Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe brings together hearty Italian flavors and nourishing ingredients. It’s a simple, rustic dish perfect for a cozy evening, ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The warm spices and fresh vegetables create a comforting bowl that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 35 minutes from start to finish, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and aromatic vegetables ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
- Customizable: Feel free to substitute vegetables or pasta based on what you have on hand for a personalized touch.
- Nutritious and Filling: Loaded with vegetables and protein, this soup is both wholesome and satisfying, making it a great choice for any meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create this Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space to cook all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching the pot’s surface while ensuring even cooking.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for cutting.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed (or 1 pound ground Italian sausage))
– 3 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
– 1 medium onion (peeled and diced)
– 2-3 ribs celery (diced)
– 1 medium red bell pepper or orange bell pepper (finely chopped)
– 2-3 cloves fresh garlic (finely chopped)
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and Black pepper (to taste)
– 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
– 1 ½ cups Ditali pasta or another small pasta (dry)
– 1 ½ cups fresh spinach (chopped)
– Freshly grated Parmigiano cheese (for serving)
– Fresh basil (for garnish)
How to Make Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, crumble the Italian sausage and cook until browned and no longer pink. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and drain any excess fat from the pot, leaving two tablespoons to sauté the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Return the sausage to the pot. Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Stir in Pasta
Add Ditali pasta to the soup and cook while stirring often until pasta is cooked to desired doneness, about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add Spinach
Stir in chopped spinach into the soup. Cook just until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with freshly grated Parmigiano cheese and sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve hot. Enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Serving Easy Italian Sausage Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with the right accompaniments. Here are some suggestions to elevate your meal and delight your guests.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Freshly baked baguette: Perfect for dipping into the hearty soup.
- Garlic bread: Adds a flavorful twist that complements the Italian flavors.
Add a Fresh Salad
- Caesar salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing create a nice contrast.
- Caprese salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil add a refreshing touch.
Top with Cheese
- Grated Parmigiano cheese: A classic topping that adds richness to each bowl.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully and enhances the soup’s texture.
Serve with Wine Alternatives
- Sparkling grape juice: A fun, bubbly option that pairs well with the savory soup.
- Herbal tea: Choose a light infusion for a soothing accompaniment.
How to Perfect Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Perfecting your Easy Italian Sausage Soup is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for an even tastier dish.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go; add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Cook pasta separately: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy in the soup.
- Let it simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer enhances the depth of flavors.
- Experiment with greens: Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with Easy Italian Sausage Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up soup.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad provides a refreshing balance to the rich soup.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta adds comfort and pairs well with the hearty flavors.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers complement the soup’s Italian essence.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies offer an extra layer of taste and nutrition.
- Risotto: Creamy risotto makes for an indulgent side that enhances the meal’s warmth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish every time.
- Skipping the browning process: Failing to brown the sausage can lead to a dull flavor. Always cook until browned for deeper taste.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking veggies too long can make them mushy. Aim for tenderness while retaining some crunch.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Not tasting as you go can result in bland soup. Adjust seasonings based on your palate during cooking.
- Using the wrong pasta: Some pasta types absorb too much broth or become mushy. Choose small shapes like Ditali for best texture.
- Not allowing flavors to meld: Rushing the simmering step misses flavor development. Let it simmer for at least 10-15 minutes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Freezing Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in a covered oven-safe dish, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowl covered loosely with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through (about 5-10 minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding the Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe.
Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that still provides good flavor and protein.
What kind of pasta works best?
Small pastas like Ditali or small shells work well as they hold onto the broth nicely without becoming soggy.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate zucchini, kale, or any seasonal vegetables you enjoy.
How do I store leftovers of Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is not only hearty but also versatile, making it perfect for cozy nights. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spice levels. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors that make this soup a family favorite!
Easy Italian Sausage Soup
Warm up with our Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe, a comforting dish that beautifully blends hearty flavors and nourishing ingredients. This rustic soup is an excellent choice for cozy evenings, family dinners, or gatherings with friends. With its vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices, each bowl promises a satisfying experience that’s both easy to prepare and customizable. You can swap out vegetables or pasta based on what you have at home, making this recipe versatile for any occasion. Perfect for meal prepping, this nourishing soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors anytime.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (or Italian sausage alternative)
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 medium onion
- 2–3 ribs celery
- 1 medium red or orange bell pepper
- 2–3 cloves fresh garlic
- 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1.5 cups Ditali pasta (or small pasta of choice)
- 1.5 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey until browned. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and bell pepper for about 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and seasonings; cook for another minute.
- Return turkey to the pot, add chicken broth and tomatoes; bring to a boil then simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Stir in pasta and cook until tender, approximately 10 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Serve hot with freshly grated cheese and basil on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute the ground turkey with plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Customize by adding seasonal vegetables like zucchini or kale. For extra flavor, consider using homemade broth if available.
