Hearty Italian Sausage Soup Recipe: A Comforting Family Favorite

Hearty soups warm the soul on chilly evenings, and this classic Italian sausage soup delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Rich flavors blend seamlessly with tender vegetables and savory meat.

Aromatic herbs dance through the broth, creating a symphony of taste that beckons you to the kitchen.

Rustic and satisfying, this soup brings authentic Italian countryside charm to your dinner table.

Each ingredient tells a story of tradition and home-cooked goodness.

Simple yet sophisticated, the recipe promises a delightful meal that nourishes both body and spirit.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to be transported to the rustic kitchens of Italy.

Italian Sausage Soup That Hits the Spot

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Packed with tangy kalamata olives, zesty pepperoncini, and vibrant fresh herbs that create a multilayered taste experience.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with plant-based protein from chickpeas, fiber-rich vegetables, and balanced ingredients that support healthy eating without sacrificing deliciousness.
• Quick Culinary Adventure: Requires minimal cooking skills, with simple chopping and mixing techniques that make this recipe accessible for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, summer gatherings, or as a satisfying standalone lunch that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Ingredients for Italian Sausage Soup

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that provides the soup's rich and hearty foundation.

• Onion, Celery, Red Bell Pepper, Carrots: Fresh vegetables that add depth, texture, and nutritional value to the soup.
• Spinach: A leafy green that brings additional nutrients and a vibrant color to the dish.

• Broth: A savory liquid that creates the soup's main cooking and flavor foundation.
• Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the soup.
• Water: Helps to adjust the soup's consistency and volume.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that provides a classic Italian taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavors.

• Pasta: Provides substance and makes the soup more filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: A optional topping that adds a salty and creamy finish.
• Fresh Herbs: An optional garnish that brings a bright, fresh element to the soup.

How to Cook Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown Sausage and Sauté Vegetables

Grab a hefty pot and start cooking the sausage over medium heat until it turns golden and crumbly. Remove excess grease from the pan.

• Onions
• Celery
• Red bell peppers
• Carrots

Sauté everything together for about 3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything and let the spices dance and release their incredible flavors for roughly one minute.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

• Broth
• Tomatoes
• Water

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Bump up the heat to medium-high and add your favorite pasta.

Cover the pot and give occasional stirs. Let the pasta cook for 10 minutes or until it reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Greens

Toss in fresh chopped spinach and give the soup a quick taste test. Adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and scatter some fresh herbs on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Italian Sausage Soup Perfection

• Remove sausage grease completely to prevent a greasy soup texture and reduce unnecessary calories.
• Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
• Taste the soup before serving and fine-tune salt and pepper levels since sausage can be naturally salty.
• Use fresh spinach leaves instead of frozen for better texture and brighter color in the final dish.
• Add pasta near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal al dente texture.

Flavor Variations for Italian Sausage Soup

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu, keeping all other ingredients the same for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or quinoa to make the soup celiac-friendly and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Substitute Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add black beans, corn, and use pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan for a zesty southwestern-style soup.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, use bone broth for extra nutrients, and increase fatty sausage content to align with ketogenic dietary requirements.

Pairing Suggestions for Italian Sausage Soup

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the hearty sausage and rich tomato base, enhancing the soup's savory flavors.
• Create Crusty Bread Companion: Serve a warm, rustic Italian bread like ciabatta or focaccia to soak up the delicious broth and provide a satisfying textural contrast.
• Match Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and add a bright, refreshing element to the meal.
• Sprinkle Herbal Garnish: Top the soup with fresh basil or parsley to introduce a vibrant, aromatic finish that elevates the overall dining experience.

How to Store Italian Sausage Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.
• Pour soup into a pot and reheat over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture if needed. Stir occasionally until heated through and steaming.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

• How can I make the soup more protein-rich?

Add cooked white beans, chickpeas, or shredded chicken to increase the protein content of the soup.

• Can I freeze this Italian sausage soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without the pasta. Add fresh pasta when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian Sausage Soup delivers robust Mediterranean flavors with each spoonful. Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal you’ll savor down to the last warming bite.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) mild Italian sausage

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup (150 grams) chopped celery
• 1 cup (130 grams) sliced carrots
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can Italian tomatoes, or diced
• 32 ounces (946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) water
• 1 cup (170 grams) dry ditalini, or macaroni noodles
• 2 cups (60 grams) spinach, chopped

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Instructions

1. Sizzle Italian sausage in a spacious pot over medium heat, rendering out excess fat completely.
2. Incorporate diced onion, celery, crimson bell pepper, and carrots into the rendered sausage. Sauté the vegetables for approximately 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Introduce minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir vigorously and cook for 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
4. Pour in broth, crushed tomatoes, and water. Gently bring the mixture to a rolling simmer, allowing ingredients to meld together.
5. Elevate heat to medium-high and add pasta. Cover the pot, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking. Maintain a gentle boil for 10 minutes or until pasta reaches al dente consistency.
6. Fold in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt seamlessly into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Ladle steaming soup into serving bowls. Optional: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your flavor preference.
• Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the soup’s hearty texture.
• Enhance protein content by adding white beans or quinoa, making the soup more filling and nutritionally balanced.
• Prep vegetables in advance and store in airtight containers to reduce cooking time and simplify meal preparation on busy days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 264 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg