Why the Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup Is Great Crockpot Recipe
Since I discovered the Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup, it’s become one of my go-to recipes for busy days.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way it fills my home with mouthwatering aromas. I love that I can throw everything into the Crockpot in the morning and let it do the work while I tackle my day.
It’s comforting, hearty, and perfect for chilly evenings. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze! I can always count on this recipe to impress guests or keep my family satisfied without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients of Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup
When it comes to whipping up a cozy dish in the Crockpot, the ingredients for the Crockpot Italian Sausage and Jalapeno Soup are as delightful as the finished product. You’re going to want to gather some staples and a few special items that will elevate your soup from ordinary to extraordinary.
So, let’s explore what you’ll need to create this hearty and flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in chicken breast halves, skinned
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup sliced pickled jalapeno pepper, drained
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1 (8 ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes (Neufchatel)
- 2 slices regular bacon or 2 slices turkey bacon, crisp-cooked, drained, and crumbled
Now, before you get all excited and run to the kitchen, let’s chat about a few things to reflect on with these ingredients.
First off, don’t stress if you can’t find bone-in chicken breast halves; boneless works too, though it might change the cooking time a bit.
And if you’re not a fan of spice, you can totally adjust the amount of jalapenos or even skip them altogether. The beauty of this recipe is that you can really make it your own.
Also, if you’re trying to cut back on calories, the reduced-fat cream cheese is a great swap, but regular cream cheese will give you a creamier texture if you’re feeling indulgent.
Just be sure to have a big bowl ready because this soup is going to be a hit.
How to Make Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup
Alright, let’s plunge into making that delicious Crockpot Italian Sausage and Jalapeno Soup. First things first, gather your ingredients. You’ll need 6 bone-in chicken breast halves, skinned. If you’re like me and sometimes forget to check your pantry before shopping, make sure you have everything on hand. Nothing is worse than starting a recipe and realizing you’re one ingredient short, right?
Now, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 1/8 teaspoon of salt over the chicken. It’s like giving them a little flavor hug. Next, place the chicken, bone sides down, in your trusty 4 1/2 to 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in 1/2 cup of reduced-sodium chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice around the chicken. The broth will keep things nice and moist, while the lemon juice adds a zesty kick that brightens up the dish.
Now, for the fun part—add 1/3 cup of sliced pickled jalapeno peppers. Don’t be shy; they’re what makes this soup sing! Cover the cooker and set it to low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Just imagine the aromas wafting through your home as it cooks. It’s like a warm hug for your senses.
When the time is up and you’re practically drooling, carefully transfer the chicken and jalapenos to a serving platter, but don’t toss that cooking liquid just yet. Keep it warm while you whip up the sauce. If you’ve been cooking on low, switch your slow cooker to high.
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water—this is your thickening magic. Stir it into the cooking liquid, then add in 1 (8 ounce) package of reduced-fat cream cheese, cut into cubes. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Let it cook for about 15 more minutes until it thickens up.
Serve the chicken drizzled with that rich, velvety sauce, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top. Trust me, it’s worth it. And there you have it—comfort in a bowl that’s sure to impress anyone who gets to enjoy it with you.
Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup Substitutions & Variations For Low Carb Diets
After enjoying that comforting bowl of Crockpot Italian Sausage and Jalapeno Soup, you might wonder how to adapt the recipe for a low carb lifestyle.
One easy swap is to use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or pasta, which keeps it light. I also like adding more leafy greens, like spinach or kale, for extra nutrition.
You can replace the cream cheese with a low-carb cream alternative if you want to cut carbs further.
Finally, using turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage can decrease the fat content while still keeping that delicious flavor intact.
Enjoy!
What to Serve with Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup
While you savor your bowl of Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup, consider pairing it with a simple side salad to balance the meal.
A fresh mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a rejuvenating contrast to the hearty soup.
If you’re in the mood for something warm, garlic bread or a crusty baguette works perfectly for dipping.
You might also enjoy a side of roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
Don’t forget a glass of your favorite white wine or sparkling water to elevate the dining experience.
Enjoy experimenting with these delightful pairings!
Additional Tips To Decrease Calories
If you want to enjoy a delicious bowl of Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup without the extra calories, consider making a few simple adjustments.
First, swap regular cream cheese for Neufchatel, which has fewer calories. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a lighter option.
Reducing the amount of jalapeños can help control the spiciness without adding extra calories. Additionally, using skinless chicken breast instead of bone-in can cut down on fat.
Finally, increase the veggies—adding spinach or zucchini boosts nutrition and fiber while keeping calories low.
Enjoy your flavorful, guilt-free soup!