Low Carb Zuppa Toscana Crockpot
Zuppa toscana is a popular Italian soup known for its spicy sausage, earthy greens, savory seasonings, and smokey depth from bacon.
This version replaces the potatoes and heavy cream with more nutritious ingredients that maintain the rich, thick, and creamy textures while adding nutrients, too. Cooked in the crockpot, this hands off recipe tastes like it came from the kitchen of a fancy restaurant!
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What can I expect?
This zuppa toscana soup tastes just like your favorite Italian restaurant’s recipe! However, unlike most versions, this low-carb option replaces the starchy carbs with lighter, more nutritious ingredients such as cauliflower.
The end result is an unbelievably delicious soup that’s loaded with protein and nutrients that will keep you feeling full and energized until your next meal!
Even better, the only real cooking you have to do is browning the meat. Then, just combine the ingredients in a crockpot, and let it do all the heavy lifting! Start it in the morning, and you can come home to a cozy meal waiting for you.
Is Zuppa Toscana healthy?
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Let’s take a look at the main ingredients:
- Italian sausage
- Cauliflower
- Onion
- Garlic
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Kale
These are all natural, nutritious food sources. Each have their own list of health benefits and can be included in a variety of recipes for extra flavor, nutrients, and texture.
Sugar is what makes food unhealthy.
Classic zuppa toscana is made with at least five white potatoes (starchy carbs), which digest very similar to sugar.
Add 130g of starchy potatoes to this soup, and you’re looking at heartburn with an energy crash. (And you’ll be scouring the pantry for your next sugar snack within the hour.)
Substitute potatoes with a low-carb alternative, and this recipe becomes nourishment. The ingredients provide vitamins, minerals, protein, and quality, whole-food energy.
Enjoy this crockpot zuppa toscana soup knowing it supports your well-being. Learn more about eating less sugar here.
Low-Carb Zuppa Toscana Tips
1. Store leftovers
This recipe makes enough to feed up to 8 people, but you don’t have to eat it all at once! Instead, transfer leftovers to an airtight container, and keep them stored in the fridge for up to three days.
2. Freeze for later
Add zuppa toscana to your meal prep lineup, and keep it frozen for up to three months! Once cooled, transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container. Or, pour them into a soup cube tray, and freeze until solid. You’ll have easy to grab cubes perfect for quick, single-serving meals!
3. Add a side
This recipe is filling on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and appetizers! Try serving it with a lemon parmesan salad or low carb dinner rolls to satisfy a crowd.
4. Have leftover cauliflower?
Don’t toss it out! Instead, use it to make healthy chicken burrito bowls or healthy sushi waffles, and you’ll have meal prep done for the week.
Low Carb Zuppa Toscana Crockpot
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound – ground Italian sausage (pork or turkey)
- 4 cups – cauliflower florets (about 1 medium-sized head)
- 1 pc – medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves – garlic minced
- 4 cups – chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup – unsweetened almond milk (or another low-carb milk of your choice)
- 3 cups – kale chopped
- ½ tsp – red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage until cooked through. Make sure to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside.
- In the crockpot, combine the cooked sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, cauliflower florets, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for about 4-6 hours, or until the cauliflower is tender.
- 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped kale and unsweetened almond milk. Let it continue to cook until the kale is wilted and the flavors are well combined.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. The sausage and broth might already contain some salt.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
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