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.

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

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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

4. In the slow cooker, add zucchini, carrots, green beans, yellow squash, diced tomatoes, and cannellini beans.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine.

Step 3: Season the Soup

6. Add basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

7. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded.

Step 5: Add Corn and Spinach

8. About 20 minutes before serving, stir in frozen corn kernels and chopped spinach.
9. Cook until spinach is wilted and corn is heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

10. Ladle the warm soup into bowls.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
12. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal!

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 Pro Tip: For added depth of flavor, finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving!