Delicious Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup Easy Flavorful Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening, isn’t there? As the seasons shift and the days become shorter, I find myself craving the kind of simple, hearty meals that wrap you in a cozy hug. One of my all-time favorites is Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with delightful aromas, beckoning everyone to the kitchen as the savory scents waft through the air. This soup brings back fond memories of cozy family dinners and laughter around the table.

What I love most about this recipe is its ease and versatility. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, let it work its magic, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this soup effortlessly becomes a part of your routine, and I’m so excited to share it with you today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly easy for those busy weeknights; just set it and forget it!
• Budget-friendly ingredients that don’t skimp on flavor.
• A hearty, comforting bowl that satisfies even the biggest appetites.
• Customizable! Switch up the veggies or spices to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious soup:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice!)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for that aromatic kick!)
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh spinach (about 2 cups, added in the last 30 minutes of cooking)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional but highly recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get you started on making this heartwarming soup!

1. Sauté the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until it’s nicely cooked. This step adds so much flavor! Drain excess grease and set aside.
2. Prep your veggies: In your slow cooker, combine the diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Don’t worry about being perfect—rustic is the way to go!
3. Add the sausage: Toss in that deliciously browned sausage right on top of the veggies.
4. Pour in the liquids: Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, and the cannellini beans. Stir it all together with love!
5. Spice it up: Toss in the oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to distribute those lovely flavors.
6. Cook it low and slow: Cover your slow cooker and let it simmer on low for about 6-8 hours, or on high for about 3-4 hours.
7. Add the greens: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach. It adds a wonderful pop of color and nutrients.
8. Serve it up: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for that extra touch of indulgence.

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you have the basic recipe down, here are some fun tweaks to try!

• Spice it up: If you want an extra kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Veggie swap: Feel free to swap in any of your favorite veggies like zucchini or green beans.
• Herb boost: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can give this soup a vibrant flavor boost; just add them towards the end.
• Protein alternatives: Try using turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is fantastic on its own, but there are some delightful ways to elevate your meal even further. Serve it with a side of crusty garlic bread, perfect for dipping into that flavorful broth. A simple salad of mixed greens with a vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. If you’re feeling indulgent, a glass of red wine would pair beautifully—the red sauce vibes are just made for each other!

Storage Tips

If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare, believe me!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerating: Let the soup cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes nicely! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer, making it the perfect meal prep option.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to thin it out if needed.

FAQs

Can I use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy?

Absolutely! Sweet Italian sausage is delicious in this soup. It will give a different, milder flavor, but still super tasty!

What can I use instead of cannellini beans?

White beans work wonderfully as a substitute; you could also use chickpeas if you’d like a bit of a different texture.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Just replace the sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and load up on extra veggies!

How can I make this soup spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or even a chopped jalapeño while cooking. You could also use spicy Italian sausage for an added kick!

Conclusion

And there you have it! A lovely bowl of Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup that’s perfect for any night of the week. I hope this recipe brings warmth to your kitchen and fills your home with those irresistible aromas. I would love to hear how your soup turns out! Feel free to comment below or share your personal twists on this classic. Happy cooking, my friends!

Delicious Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup Easy Flavorful Recipe

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Savor the rich flavors of Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup with this easy recipe Perfect for cozy meals packed with wholesome ingredients 154 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound of Italian sausage

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

3 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 bell pepper, diced

1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, undrained

4 cups of chicken broth

1 can (15 ounces) of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1 teaspoon of dried oregano

1 teaspoon of dried basil

1 bay leaf

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 cups of fresh spinach

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until cooked. Drain excess grease and set aside.

In your slow cooker, combine the diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper.

Add the browned sausage on top of the veggies.

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, and cannellini beans. Stir together.

Add oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Cover and let it simmer on low for about 6-8 hours, or on high for about 3-4 hours.

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach.

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Notes

This Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup is hearty, comforting, and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Fiber: 8 grams
• Protein: 25 grams

Keywords: soup, slow cooker, Italian sausage, easy recipe, comfort food