Experience the warmth and comfort of a classic Italian wedding soup made even easier in your slow cooker. Packed with tender meatballs, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant vegetables, this recipe fills your home with a tantalizing aroma—making it perfect for chilly nights or any time you need a little extra coziness.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces gnocchi (fresh or packaged)
- 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
Start by preparing the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, and beaten egg. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired. Roll into small, bite-sized meatballs—about the size of a walnut—to ensure they cook evenly.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs for a few minutes on all sides. This brief sauté locks in flavor and prevents them from falling apart in the slow cooker. Transfer the meatballs to your slow cooker.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet for a minute or two, just until the vegetables begin to soften. Transfer these sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth, then cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours (or high for 3–4 hours).
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the gnocchi and baby spinach. Replace the lid, and let everything simmer until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach is wilted. Give your soup a final taste, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
Ladle into bowls and finish with a shower of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Italian wedding soup is a perfect marriage of flavors and textures—tender meatballs, hearty vegetables, and comforting broth. This slow cooker version is great for busy families or anyone seeking an easy yet nourishing dinner. It also offers flexibility: substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option, or swap gnocchi for tiny pasta if you prefer.
With minimal prep and maximum taste, Cozy Gnocchi & Meatball Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup is a wonderful go-to meal for those who crave homemade goodness without all the fuss.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
