This Crockpot Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is rich, creamy, and loaded with savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, fresh spinach, vegetables, and plenty of Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy slow cooker comfort food that’s perfect for chilly evenings and family dinners.
Crockpot Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
creamy Crockpot Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup with sausage, potatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Easy slow cooker comfort food.
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Drain any excess grease.
- Transfer the cooked sausage to the crockpot.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, potatoes, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours or High for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the softened cream cheese until melted.
- Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Browning the sausage first adds extra flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Dice the potatoes into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
- Add the spinach near the end so it stays bright and tender.
- Stir gently after adding the dairy to keep the soup silky
Variations
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
- Substitute kale for spinach.
- Add mushrooms for additional flavor.
- Use turkey Italian sausage for a lighter version.
- Stir in cooked pasta during the last 15 minutes for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty Italian bread.
- Pair with garlic breadsticks.
- Enjoy alongside a Caesar salad.
- Top with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.
- Serve with homemade focaccia.
Tips
- Let the cream cheese soften before adding it to prevent lumps.
- Avoid boiling the soup after adding the dairy.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat while stirring occasionally.
- Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating if the soup thickens.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings
Serves: 6
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 495
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fat: 35g
- Sodium: 960mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
- Yes. Thaw and squeeze out the excess moisture before stirring it into the soup during the final 15 minutes of cooking.
Can I freeze this soup?
- You can, but cream-based soups may separate slightly after thawing. Stir well while reheating to help restore the creamy texture.
What type of potatoes work best?
- Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape while becoming creamy. Red potatoes also work well.
Can I make this soup without heavy cream?
- Yes. Half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter soup, though it won’t be quite as rich.
How do I make the soup thicker?
- Mash a few of the cooked potatoes directly in the crockpot before adding the cream and cheese, or stir in a cornstarch slurry if needed.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Absolutely. The flavors become even better the next day. Reheat gently over low heat and add a little broth if needed.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with comforting Italian flavors. Filled with savory sausage, tender potatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese, it’s an easy slow cooker dinner the whole family will love.
