potato Prep

Russet potatoes hold up well to slow cooking, but Yukon Gold can add a buttery texture. Slice thinly for faster cooking.

Kale or Substitute Greens

Kale adds nutrition and a beautiful color contrast. If you prefer, substitute with spinach or Swiss chard for a milder flavor.

Adjusting Thickness

If your soup is too thick, add water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. Too thin? Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir in to thicken during the last 15 minutes.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Dairy-Free Option

• Use canned coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer instead of heavy cream.

• Swap sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess after cooking.

Extra Veggie Boost

• Add sliced carrots or celery in the crockpot.

• Toss in mushrooms for earthiness.

Spicier Version

• Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño with the onions.

• Top with hot sauce or chili oil before serving.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Zuppa Toscana

Storing

• Cool completely and store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• The soup thickens as it sits; stir in broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

• Freeze in individual or family-size portions for up to 3 months.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or microwave.

Reheating

• Warm gently on medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

• Add extra broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 350–400

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 20g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sodium: Moderate (adjust with broth choice)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen sausage or raw sausage without browning?

Yes, you can add frozen or raw sausage directly to the crockpot. Cooking time might need to be extended slightly to ensure thorough cooking.

Is it okay to use pre-chopped kale?

Absolutely! Using pre-washed and chopped kale saves prep time and works perfectly in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes. Brown the sausage and sauté onions and garlic in a large pot. Add potatoes, broth, and seasonings, then simmer until potatoes are tender. Stir in kale and cream at the end.

How spicy is this soup?

This recipe has a gentle heat from the crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to your preference or omit for a milder version.

What can I serve with Zuppa Toscana?

Crusty artisan bread, garlic breadsticks, or a simple green salad complement this soup beautifully.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Copycat recipe brings the warmth and richness of the original right into your slow cooker, minus pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol. It’s creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor—a perfect companion for chilly days, family dinners, or batch cooking.

With minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor payoff, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Gather your ingredients, prep your crockpot, and enjoy a bowl of this comforting Italian-inspired classic anytime!