If you are in search of a hearty, comforting bowl full of robust flavors, look no further than this Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup Recipe. It perfectly balances savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and just the right touch of seasoning, all simmered slowly to develop a depth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This soup is not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying, offering a wholesome meal that feeds your soul and fills your belly with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe promises delight in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating a soup that sings with Italian charm. Each component contributes thoughtfully—sausage provides rich savoriness, fresh vegetables lend vibrant texture and sweetness, and herbs bring layers of aromatic depth.
- Italian sausages (17.6 ounces): Choose your favorite variety; sweet or spicy sausage will set the flavor tone.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds subtle sweetness and a foundational savoriness.
- Carrots (2 large, peeled and sliced): Bring a natural sweetness and pleasing bite.
- White beans (1 19-ounce can, drained): Introduce creamy texture and extra protein.
- Diced tomatoes (1 28-ounce can, with juices): Provide acidity and body for the broth.
- Vegetable broth (4 cups): Acts as your soup base, delivering savory depth.
- Italian seasoning (4 dashes): A blend of herbs to infuse that unmistakable Italian essence.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering.
- Uncooked tubular pasta (1 cup, such as macaroni): Adds comforting bite and heartiness.
- Fresh baby spinach (2 large handfuls): Provides vibrant color and gentle earthiness.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings to balance and brighten all flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by tackling the sausage, onion, and carrots. I recommend removing the sausage from its casing and breaking it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and a satisfying texture. If you prefer, you can brown the sausage in a skillet first and drain any excess fat, but this step isn’t necessary since all those juicy flavors will infuse the soup as it cooks low and slow.
Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker
Add the sausage, diced onion, sliced carrots, drained white beans, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to your Crockpot. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Cooking everything on low for 6 to 8 hours lets every flavor meld beautifully and the sausages become tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Pasta for the Perfect Texture
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the uncooked pasta. Be sure to stir the soup every 10 minutes or so during this time to prevent the pasta from settling and sticking to the bottom of the pot. This step is essential for that perfect al dente bite and thickening the soup slightly.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Spinach and Seasoning
With just 5 to 10 minutes left on the clock, toss in the fresh baby spinach. It will wilt quickly, adding vibrant color and a touch of freshness. Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. Serve right away to enjoy the soup at its very best.
How to Serve Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup Recipe even further, consider topping it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat, or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. These simple garnishes add a burst of flavor and an attractive finish that make each bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
This soup is a hearty meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of Italian bread or garlic breadsticks to scoop up every last bit. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can balance the richness and add a refreshing contrast to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in rustic bowls and add a small ramekin of parmesan and fresh herbs on the side for guests to customize. You can also ladle the soup into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a wonderfully rustic presentation that’s as delicious as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop after resting, making leftovers even more delicious. Just be sure to remove the pasta if you want to keep it from becoming mushy.
Freezing
This Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Keep pasta separate if possible to maintain texture. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. Frozen soup is best enjoyed within 3 months to retain peak flavor and freshness.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If refrigerated pasta was removed before freezing, add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as flavors can dull after storage.
FAQs
Can I use ground Italian sausage instead of links?
Absolutely! Ground Italian sausage works perfectly in this recipe and may even save you a step since you won’t need to remove casings. The flavor and texture will be just as wonderful.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative and use vegetable broth. The white beans and seasonings help maintain richness and flavor.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! Any small tubular pasta such as ditalini, penne, or even small shells can be used. Just keep cooking times consistent to avoid overcooking the pasta.
How spicy is this Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup Recipe?
The heat level depends on your choice of sausage. Using sweet Italian sausage keeps it mild, while spicy sausage brings a nice kick. You can also add red pepper flakes to increase the heat to your liking.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this soup on the stovetop by simmering all ingredients (except pasta and spinach) in a large pot for about 45 minutes to an hour. Add pasta and spinach in the last 15 minutes as directed.
Final Thoughts
If you want a fuss-free, soul-warming meal to make any day special, this Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is a winner. Its rich flavors, nourishing ingredients, and effortless preparation make it a must-try for any home cook. Trust me, once you’ve tasted its cozy goodness, it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and comforting Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup featuring tender Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, creamy white beans, and tender macaroni pasta, slow-cooked to perfection and finished with fresh spinach. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 (17.6 ounce) package Italian sausages, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
Broth and Seasonings
- 1 (19 fluid ounce) can white beans, drained
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 dashes Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Greens
- 1 cup uncooked tubular pasta (such as macaroni)
- 2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Remove the sausages from their casings and break into bite-size pieces. Dice the onion and peel and slice the carrots. Optionally, you can fry the sausage in a skillet and drain the fat before adding to the Crockpot, but this is not necessary.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place the sausage pieces, diced onion, sliced carrots, white beans, diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cook the soup on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the sausage to cook thoroughly.
- Add Pasta: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta. To prevent sticking, stir the soup every 10 minutes during this time.
- Finish the Soup: When 5 to 10 minutes remain, add the fresh baby spinach. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the spinach wilts and the pasta is tender. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You may brown the sausage before adding to the slow cooker, but it is optional.
- Stirring the soup while the pasta cooks prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste preferences.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute pasta with a gluten-free variety.
