If you’re craving something hearty, cozy, and oh-so-satisfying, then you’re in for a treat with this Italian Sausage Soup. It’s the kind of recipe that wraps you in comfort with every spoonful, and trust me, you’re going to love this! Imagine tender sausage, veggies, and beans swimming in a savory broth it’s a game-changer that’s just begging to be enjoyed on chilly evenings or whenever you need that extra dose of warmth. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you can get that bowl of goodness on the table without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile:
This soup is as flexible as your mood! You can easily adjust it to fit your tastes or what’s in your pantry. Whether you love a little more spice or prefer it milder, you can make it your own.
Budget-Friendly:
This dish is made with ingredients that won’t break the bank. You’ll feel great about feeding your family or friends without spending too much, and the best part? It’s still incredibly tasty!
Quick and Easy:
Who doesn’t love a meal that’s quick to make? With just a handful of ingredients and some simple steps, you’ll have a comforting bowl of Italian Sausage Soup in no time. You’ll have it on the table before you know it.
Customizable:
Not a fan of one of the veggies? No problem! You can swap in your favorites, making this recipe your go-to for clean-out-the-fridge meals. Plus, add a dash of your favorite seasoning to take it up a notch.
Crowd-Pleasing:
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this soup: it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Italian Sausage: The star of the show. The sausage brings that rich, savory flavor that’s absolutely irresistible. Go for the sweet variety or spice it up with hot sausage either way, it’s packed with flavor.
Veggies: We’re talking onions, carrots, and celery. These classic ingredients add depth and a touch of sweetness that complement the sausage perfectly.
Beans: Beans are a must in this soup! They add heartiness, texture, and a dose of protein. You can go with cannellini or any white bean you like they soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth.
Broth: The base that ties it all together. A rich chicken or vegetable broth provides the perfect backdrop for all the ingredients, making every bite full of savory goodness.
Spinach or Kale: This adds a fresh, green pop to the soup, and I love how the greens cook down and blend seamlessly with the rest of the dish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by heating your pot over medium heat. You want to make sure your pot is nice and hot to cook the sausage properly and develop those rich, savory flavors right at the start.
Brown the Sausage
Add the sausage to the hot pot and cook it until it’s nice and browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. This is where all that flavor begins to develop, so let it sizzle for a few minutes.
Sauté the Veggies
Once the sausage is browned, toss in the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook them until they soften up, and the onions become translucent. The smells that will start wafting through your kitchen are pure magic!
Add the Beans and Broth
Now, add in the beans and pour in the broth. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer. You’ll want to let it cook for about 20-25 minutes so the flavors can meld together beautifully.
Stir in the Greens
Throw in your spinach or kale, and let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. It’ll cook down beautifully, adding a nice, healthy green touch to the soup.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Give the soup a taste and season with salt, pepper, or any additional spices you like. A little extra garlic or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can add an even bigger burst of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
Once everything’s cooked and perfectly seasoned, ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! Pair it with a piece of crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the broth and soaking up all those flavors.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the ideal balance to this hearty soup.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan on top of the soup adds a nice finishing touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for an extra kick.
- Freezer-friendly: This soup stores well in the freezer, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy it later.
- Add pasta: If you want to bulk up the soup, throw in some small pasta like ditalini or orzo.
10 FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?
Yes, ground turkey works just fine, but be sure to season it well since it’s less flavorful than sausage.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the sausage and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
3. What type of beans should I use?
Cannellini beans or great northern beans are the best choices, but any white bean will work.
4. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach is a great option. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.
5. How long can I store the leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
6. Can I add potatoes?
Yes, diced potatoes would be a great addition to make the soup even heartier.
7. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the sausage packaging for any hidden gluten.
8. Can I add other veggies?
Absolutely! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms would work wonderfully in this soup.
9. How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin it out.
10. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Conclusion
This Italian Sausage Soup is one of those dishes that’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it solo, it’s sure to hit the spot. So grab your ingredients and get cooking you won’t regret it!
Print
Italian Sausage Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty, flavorful soup filled with spicy Italian sausage, vegetables, and a savory broth. It’s perfect for cozy dinners and a great comfort food option.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (bulk, not in casing)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
- 2 cups (480 ml) water
- 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups (120 g) fresh spinach
- 1 cup (150 g) small pasta (such as elbow or ditalini)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
- Add the broth and seasonings: Add the chicken broth, water, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: Add the pasta and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Finish the soup: Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf, then serve the soup topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can use turkey sausage for a leaner version.
- The soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg