Easy Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup 2026

Is There Anything Cozier Than a Hearty Soup on Christmas Eve?

When winter chills settle in and holiday preparations are in full swing, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of slow cooker italian sausage soup filling your home. This deliciously hearty recipe combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with vegetables and herbs to create the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself.

Perfect for busy holiday evenings, this easy crockpot soup, italian sausage recipe, Christmas comfort food, holiday soup recipe, makeahead dinner will become your new seasonal tradition. Let your slow cooker do all the work while you focus on wrapping presents or entertaining guests!

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup – Easy Christmas Comfort Food

Ingredients List

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Substitution options: Use turkey sausage for a lighter version, or substitute kale for spinach. Vegetarians can replace the sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes (most ingredients just need simple chopping)
• Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total time: 6.25-8.25 hours (with only 15 minutes of active work!)

This slow cooker method saves approximately 45 minutes of active cooking compared to stovetop versions, giving you precious time back during the busy holiday season.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage

Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks (approximately 5-7 minutes). This step is technically optional but enhances flavor significantly. For extra savory depth, allow some bits to caramelize slightly.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add the browned sausage and all remaining ingredients except spinach, parsley, and Parmesan to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Pro tip: Place harder vegetables like carrots at the bottom where they’ll cook more thoroughly.

Step 3: Set It and Forget It

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows flavors to meld perfectly, making this ideal for starting in the morning for a Christmas Eve dinner.

Step 4: Final Touches

About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and chopped parsley, allowing the residual heat to wilt the greens. Remove bay leaves before serving. The soup should be steaming hot with tender vegetables and a rich, flavorful broth.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximately 1.5 cups):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 7g
• Vitamin A: 80% DV
• Vitamin C: 15% DV
• Iron: 20% DV

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

For a lighter version, use turkey or chicken Italian sausage to cut approximately 40% of the fat content. Make it vegetarian by using plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. For low-carb diets, reduce beans by half and add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Those requiring gluten-free options can rest easy—this recipe is naturally gluten-free (just verify your broth ingredients).

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty soup in deep bowls topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of extra parsley. Pair with crusty garlic bread for dipping or a simple side salad with balsamic vinaigrette. For a festive Christmas presentation, serve in hollowed bread bowls with cranberry-orange relish on the side for a sweet-savory contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the pasta (if adding): Add any pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent mushiness.
2. Under-seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed—beans and low-sodium broth may require additional seasoning.
3. Skipping the searing step: While optional, browning the sausage develops crucial flavor compounds that elevate the entire dish.
4. Adding dairy too early: If including cream or cheese in the broth, add in the final 30 minutes to prevent curdling.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This soup actually improves with time as flavors continue developing. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in airtight containers. For freezing, cool completely then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months—just omit any dairy if planning to freeze. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore consistency.

Conclusion

This slow cooker Italian sausage soup embodies everything wonderful about holiday cooking—it’s comforting, flavorful, and requires minimal effort while delivering maximum satisfaction. The hands-off preparation makes it perfect for busy Christmas gatherings when you need a hearty meal without being tethered to the kitchen. Try this recipe this holiday season and start a delicious new tradition that gives you more time to enjoy with loved ones.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the sausage, then add remaining ingredients and pressure cook for 15 minutes with a natural release.

Is this soup spicy?
The heat level depends on your choice of sausage. For a family-friendly version, use sweet Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes.

Can I prepare this in advance for Christmas dinner?
Absolutely! This soup can be made 1-2 days ahead and reheated. The flavors actually improve with time.

What’s the best way to thicken this soup if I prefer a heartier consistency?
Mash some of the cannellini beans before adding them to the soup, or remove 1 cup of soup, blend it, and return it to the pot for a naturally thickened broth.

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger holiday gathering?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger slow cooker. Cooking time remains the same, though you may need extra time to reach full temperature.