Better than Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana

By BobN

This soup is awesome! And yes, it's better than Olive Garden's, because you made it yourself. It's hearty, with sausage and potatoes, bacon and kale. This Tuscan soup makes a great meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausages (use spicy to get that signature Olive Garden flavor)
• 4 to 6 russet potatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup real bacon pieces (optional)
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced, about 3 to 4 cloves
• 32 ounces chicken broth
• 1 cup kale or Swiss chard, chopped
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons flour

Preparation

Step 1

Brown sausage links in a sauté pan. Cut links in half lengthwise, then cut slices. Place sausage, chicken broth, garlic, potatoes and onion in slow cooker. Add just enough water to cover the vegetables and meat. Cook on high 3-4 hours (low 5-6 hours) until potatoes are soft.

30 minutes before serving:
Mix flour into cream removing lumps. Add cream and kale to the crock pot, stir. Cook on high 30 minutes or until broth thickens slightly. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste.

Serve hot.