The other day my husband texted me from Kneaders (a local bakery) telling me about this amazing soup he had ordered for lunch. It was called Parmesan, Sausage and Kale soup. Immediately I thought that it sounded like Zuppa Toscana because those are the exact ingredients that you put in the favorite Olive Garden copy cat recipe. He said that it was different than Zuppa and super yummy. He asked me if I could make something like it in the slow cooker. I told him I would try! So the other day I picked up a bowl of the soup from Kneaders to see if I could somehow replicate it. I tried and came up with something that is by no means identical but I think it tastes just as good!
Slow Cooker Parmesan, Sausage and Kale Soup
- Cook Time: 4 hours on low
- Total Time: 33 minute
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (I used mild)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 celery rib, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced or shredded
- 2 cups cubed red or yellow potatoes (I cut them into fairly small cubes)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp ground thyme
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 kale leaves
Instructions
- In a pan, brown the sausage for 3-4 minutes. Add in the onion and continue cooking until
sausage is completely cooked through. Drain off excess grease. Add sausage and onion to the slow cooker. - Add broth, water, celery, carrot, potatoes, garlic powder, thyme and parsley to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl combine salt, pepper, and flour. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter over medium low heat. Stir in flour mixture by tablespoon at a time to form a roux. Whisk in milk, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Stir cream mixture into slow cooker and then let cook on high without the lid for 15 more minutes.
- While soup is cooking add Parmesan cheese into the soup. Cut up kale leaves* into bite size (or smaller) pieces and add to the soup. Ladle into soup bowls and serve.
*I lay a piece of kale on a cutting board and then cut off the leaf portion and discard the rib and stem. It’s kind of time consuming but the stem is bitter and tough…you won’t want to eat it.
Notes
Ideal slow cooker: 5-6 quart
You can also make this recipe in the Instant Pot. Get the instructions here.
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
P.S. Try these other delicious and popular soups!
VERY delicious!! Although, I was wondering if you had the nutrition info per serving since I have diabetes and Dr. put me in a strict diet where I have to watch my calories, etc?
★★★★★
One of our family favorites! I make this at least 5 times every winter!
We love it too Callie!
BEST soup ever! This is my go-to for potlucks and parties. It never disappoints and is so easy to put together!
★★★★★
Glad you liked it Rissa!
Any suggestions as to make it lowe carb?
perhaps leave out the potatoes and put in cauliflower florets instead?
As college student with not a lot of time, I tried this after I got it from McAllisters and literally tastes even better. I didnt out in the celery or carrots or thyme but it still was great and my roommates loved it!! Thank you
★★★★★
I’m so glad you tried it and liked it! What a good roommate 🙂
I am constantly searching the web for good Fall recipes. Came across this and it did not disappoint! So good and hearty, will definitely make again.
★★★★★
We love this one too Stephanie! I’m glad you found me 🙂
It’s almost deer season in Texas so I decided to use some remaining deer sausage we had in the freezer to make room for the new. I put this in the crockpot overnight at the ranch and It was outstanding! We used a little extra kale for garnish on top. This is a new favorite!
Awesome Lori! Where do you live?
Delicious!!! 😋😋😋 I made it on the stove top in a big chili pot. Much faster, and oh so good! Love, love, love!!!
★★★★★
There used to be a McAllister’s on my campus that served a fantastic Parmesan kale soup. Sadly, they closed due to their contract expiring. This recipe allowed me to keep the soup that I fell in love with. I did make some modifications, substituting the onion with green onion and also adding mushrooms to cook with the sausage. I decided to forgo the carrots and potatoes.
My guests loved this soup.
I did substitute 3 oz baby spinach for the kale and fresh garlic for the garlic powder as I had some on hand. Thanks!
Is it possible to cook the potatoes on high and simply do about half the time or ~3 hours? Wasn’t sure if you had tried this or not.
Oh totally! That would work.
This is absolutely amazing!!!! I cook this every time I have company and the love it. They think I can actually cook. Thank you.
So happy to hear! Glad you like it.
Wow! My husband ate 3 bowls of this last night for dinner and wants me to make more as it’s almost gone. This is the 2nd crockpot recipe that I have cooked from your site and both have been so good thus far. Thank you for sharing the goodness.
★★★★★
How awesome Rachel! I love it when my family loves what I cook for them. It is such a rewarding feeling 🙂
I’m so glad you posted this! My Kneaders stopped carrying it over a year ago and I’ve been so bummed!
I’ve made this soup twice and it is great every time. This is my first reply to any recipe. So those of you who are unsure if it’s good please make it. It’s to die for.
What a nice comment, thank you, Kenya!
Thank you for this recipe – it’s the best soup ever
Thank you so much Betsy. What a nice compliment 🙂
How much kale? (1 cup?)
There are so many varieties!
Thanks.
My family lives on your recipes!
I think a couple of cups. It’s really a matter of preference 🙂
Your answer “I think a couple of cups” I wish the recipe had given how much kale–5 leaves is not an answer as some kale I buy is chopped, some small bunches, some bunches with rather large leaves. I’ll try the “couple of cups” chopped but add it slowly. The soup sounds delicious and the reviews are very good.
HI Shirley, it’s one of those ingredients that can really be added by how much you prefer. So if you like more greens then add more, if you just want a little then add a little. The recipe will still be great and taste amazing either way. It’s hard to mess this one up!
WOW!!!! I can honestly say I have NEVER commented on a recipe and this one made me do it! This is just amazing, made today just to try something new and it’s delivered. Great flavors and I’m sure tomorrow will be even better. Yum!!
Wow Jennifer, what a great comment to receive! Thanks!!!
Stacy…I am definitely going to try this during the coming week. It sounds delicious and flavorful. AND, if your kids will eat it, it must be good! Thanks…Judy
Wow what a great compliment thanks very much, Stacy!
This is the best soup I've ever had. EVER!
Definitely sounds delicious!
This looks delicious! Any chance you have a version that would fit in a 4-qt slow cooker? I know scaling the ingredients doesn't always work too well…
My crock is only 4 qts as well. Rather than scaling down, I would like stovetop directions if available please 🙂