Slow Cooker Italian Summer Soup

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground Italian sausage
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2-3 small zucchinis, diced
• 1 (15.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese for serving

Preparation

1. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add sausage. Break sausage into small pieces and cook until mostly browned (it will continue to cook in the crockpot). Drain off excess grease.
2. Add sausage, vegetables, seasoning, and broth to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
3. Cover and set slow cooker to high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
4. Serve hot with parmesan and extra red pepper flakes.