Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

This crockpot soup is a culinary masterpiece of savory sausage, perfectly cooked vegetables, and creamy cannellini beans swimming in a rich tomato-based broth. A touch of Parmesan cheese adds a delightful creamy finish, and the extended slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and intensify without any extra effort from you. It’s a hands-off way to create a restaurant-quality soup right in your own kitchen.

If you’re eager to explore more Italian-inspired soup recipes, be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, a playful and satisfying twist on the classic lasagna, and my Zuppa Toscana Casserole, a comforting and creamy casserole that captures the essence of Zuppa Toscana soup.

Made With Love,
– Julia

Step-by-Step Recipe Video

Before you dive into the written recipe, take a moment to watch this quick video demonstrating how to make this delicious soup. Seeing the process in action is the easiest way to learn and ensures you’ll achieve perfect results every time.

Italian Vegetable and Sausage Soup Ingredients

You don’t need any fancy ingredients to create this incredible soup. Just a handful of everyday staples like sausage, vegetables, beans, and pantry essentials that transform into something truly special through the magic of slow cooking.

• Italian sausage: The star of the show! It adds a savory depth and a hint of spice that elevates the entire soup. Opt for mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
• Vegetables: A medley of carrots, celery, onion, and zucchini creates a hearty and colorful soup base.
• Cannellini beans: These creamy beans provide a boost of protein and a delightful textural element.
• Diced tomatoes: They form the foundation of the rich, slightly tangy broth that ties all the flavors together.
• Parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end, Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, savory richness that takes this soup to the next level.

Rest of the Ingredients

• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 4 cups chicken broth

For precise measurements, refer to the complete ingredient list in the recipe card below.

Italian Vegetable and Sausage Soup Variations

Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Hearty: Stir in ditalini or orzo pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking to make it even more filling.
• Flavor boost: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes for added color and nutrients.

If you enjoy experimenting with slow cooker soups, you might also like my 8 Can Chicken Taco Soup, a flavorful and easy recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

How To Make Slow Cooker Italian Vegetable and Sausage Soup

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting soup that the whole family will love.

1. Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage and diced onion until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Be sure to drain off any excess fat.

Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned sausage and onion to the slow cooker. Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, diced tomatoes (with their juices), cannellini beans, chicken broth, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything well to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 5 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

Step 4: Finish the Soup
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and fully incorporated into the soup, creating a creamy and flavorful finish.

Step 5: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

For complete, step-by-step instructions, refer to the recipe card below. You can also print the recipe for easy reference later.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Slow Cooker Soup

• Brown the sausage well: Don’t skip the step of browning the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker. This crucial step develops maximum flavor and adds a richness to the soup.
• Cut vegetables uniformly: Chop the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
• Add Parmesan at the end: Wait to add the Parmesan cheese until the very end of the cooking process. This prevents it from clumping and ensures it melts smoothly into the broth.

Delicious Desserts to Pair with Your Soup

No cozy dinner is complete without a satisfying sweet ending! Here are a few easy dessert ideas that pair perfectly with your Slow Cooker Italian Vegetable and Sausage Soup:

• Pumpkin Pie Bars
• Homemade Oreo Cookies
• Caramel Butter Bars
• Apple Dump Cake
• Pumpkin Crumble Dump Cake

Italian Vegetable and Sausage Soup FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for later enjoyment. However, it’s best to freeze it before adding the Parmesan cheese. Thaw the soup completely, then stir in the Parmesan after reheating.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian, simply swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage alternative. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.

Can I add pasta to this soup?
Yes, adding pasta is a great way to make this soup even heartier. Stir in ditalini, orzo, or small shell pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

Serving Suggestions for Italian Vegetable and Sausage Soup

Here are a few ideas for serving this delicious soup:

• Serve with a slice of warm garlic bread or focaccia for dipping.
• Pair it with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
• Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor and visual appeal.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Instructions

Here’s how to store and reheat this soup for optimal flavor and convenience:

• Store: Refrigerate the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool the soup completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months (without Parmesan cheese).
• Reheat: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If frozen, thaw completely before reheating. Stir in the Parmesan cheese after reheating for the best results.

More Great Soup Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this Slow Cooker Italian Vegetable and Sausage Soup, be sure to check out these other cozy and delicious slow cooker soup recipes:

• Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Soup
• Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew
• Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
• Hearty Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
• 8 Can Chicken Taco Soup
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Slow Cooker Taco Soup
• Slow Cooker Chili
• Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew
• Easy Slow Cooker Potato Soup
• Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
• Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
• Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup