Is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of soup on a chilly day? I don’t think so! And let me tell you, this Crockpot Wedding Soup is total *chef’s kiss*. It’s packed with flavor, ridiculously easy to make, and honestly, it basically cooks itself. I first tried a version of this at a friend’s bridal shower (hence the name, duh!), and I’ve been tweaking it ever since to make it my own. Now, it’s a staple in my house – even my picky eaters gobble it up! Trust me, you’re gonna love how simple and satisfying this is. It’s a game changer!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Wedding Soup Recipe
Okay, so why is this Crockpot Wedding Soup about to become your new fave? Let me break it down:
- Super easy – just dump and go!
- Seriously flavorful – that sausage makes all the difference.
- Minimal effort – the crockpot does all the work, yay!
- Totally customizable – swap veggies, add spices, make it your own!
- Ultra comforting – perfect for a cozy night in.
- Feeds a crowd – great for potlucks and family dinners.
Ingredients for Crockpot Wedding Soup
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Crockpot Wedding Soup. Don’t skimp – each ingredient plays its part! You’ll want:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing (trust me on this one!)
- 1 cup chopped carrots (the more the merrier, I say!)
- 1 cup chopped celery (adds a nice little crunch)
- 1 cup chopped onion (essential for that savory base)
- 8 cups chicken broth (go for low-sodium if you’re watching the salt)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (that classic Italian flavor!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, of course)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is always best!)
- 1 cup acini de pepe pasta (that tiny pasta is just so cute!)
- 1 cup chopped spinach (gives it a pop of color and vitamins)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping, because cheese is life)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Crockpot Wedding Soup
Okay, so maybe you’re not a sausage fan? No worries! You can totally swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken – just brown it up the same way. As for veggies, feel free to get creative! Zucchini or kale would be awesome additions. And if you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works in a pinch. I’ve even used bouillon cubes before (oops!), just follow the package directions for the right water ratio, okay?
How to Make Crockpot Wedding Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, here’s the fun part – actually making the soup! Don’t worry, it’s easier than saying “acini de pepe” three times fast. I promise!
- First, you’ll want to brown that Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Make sure to crumble it up as it cooks. Drain off any extra grease – nobody wants a greasy soup!
- Next, dump the sausage, carrots, celery, and onion into your crockpot.
- Pour in that glorious chicken broth, then stir in the oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix to make sure everything’s combined.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually go with low because I like letting the flavors really meld together.
- During the LAST 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the acini de pepe pasta and spinach. This is important – you don’t want mushy pasta!
- Serve it up hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Yum!
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Wedding Soup
Want to take your Crockpot Wedding Soup to the next level? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips. When browning the sausage, make sure it’s fully cooked through. Add the pasta later to avoid mushiness, and taste as you go to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Crockpot Wedding Soup Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the classic version – now let’s get a little wild! This Crockpot Wedding Soup is seriously begging for you to put your own spin on it. If you’re feeling spicy, try using hot Italian sausage – *wowza*! Swap out the spinach for kale or escarole for a different vibe. And hey, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a little swirl of heavy cream at the end? Don’t tell anyone I suggested it! The possibilities are endless, really. Just have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Wedding Soup
Okay, so you’ve got a big pot of this amazing Crockpot Wedding Soup – now what? Well, you could just eat it straight from the bowl (no judgment here!), but if you wanna make it a *meal*, I’ve got some ideas! A big hunk of crusty bread is always a winner for soaking up all that delicious broth. Or, how about a simple side salad to add a little freshness? My personal fave? Grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping – talk about comfort food overload!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Wedding Soup
Got questions about this magical Crockpot Wedding Soup? I got you! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked – hopefully, this helps!
Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely! Just let it cool completely, then pop it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for a good 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just be aware that the pasta might be a little softer after freezing, but it’ll still taste amazing!
How long does this soup last in the fridge? It’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead of in a crockpot? Yep, you sure can! Just brown the sausage in a large pot, then add the veggies and broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the veggies are tender. Add the pasta and spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
What if I don’t have acini de pepe pasta? No problem! You can use any small pasta shape you like – ditalini, orzo, or even small shells would work great. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so it doesn’t get mushy, okay?
Nutritional Information for Crockpot Wedding Soup
Okay, so everyone always wants to know the nutrition info, right? Well, here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and honestly, the nutritional information for this Crockpot Wedding Soup can vary *a lot* depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. I use a general online calculator, but please know that it’s just an estimate! If you need precise info, you’ll want to calculate it yourself based on *your* specific ingredients, okay? Just covering my bases here!
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Crockpot Wedding Soup: Shockingly Easy in Just 30 Minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Crockpot Wedding Soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make and requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup acini de pepe pasta
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the sausage, carrots, celery, and onion to a crockpot.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in the acini de pepe pasta and spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage.
- Add other vegetables, such as zucchini or kale.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
