Slow Cooker Italian Summer Soup
Enjoy the flavors of fresh summer vegetables, hearty beans, and aromatic Italian herbs in this Slow Cooker Italian Summer Soup. Light yet satisfying, this dish is perfect for warm weather and allows you to savor the season’s best produce with minimal effort.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Medium onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Zucchini, diced | 1 medium |
| Carrots, peeled & chopped | 1 cup |
| Green beans, bite-sized pieces | 1 cup |
| Yellow squash, diced | 1 cup |
| Diced tomatoes (with juices) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Cannellini beans (or other white beans), drained & rinsed | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Vegetable broth (or chicken broth) | 4 cups |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Frozen corn kernels | 1 cup |
| Fresh spinach (or kale), chopped | 2 cups |
| Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) | 1 tablespoon |
| Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping) | As desired |
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- In the slow cooker, add zucchini, carrots, green beans, yellow squash, diced tomatoes, and cannellini beans.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine.
Step 3: Season the Soup
- Add basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded.
Step 5: Add Corn and Spinach
- About 20 minutes before serving, stir in frozen corn kernels and chopped spinach.
- Cook until spinach is wilted and corn is heated through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the warm soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal!
🔥 Pro Tip: For added depth of flavor, finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving!
