Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Soup

Drescription

Use your slow cooker for this comforting Italian sausage soup with ziti pasta and sausage in tomato sauce topped with cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 pound bulk italian sausage or turkey italian sausage
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
• 3 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 8 ounces ziti or penne pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Cook sausage and onion in a large skillet over medium, breaking up clumps with a wooden spoon until browned; drain fat.
3. Add sausage mixture to a 4- to 5-quarts slow cooker. Add broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, green pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic, and crushed red pepper.
4. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High 3 to 4 hours. If using Low, turn to High. Add pasta; cover and cook for 30 minutes.
5. Stir together ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and basil in a small bowl.
6. Top servings with ricotta mixture. Serve hot and enjoy!