Warm up your kitchen and your taste buds with a bowl of our irresistible Slow Cooker Sausage, White Bean, and Pasta Soup! This hearty Italian delight is not only a feast for the senses but also a time-saver, simmering to perfection while you go about your day. Imagine the rich aroma of Italian sausage mingling with savory white beans and tender pasta, all nestled in a comforting broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe yields eight generous servings, ensuring there’s plenty to share—or to savor as leftovers! Ready to dive into a bowl of deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 can white beans, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup pasta
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Slice the Italian sausage into bite-sized pieces. Drain and rinse the can of white beans. Dice the tomatoes if you are using fresh ones, or simply measure out the canned diced tomatoes. Rinse the spinach under cold water and roughly chop it if the leaves are large. Measure out the pasta of your choice.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced Italian sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds flavor to the soup and helps render some of the fat from the sausage.
- Once the sausage is cooked, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the drained white beans, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the sausage and broth may already contain some salt, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed later.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, add the pasta to the slow cooker. Stir it into the soup, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. This will allow the pasta to cook without becoming mushy.
- Five minutes before serving, add the chopped spinach to the slow cooker. Stir it in and let it wilt in the hot soup.
- Once the cooking time is complete, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot in bowls, and enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Sausage, White Bean, and Pasta Soup!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, you can slice the sausage and chop the vegetables the night before. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Opt for pasta shapes that hold up well in soups, like ditalini or elbow macaroni. Avoid delicate pastas, which may become mushy if cooked too long.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Since different brands of broth and sausage can vary in saltiness, taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed for the perfect flavor.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to sneak in additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into small pieces and add them at the beginning with the other ingredients.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much.
- Garnish for Flair: Serve your soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
