Oh, friends, let me tell you about a soup that just *hugs* you from the inside out – my Crockpot Wedding Soup! Seriously, is there anything better than coming home to a warm, comforting bowl of this flavorful goodness after a long day? And the best part? It practically makes itself in the crockpot. We’re talking minimal effort for maximum flavor, people!
I swear, this soup is practically a tradition at our family gatherings. My grandma used to make a version on the stovetop, but honestly, ain’t nobody got time for that these days! Popping everything in the crockpot means I can actually *enjoy* the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Plus, the slow cooking really lets all those amazing flavors meld together into something truly special. Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Wedding Soup, it’ll become a staple in your house too!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Wedding Soup
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor Crockpot Wedding Soup
Okay, let’s be real – who has time to babysit a soup all day? That’s where the crockpot comes in! You basically dump everything in, set it, and forget it. Seriously, the slow cooker does all the work, letting those flavors get all cozy and meld together beautifully.
Perfect for Any Occasion Crockpot Wedding Soup
This soup is seriously versatile. Need a comforting family dinner? Check. Got a potluck to go to? Double-check! Wanna impress your friends at a fancy-ish gathering? Yep, this Crockpot Wedding Soup totally works. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion!
A Hearty and Comforting Crockpot Wedding Soup
There’s just something about this soup that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Maybe it’s the tender meatballs, the perfectly cooked pasta, or the rich, savory broth. Whatever it is, it’s pure comfort in a bowl. Seriously, it’s like a hug you can eat!
Ingredients for Crockpot Wedding Soup
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Crockpot Wedding Soup: 1 pound Italian sausage (removed from the casings, trust me on this!), 1 cup each of chopped carrots, celery, and onion, 8 cups of chicken broth (the good stuff!), 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, plus salt and pepper, 1 cup of acini di pepe pasta, 10 ounces of frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry!), ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 cups of cooked mini meatballs. Got it all? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Crockpot Wedding Soup
Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables for Crockpot Wedding Soup
First things first, you’ll want to brown that Italian sausage in a skillet. Trust me, don’t skip this step! Browning the sausage adds SO much flavor to the soup. Make sure you remove it from the casings first. Once it’s browned, drain off any excess fat, then toss it right into your crockpot. After that, add your chopped carrots, celery, and onion to the crockpot too. Easy peasy!
Slow Cooking Your Crockpot Wedding Soup
Okay, now for the magic! Pour in that glorious chicken broth, then sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir, then pop the lid on your crockpot. You can cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the veggies are nice and tender – that’s key!
Adding the Pasta, Spinach, and Meatballs to Crockpot Wedding Soup
Alright, almost there! About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the acini di pepe pasta. You’ll want to cook it until it’s tender, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get mushy. Once the pasta’s done, stir in that thawed and squeezed-dry spinach (seriously, squeeze out the extra water, or your soup will be watery!). Then, add in the grated Parmesan cheese and those cooked mini meatballs. Give it all a good stir, let it heat through, and BAM! You’ve got yourself a delicious Crockpot Wedding Soup!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Wedding Soup
Okay, wanna take this Crockpot Wedding Soup from “good” to “OMG AMAZING”? Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years!
Seasoning Your Crockpot Wedding Soup Perfectly
Taste as you go, friends! Seriously, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. A pinch more salt? Go for it! A little extra oregano? Absolutely! I sometimes even add a bay leaf for an extra layer of flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving!
Choosing the Right Meatballs for Crockpot Wedding Soup
Okay, meatballs. You can totally use store-bought mini meatballs – no shame in that game! But if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade meatballs are where it’s at. I like to mix ground beef and pork, add some breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a little garlic. So good!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Crockpot Wedding Soup
Alright, let’s talk swaps! Sometimes you just gotta work with what you’ve got, right? So, here are a few notes on ingredients and some easy substitutions for my Crockpot Wedding Soup.
Sausage Options for Crockpot Wedding Soup
Okay, so I usually go for a mild Italian sausage ’cause my kids are heat-sensitive, but you can totally kick things up a notch! Sweet Italian sausage would also be delish, or if you’re feeling brave, go for hot Italian sausage. Just be warned, it’ll add some serious zing!
Pasta Substitutions for Crockpot Wedding Soup
Can’t find acini di pepe? No worries! Ditalini pasta is a great substitute. Or, honestly, any small pasta shape will work in a pinch. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes might cook a little faster or slower.
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Wedding Soup
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Crockpot Wedding Soup, but what do you serve with it? I’m telling you, some crusty bread for dipping is a MUST. A simple side salad also goes great. Or, if you’re feeling extra fancy, a grilled cheese sandwich is pure comfort food heaven!
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Wedding Soup
Leftovers? What leftovers?! Just kidding (sort of!). If you *do* happen to have any Crockpot Wedding Soup left, it stores like a dream. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days. And for reheating, you can either zap it in the microwave (easy peasy!) or warm it up on the stovetop. If you’re reheating on the stove, just add a splash of broth if it seems a little thick. Delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Wedding Soup
Got questions about my amazing Crockpot Wedding Soup? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common things folks ask me.
Can I Make Crockpot Wedding Soup Ahead of Time?
You betcha! This soup is actually even *better* the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. Just make it as directed, let it cool, and then pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Easy peasy!
Can I Freeze Crockpot Wedding Soup?
Yep, you can totally freeze this soup! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it as usual. You might need to add a little extra broth when reheating, as the pasta can soak up some of the liquid during freezing.
How Can I Make Crockpot Wedding Soup Healthier?
Great question! There are a few simple swaps you can make. Use lean Italian sausage or even ground turkey instead of sausage. Load up on the veggies! Add more spinach, kale, or even zucchini. Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber. And go easy on the Parmesan cheese. Boom! Healthy-ish Crockpot Wedding Soup!
Nutritional Information for Crockpot Wedding Soup
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m no nutritionist, and nutritional info can vary *wildly* depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, cuts of meat, etc.). So, any nutritional information I provide is just a rough estimate. Don’t come yelling at me if your numbers are a little different, okay? Just use your best judgment and enjoy this delicious Crockpot Wedding Soup!
Enjoy Your Delicious Crockpot Wedding Soup!
Alright, friends, that’s it! I hope you love this Crockpot Wedding Soup as much as my family does. If you give it a try, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to share your yummy creations on social media! Happy cooking!
Print
Faultless Crockpot Wedding Soup Recipe in Just 1 Pot
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Crockpot Wedding Soup recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this comforting soup with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 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 di pepe pasta
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked mini meatballs
Instructions
- Brown Italian sausage in a skillet; drain fat.
- Add carrots, celery, and onion to the crockpot.
- Stir in browned sausage, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add acini di pepe pasta and cook for 30 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Stir in spinach, Parmesan cheese, and cooked mini meatballs.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- You can use pre-made or homemade mini meatballs.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg