Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Stew

• 1.5 pounds Italian sausage links (mild or sweet), casings removed
• 1.5 pounds baby red potatoes, halved
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer sausage to the slow cooker.
2. Add diced onion, chopped bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Add halved baby potatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 4.5 hours, until potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cover and cook on low for the remaining time.
6. Before serving, stir the stew well. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
7. Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Chef tips

• If you prefer a lower-fat option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the stew will be less rich.
• For a gluten-free version, verify your sausage is gluten-free and use gluten-free broth.
• If using spicy Italian sausage, omit the crushed red pepper flakes for milder heat.
• To save time, you can brown the sausage and sauté the veggies in advance or skip browning and add raw sausage directly to the slow cooker, but flavor and texture will be richer when browned first.