Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and full of flavor, then this Italian Sausage Soup is about to be your new best friend. Imagine a warm, aromatic bowl of rich broth packed with juicy sausage, tender veggies, and a punch of Italian herbs. Each spoonful is a cozy hug, with just the right balance of savory, spicy, and a touch of freshness from the greens. This soup is everything you want in a meal—filling, flavorful, and so satisfying.

The beauty of this soup is how easily it comes together. With just a few ingredients and one pot, you can have a wholesome, delicious meal ready to enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or serving it up to guests, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, your kitchen will smell like heaven as it simmers away!

Why You’ll Love Italian Sausage Soup

This soup isn’t just any ordinary bowl of comfort food. Here’s why it’s going to become a favorite in your recipe rotation:

Hearty and Filling:

Packed with Italian sausage, vegetables, and beans, this soup is loaded with everything you need for a complete meal. It’s not just a snack—it’ll keep you satisfied all the way until your next meal.

Flavor-Packed:

The sausage infuses the broth with rich, savory goodness, while the fresh veggies and herbs add layers of depth. It’s the perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Quick and Easy:

From stovetop to table in about 40 minutes! This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Customizable:

Feel free to tweak the ingredients to your liking. Want more greens? Add extra spinach. Prefer a spicier kick? Crank up the red pepper flakes. You can make it exactly how you like it!

Great for Meal Prep:

This soup stores beautifully! Make a big batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you on busy days. It also freezes well for those times you want to pull out a homemade dinner without much effort.

Ingredients

Ready for the magic? Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Italian Sausage Soup:

Italian Sausage:

The star of the show! Use mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference. If you can, get sausage that’s removed from the casing for easy crumbling and flavor release.

Vegetables:

We’re using a combination of onions, carrots, and celery for that classic Italian soup base. These veggies add sweetness and depth, making the soup extra hearty.

Garlic:

A couple of cloves of garlic will infuse the broth with an irresistible aroma. Garlic is a must in any Italian dish!

Tomatoes:

Diced tomatoes (or even fire-roasted for extra flavor) provide a slightly tangy base that balances out the richness of the sausage.

Spinach:

Fresh spinach adds some beautiful color and a nutritious boost. You can swap it with kale or even Swiss chard if you prefer.

Beans:

Cannellini beans (or any white bean) add creaminess and texture. Plus, they help make the soup more filling.

Chicken Broth:

For the base, we’ll use chicken broth to give the soup a savory, warm depth. If you have vegetable broth on hand, that works too!

Herbs and Seasonings:

We’re using a blend of Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to bring all the flavors together.

(Note: Full measurements are included in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to make this Italian Sausage Soup in just a few simple steps:

Brown the Sausage:

In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage (removed from its casing) and cook, breaking it up into small pieces as it browns. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s cooked through and crispy in some places for extra flavor!

Sauté the Veggies:

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies start to soften, about 5 minutes. Then, add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Add the Tomatoes and Broth:

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and the chicken broth. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Stir in the Beans and Spinach:

Add the cannellini beans and fresh spinach to the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts and the beans heat through, about 2-3 minutes.

Season and Simmer:

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the flavors have fully developed.

Serve and Enjoy:

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot! If you’re feeling fancy, top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor. Serve with crusty bread on the side to soak up all that delicious broth.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 330
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 900mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24g
Dietary Fiber: 7g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 18g
Vitamin A: 80%
Vitamin C: 25%
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup

This soup is so versatile and can be paired with all sorts of delicious sides. Here are a few ways to serve it up:

With Crusty Bread:

A thick slice of crusty bread is the perfect companion to this soup. It’ll help you mop up every last drop of that flavorful broth. You could even make some garlic bread for an extra indulgence!

A Side Salad:

Pair the soup with a light, fresh salad. Something like a simple mixed greens salad with a lemony vinaigrette would be a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Topped with Cheese:

Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top for a cheesy, indulgent touch. It’s the ultimate finishing touch to make this soup extra special.

In a Bread Bowl:

For a fun twist, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. It’ll not only look impressive, but the bread will soak up the soup and become wonderfully flavorful!

Additional Tips

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even potatoes. It’s an easy way to make the soup even more filling.
• Spicy Sausage: If you like a bit of heat, try using spicy Italian sausage. It’ll give the soup a lovely kick.
• Make Ahead: This soup actually gets better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and reheat when ready to serve.
• Freezing: This soup freezes really well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

A1: Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great alternative if you’re looking to lighten things up. It’ll still be delicious and flavorful.

Q2: Can I add pasta to the soup?

A2: Yes! You can add small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni to make the soup even heartier. Just cook the pasta separately and add it at the end to avoid it becoming too soft in the broth.

Q3: Can I make this soup vegetarian?

A3: Yes! You can skip the sausage and use a plant-based sausage or simply add more beans and vegetables. It will still be packed with flavor!

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth if necessary.

Q5: Can I freeze this soup?

A5: Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Q6: How can I make this soup spicier?

A6: Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for an extra kick. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce for heat.

Q7: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

A7: Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the soup.

Q8: Can I add potatoes to the soup?

A8: Yes! Dice up some potatoes and add them with the carrots and celery. They’ll add a hearty texture and soak up all the delicious broth.

Q9: How can I make this soup creamier?

A9: To make the soup creamier, you can stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half right at the end. This will add richness and a velvety texture to the broth.

Q10: Is this soup gluten-free?

A10: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and make sure to check that your sausage is gluten-free, this soup is totally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Italian Sausage Soup is everything you need in a cozy, flavorful dish. Hearty, savory, and loaded with comforting ingredients, it’s perfect for chilly nights or anytime you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every delicious spoonful!

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