Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage White Bean Soup

$- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed) - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 tsp dried oregano - 1 tsp dried basil - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional) - Slow cooker - Skillet - Cutting board and knife This soup uses simple, fresh ingredients that make it hearty and satisfying. Italian sausage adds a rich flavor, while the veggies bring color and nutrients. The white beans and tomatoes create a thick, creamy base. Don't forget about the seasonings! Oregano and basil add that Tuscan flair. Red pepper flakes give it a nice kick. To start, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of Italian sausage. You can choose either mild or spicy, depending on your taste. Cook the sausage for about five to seven minutes. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. You want it to brown nicely. When it's browned, transfer the sausage to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, add a diced onion, two diced carrots, and two diced celery stalks. Also, add three minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for about three to four minutes. You want them to soften but not brown. Once they are ready, pour them into the slow cooker with the sausage. Next, add four cups of vegetable broth. Don't forget to include one can of white beans and one can of diced tomatoes. Stir in one teaspoon of dried oregano, one teaspoon of dried basil, and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well. Now, cover the slow cooker. You can set it to low heat for six to eight hours. If you're short on time, cook it on high for three to four hours. This soup will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma as it cooks. About thirty minutes before serving, stir in one cup of chopped fresh spinach. Let it wilt in the hot soup. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Enjoy your hearty bowl of soup! Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. A little more salt can add depth. If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes. Tasting the soup before serving is key. Remember to let the spinach wilt in the soup before serving. This keeps it fresh and vibrant, adding nutrition without losing flavor. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish. Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh vegetables and good sausage really shine in this soup. Make sure your broth is rich and flavorful too. Pair this soup with crusty bread. A slice of bread is perfect for dipping. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a pop of color. Serve the soup warm in bowls. For a fun touch, add grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. This adds creaminess and a savory finish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the sausage in this soup. Turkey sausage is a great choice for a lighter meal. It has less fat but still brings good flavor. If you want a vegetarian soup, try using plant-based sausage or mushrooms. Both options add great taste and texture. The classic white beans are fantastic, but you can explore all kinds of beans. Navy beans work well and have a soft bite. Pinto beans add a creamier texture. Black beans bring a nice color and a touch of earthiness. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite! Want to add more veggies? Try bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans for extra color and crunch. If you wish for a heartier soup, add some pasta or rice. Small shells or orzo pasta cook nicely in the soup. Just add them about 30 minutes before serving to keep them tender. To store your leftover soup, use an airtight container. This keeps the soup fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Always let the soup cool down before sealing it. This helps prevent any moisture build-up. For freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space in the container. This allows the soup to expand as it freezes. The soup can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. To reheat the soup, the stovetop works best. Pour it into a pot and heat on medium. Stir it often to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If the soup is too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a bit of broth or water. This helps get the right consistency back. Yes, you can make this soup ahead. It actually tastes better the next day. The flavors blend well when stored overnight. The soup thickens a bit, so you may need to add more broth when reheating. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This soup pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Crusty bread for dipping - A fresh green salad - Garlic bread for extra flavor - A simple cheese platter These sides will enhance your meal and make it more filling. To make this soup gluten-free, choose gluten-free broth. Check the labels for any hidden gluten. Use gluten-free Italian sausage instead of regular sausage. Most beans are gluten-free, so no changes are needed there. Your soup will still taste great without gluten! This article covered how to make a hearty Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage White Bean Soup. We explored the main ingredients, seasonings, and essential kitchen tools. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting the soup, and ways to customize it. Remember, you can adjust flavors and add your favorite items to make it your own. Whether you serve it warm with crusty bread or store it for later, this soup is sure to please. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage White Bean Soup

Warm up with a bowl of Tuscan Delight Sausage & White Bean Soup! This hearty soup combines savory Italian sausage, nutritious white beans, and fresh spinach for a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep, it's easy to make in a slow cooker. Click to explore this simple recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your table! #SausageSoup #TuscanRecipes #ComfortFood #SlowCookerMeals

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Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

4 cups vegetable broth

1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).

Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened, then add to the slow cooker.

Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the white beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped fresh spinach and let it wilt in the hot soup.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you desire, serve the soup topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

- Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve in warm bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top and a slice of crusty bread on the side for dipping.