Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup
Highlighted under: Homestyle Meals
This Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the comforting taste of Italian cuisine right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends!
This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and is made effortlessly in a slow cooker. The blend of Italian sausage, vegetables, and herbs creates a rich flavor that will warm your heart.
Why You'll Love This Soup
- Rich and savory flavor with a hint of spice
- Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
A Taste of Italy at Home
Italian cuisine is loved for its rich flavors and comforting dishes, and this Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup embodies that spirit beautifully. With every spoonful, you're transported to Italy, where hearty meals are a cornerstone of family gatherings. This soup captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking, infusing your kitchen with the tantalizing aromas of savory sausage and fresh herbs.
The combination of ingredients in this soup creates a harmonious blend that excites the palate. The Italian sausage provides a robust flavor, while the vegetables add freshness and texture. Diced tomatoes and chicken broth create a savory base that ties everything together, making this soup not just a meal, but an experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or simply want to whip up something delicious for your family, this soup is an excellent choice. It's versatile enough to be served on a chilly evening or during a busy weekday. The slow cooker method allows you to prepare this dish with minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe for those hectic nights when time is of the essence.
Additionally, this soup is perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It stores well in the refrigerator and can even be frozen for later use, ensuring that you always have a comforting meal on hand when you need it most.
Customizing Your Soup
One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup is its adaptability. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. If you love spice, try using hot Italian sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with a mix of hearty vegetables and legumes like lentils or chickpeas, along with vegetable broth.
You can also enhance the flavor profile by adding other herbs and spices. Consider incorporating thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist. Additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or potatoes can add more nutrition and flavor, making this soup a canvas for your culinary creativity.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for a delicious soup:
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Make sure to have everything ready before starting the cooking process!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your soup:
Brown the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
Add Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker along with the browned sausage.
Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Add Spinach and Serve
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Enjoy your delicious slow cooker soup!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this hearty soup, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful richness that complements the dish perfectly. Pair it with a slice of crusty Italian bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.
For an extra touch, drizzle a little olive oil over the soup just before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful sheen to the dish, making it visually appealing. Don’t forget to have some extra cheese on hand for those who love it!
Storage Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. If you prefer to use a microwave, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date, so you know when to enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutritional Benefits
This Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The combination of vegetables contributes essential vitamins and minerals, while the Italian sausage provides a good source of protein. Spinach, in particular, is a powerhouse of nutrients, offering iron, calcium, and antioxidants that support overall health.
By incorporating a variety of vegetables, you’re increasing the fiber content of the meal, which aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer. Making this soup a regular part of your meal rotation can contribute to a balanced diet while satisfying your cravings for hearty, comforting food.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of sausage?
Yes, feel free to use turkey sausage or a spicy sausage for a different flavor.
→ Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the spinach and add it fresh when reheating.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread or a side salad pairs wonderfully with this soup.
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup
This Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the comforting taste of Italian cuisine right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends!
Created by: Emma Johnson
Recipe Type: Homestyle Meals
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Parmesan cheese for serving
How-To Steps
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker along with the browned sausage.
Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 16g