Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup has been my absolute go-to for those chilly evenings when I crave something hearty and delicious without all the fuss. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of garlic and Italian sausage simmering filled my entire house, making my kids rush to the kitchen. It felt like a warm hug in a bowl! This easy crockpot Tuscan sausage soup is incredibly flavorful with its combination of savory sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender spinach, all brought together in a creamy broth. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a taste of Tuscany with minimal effort. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup
This soup is a weeknight warrior, and here’s why:
- Incredible Flavor: Savory Italian sausage, zesty sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs create a rich, satisfying taste.
- Minimal Prep Time: You’ll spend just 15 minutes getting everything into the crockpot.
- Healthy & Hearty: Packed with protein from the sausage and vitamins from the spinach, it’s a nutritious meal.
- Budget-Friendly: This slow cooker Tuscan sausage recipe uses common ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love this comforting soup, making it perfect for busy family dinners.
- Versatile: It’s a fantastic base for a hearty sausage bean soup, easily adaptable to your preferences.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
Ingredients for Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to a delicious Tuscan meal. You’ll need:
- 2 lbs ground mild Italian sausage, cooked & drained – This is the hearty base of our soup.
- 2 large onions, chopped – They add a lovely sweetness as they cook down.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is essential for that deep, savory flavor.
- 2 tsp dried oregano – A classic herb that pairs perfectly with Italian flavors.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained & chopped – These little gems pack a concentrated punch of tangy, sweet flavor.
- 12 cups chicken broth – This forms the rich liquid base for our soup.
- 3 cups spinach, chopped – Adding spinach at the end makes this a wonderful Tuscan sausage and kale crockpot soup, packed with nutrients!
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream – This is what gives the soup its signature creamy, luxurious finish.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) – A salty, nutty topping that elevates every bite.
How to Make Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup
Let’s get this incredibly comforting soup simmering in your slow cooker. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
- Step 1: Grab a skillet and add your ground mild Italian sausage. Cook it over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain off any excess fat.
- Step 2: Now, transfer that delicious browned sausage to your crockpot insert. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, dried oregano, and those wonderful chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all these amazing flavors. This is where the magic starts for our slow cooker Tuscan sausage soup instructions.
- Step 3: Cover your crockpot and set it to cook. You have two options: cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. The low and slow method really lets the flavors meld beautifully, creating a deep, rich broth.
- Step 4: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the chopped spinach and the heavy cream. The spinach will wilt down quickly, adding a lovely pop of green and extra nutrients, making this a fantastic crockpot sausage soup with vegetables. Let it heat through gently; you don’t want to boil it after adding the cream.
- Step 5: Once everything is heated through and the soup is wonderfully creamy, ladle it into bowls. Serve hot with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy the incredible aroma and taste!
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup
Want to elevate your soup game? Follow these simple tips for guaranteed deliciousness:
- Always brown your sausage first! This step builds a deep flavor base and removes excess grease for a cleaner taste.
- Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes; their concentrated flavor is key to the authentic Tuscan profile.
- Use fresh spinach for the best color and texture. Frozen spinach can make the soup watery.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference.
What’s the secret to perfect Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup?
The secret lies in browning the sausage properly and using good quality sun-dried tomatoes. For an extra decadent touch, consider a swirl of cream cheese or a bit of mascarpone to make it an even richer crockpot creamy Tuscan sausage soup. You can find more tips on achieving rich flavors in cooking by checking out resources on flavor building techniques.
Can I make Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients (except the spinach and cream) the night before and store them in the crockpot insert in the fridge. Just add the spinach and cream when you’re ready to cook.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup?
Avoid overcooking the spinach and cream; add them just before serving. Also, don’t be tempted to add too much liquid initially, as the sausage and vegetables release moisture during cooking. For more slow cooker tips, explore slow cooker tips and tricks.
Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup
This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple additions to make it even more satisfying. For a classic Tuscan style sausage soup slow cooker experience, I love serving it with warm, crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich, flavorful broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also offers a nice contrast to the soup’s richness. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese right before serving – it truly makes all the difference! If you’re looking for a great bread recipe, consider trying this easy no-knead artisan bread recipe.
Nutrition Facts for Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup
This hearty soup offers a satisfying and flavorful meal. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup
The beauty of this soup is that it tastes just as good, if not better, the next day! Once your delicious slow cooker Tuscan sausage soup has cooled down slightly, ladle it into airtight containers. For fridge storage, aim for containers that hold about 1-2 servings. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days. If you’re planning for even longer enjoyment, this soup freezes wonderfully. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible, and it can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions until heated through. You might need to add a splash of broth or cream if it seems a bit thick after storage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup
What is Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup?
Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup is a hearty, flavorful soup made in a slow cooker, featuring Italian sausage, often with Tuscan-inspired ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and cream. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal that brings a taste of Italy to your table without much effort.
Can I make Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup spicy?
Absolutely! To create a spicy Tuscan sausage crockpot soup, simply use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the other seasonings in the crockpot for an extra kick.
What kind of sausage is best for Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup?
Mild or hot Italian sausage is ideal for this soup, as it’s already seasoned with classic Italian herbs like fennel and garlic, which pair perfectly with Tuscan flavors. Using bulk sausage makes it easy to brown and drain before adding it to the crockpot.
How do I make Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, provided your ingredients, like broth and sausage, don’t contain added gluten. Always double-check labels to be sure you’re making a safe crockpot Tuscan sausage soup for a gluten-free diet. For more information on gluten-free diets, you can consult resources from the Celiac Disease Foundation.
Variations of Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup You Can Try
This delicious soup is wonderfully adaptable! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try a crockpot Tuscan chicken sausage soup by swapping out the Italian pork sausage for ground chicken sausage. For a heartier, more filling meal, consider adding some cubed potatoes to the crockpot along with the broth – it transforms into a delightful crockpot Tuscan sausage and potato soup. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the sausage and adding extra beans and vegetables, or even kick up the heat by using spicy Italian sausage for a zesty twist. If you enjoy sausage in your meals, you might also like this easy sausage gravy.
Print
Amazing Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and flavorful soup made in a crockpot, featuring Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy finish. Perfect for busy days, this Tuscan-inspired dish fills your home with delicious aromas.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground mild Italian sausage, cooked & drained
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained & chopped
- 12 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the sausage until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Add cooked sausage, onions, garlic, oregano, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth to your crockpot. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in spinach and heavy cream. Let it warm through, then serve hot with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup can also be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg