Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Hearty Italian Sausage Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Hearty italian sausage soup brings warmth to chilly evenings with its robust blend of savory ingredients.

Fragrant herbs and tender vegetables dance together in a rich, comforting broth.

Spicy sausage chunks add a delightful kick that dances across your palate.

Mediterranean flavors merge seamlessly, creating a soul-satisfying meal in a single pot.

Minimal prep work means you can have this delicious soup ready in under an hour.

Each spoonful promises a culinary journey through rustic italian countryside traditions.

Grab a crusty bread and dive into this irresistible comfort classic that will leave you craving more.

Classic Italian Sausage Soup Warmth

  • Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein from sausage, vibrant vegetables, and iron-rich spinach, this soup delivers a complete and balanced meal in one hearty bowl.
  • Quick Comfort Creation: Simple one-pot cooking method means minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious food without complicated preparation.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flexibility: Easily adaptable recipe allows substitutions like different pasta shapes, protein options, or adding extra vegetables to suit family preferences and pantry ingredients.
  • Seasonal Wellness Supporter: Hearty soup provides warmth during cooler months while offering immune-boosting ingredients that help keep your body strong and nourished.

Ingredients for Authentic Italian Sausage Soup

For the Protein:
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that provides a rich and spicy base for the soup.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onion, Celery, Red Pepper, Carrots: These vegetables add depth, texture, and nutritional value to the soup.
  • Garlic: Provides a strong, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Spinach: A nutritious green that adds color and earthy freshness to the soup.
For the Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Broth, Water: Creates the liquid base for the soup and helps develop a savory flavor.
  • Canned Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet component to the soup.
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: A blend of herbs and spices that brings out the traditional Italian flavors.
For the Pasta and Topping:
  • Ditalini or Macaroni Pasta: Provides a hearty and filling element to the soup.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A classic Italian cheese that adds a salty and nutty finish.
  • Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish that can enhance the visual appeal and provide an extra layer of flavor.

Step-by-Step Italian Sausage Soup Guide

Step 1: Brown The Sausage

Place a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until completely browned.

Drain away any excess fat that accumulates during cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add these vegetables to the pot:
  • Onions
  • Celery
  • Red bell peppers
  • Carrots

Sauté everything together for approximately 3 minutes until vegetables start becoming tender.

Step 3: Enhance With Aromatics

Sprinkle in:
  • Minced garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir and cook for an additional minute to release deep flavors.

Step 4: Create Soup Base

Pour into the pot:
  • Chicken broth
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Water

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Increase heat to medium-high. Add ditalini or macaroni pasta.

Cover the pot and stir occasionally. Cook for about 10 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 6: Finish With Greens

Stir chopped spinach into the soup. Cook until spinach wilts completely.

Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve And Garnish

Ladle soup into serving bowls.

Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and optional chopped herbs like basil or parsley.

Tips for Hearty Italian Sausage Soup

  • Brown sausage thoroughly before adding vegetables to develop rich, caramelized taste notes.
  • Choose small pasta shapes that fit easily on a spoon for easier eating and better broth absorption.
  • Replace meat with plant-based sausage or extra mushrooms for a vegetarian version without losing robust flavor profile.
  • Add spinach at the very end to preserve bright green color and maintain maximum nutritional value.
  • This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy weeknights.

Variations to Spice Up Italian Sausage Soup

  • Spicy Kick Soup: Replace Italian sausage with hot chorizo for a fiery flavor boost. Add red pepper flakes to intensify heat and create a zesty version of the original recipe.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Soup: Swap sausage with chickpeas and add zucchini, eggplant, and extra herbs like oregano. Use vegetable broth for a plant-based alternative that maintains rich flavor.
  • Creamy Tuscan Soup: Stir in heavy cream and white beans near the end of cooking. Incorporate roasted red peppers and increase garlic for a luxurious, hearty soup with depth.
  • Protein-Packed Quinoa Soup: Replace pasta with quinoa for added protein and nutrition. Include diced chicken breast and extra vegetables like kale to create a more substantial meal.

Perfect Pairings for Italian Sausage Soup

  • Pair Rustic Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the hearty sausage and rich tomato base of the soup.
  • Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting Italian bread with garlic butter, which adds crunch and absorbs the soup's delicious flavors.
  • Sprinkle Fresh Herb Garnish: Top the soup with chopped fresh basil or parsley to brighten the dish and add a vibrant, aromatic finish.
  • Add Creamy Cheese Topping: Generously garnish with freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano to enhance the soup's depth and provide a salty, umami kick.

Storage Tips for Italian Sausage Soup

Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.

Pour completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 2-3 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 and continue heating until thoroughly hot.

Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed.

FAQs

  • What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, is ideal. You can use ground sausage removed from its casing for the best flavor and texture.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.

  • Is this soup nutritious?

Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from sausage, vitamins from vegetables like spinach and carrots, and provides a balanced meal with whole ingredients.

  • How can I make the soup more hearty?

Add extra protein like white beans or lentils. You could also include diced potatoes or increase the amount of pasta for a more filling soup.

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Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Italian Sausage Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Italian Sausage Soup promises a comforting culinary journey through rustic Italian flavors. Robust sausage, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this soul-warming classic.


Ingredients

Scale

Meats:

  • 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
  • 34 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups (45 grams) spinach, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can Italian tomatoes
  • 32 ounces (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) water
  • 1 cup (160 grams) dry ditalini (or macaroni noodles)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium temperature and thoroughly brown the Italian sausage, eliminating any accumulated grease.
  2. Incorporate diced onions, chopped celery, sliced red peppers, and julienned carrots into the sausage, sautéing for approximately 3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Introduce minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant essence for one minute.
  4. Pour chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and water into the pot, raising the temperature until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
  5. Add ditalini pasta directly into the liquid, covering the pot and stirring intermittently to prevent sticking, cooking for 9-11 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency.
  6. Fold fresh spinach leaves into the soup, allowing them to wilt and integrate seamlessly with the other ingredients, which should take roughly 1-2 minutes.
  7. Evaluate the soup’s seasoning, adjusting with additional salt and pepper if necessary to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  8. Serve piping hot, garnishing each bowl with freshly grated parmesan cheese and optional chopped herbs for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Customize the sausage type for varied flavor profiles, like switching to turkey or plant-based sausage for lighter options.
  • Control soup thickness by adjusting liquid quantities, adding more broth for a thinner consistency or reducing liquid for a heartier texture.
  • Enhance nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like zucchini or kale for extra vitamins and minerals.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 248 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 832 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 49 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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