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- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, sliced - 2 cups kale, chopped - 1 cup baby spinach - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained These main ingredients form the heart of the soup. The Italian sausage gives it a rich flavor. The chicken broth adds depth. Fresh vegetables like onion, garlic, carrots, kale, and spinach provide great nutrition. The diced tomatoes offer a nice acidity, balancing the creaminess. - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving, optional) - Fresh herbs (basil or parsley) Adding heavy cream makes the soup creamy and smooth. Coconut cream is a great swap for dairy-free diets. Parmesan cheese enriches the flavor, while fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings are key to bringing this soup to life. Italian seasoning blends herbs that complement the sausage. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, ensuring every bite is delicious. Cooking the sausage Start by taking 1 pound of Italian sausage. You can choose between mild or spicy, based on your taste. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until it turns brown, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, drain the excess fat. Transfer the sausage to your slow cooker. Chopping vegetables Next, grab a medium onion and finely chop it. You will also need 3 cloves of garlic, which you should mince. Slice 2 medium carrots into thin rounds. Now, your veggies are ready to join the sausage in the slow cooker. Adding ingredients to the slow cooker In the slow cooker, add the chopped onion and minced garlic right on top of the sausage. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth along with a can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) without draining. Stir everything together gently. Now, add the sliced carrots, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cooking times (low vs high) Cover the slow cooker. You can set it to low for 6 to 8 hours if you want a rich flavor. If you're short on time, set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. Either way, your soup will be delicious! Incorporating greens and cream About 30 minutes before your soup is done, stir in 2 cups of chopped kale and 1 cup of baby spinach. This adds color and nutrition. Once the cooking time is up, mix in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Let it heat through for a few minutes. Adjusting flavors before serving Before serving, taste your soup. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. If you want, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy your creamy Tuscan sausage soup! To get that dreamy creamy texture, you can use either heavy cream or coconut cream. Heavy cream gives a rich taste and a silky feel. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free option, adding a subtle sweetness. To adjust the creaminess level, start with a cup of cream. You can add more if you want it richer. Adding spices can really boost the flavor of your soup. Try a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also add thyme or rosemary for a new twist. If you want to add more vegetables, toss in some zucchini or bell peppers. For extra protein, try diced chicken or beans. For the perfect meal, serve your soup with crusty bread. A simple salad on the side can brighten your plate. When it comes to presentation, use rustic bowls. Top each bowl with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This adds color and makes your soup look inviting. {{image_2}} To make this soup dairy-free, start by swapping heavy cream for coconut cream. Coconut cream gives a rich taste without the dairy. For cheese, try using nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without any milk. You can also use cashew cheese, which is creamy and smooth. If you want a vegetarian or vegan soup, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage. There are many great options in stores now. You can also add beans for protein. For broth, switch chicken broth to vegetable broth. This keeps all the flavors while making the soup plant-based. Want to change the flavor? Add spices like red pepper flakes for heat. You can also toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. For a fun twist, try adding curry powder to give it an Indian flavor. A little lemon juice can also brighten the dish. Each of these changes gives a new taste to this creamy soup. After you enjoy the soup, cool it to room temperature. Store it in the fridge within two hours. Use airtight containers for the best results. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work great. Make sure to label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness. To freeze the soup, let it cool completely first. Pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for expansion. Seal tightly and label them. When you want to eat it, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to mix the ingredients. In the fridge, the soup stays good for about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. For the best taste, eat it sooner rather than later. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after a day in the fridge. To prepare, follow these steps: - Cook the sausage and add it to the slow cooker as usual. - After cooking, let the soup cool. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a little broth if it thickens too much. Absolutely! You can use different types of sausage. Here are a few options: - Chicken sausage for a lighter taste. - Turkey sausage if you want a leaner option. - Andouille sausage for a spicy kick. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Each variety brings a unique flavor to the soup. This soup pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread for dipping. - A fresh green salad with light dressing. - Garlic bread for a bold flavor boost. These sides complement the rich soup and create a full meal experience. Enjoy your meal! In this blog post, we explored the tasty world of Creamy Tuscan Sausage Soup. We covered the main and optional ingredients, provided step-by-step cooking instructions, and shared tips for perfecting the dish. You learned about variations for different diets and how to store leftovers effectively. Embrace the creativity in your cooking. Don’t hesitate to try new ingredients or spices. Enjoy making this warm, comforting soup again and again!

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Soup Slow Cooker

Warm up with a delightful creamy Tuscan sausage soup that’s perfect for any night! This comforting recipe features Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and a rich creamy broth, all made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Ideal for busy days, it’s a comforting dish your family will love. Discover how to create this hearty meal and indulge in the flavors of Tuscany. Click to explore the recipe and make your kitchen a cozy haven!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup heavy cream (substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

2 cups kale, chopped

1 cup baby spinach

2 medium carrots, sliced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving, optional)

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat and transfer the sausage to the slow cooker.

    Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker with the sausage.

      Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine the ingredients.

        Add the sliced carrots, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.

          Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

            About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped kale and baby spinach.

              Once the soup is done cooking, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to heat through.

                Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

                  Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 6-8 hours | 6 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in rustic bowls, topped with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Pair with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.