Description
This Italian sausage soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with bold flavors. Made with savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and a rich, seasoned broth, this soup is perfect for chilly nights. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer taste)
- 1 cup cooked pasta (orzo, ditalini, or rotini)
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions:
- ½ cup heavy cream (for a creamy version)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (for added depth of flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the vegetables and remove the casing from the Italian sausage.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, broth, zucchini, beans, and seasonings (basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper).
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Final Ingredients
- Stir in the spinach and cooked pasta, and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- If making a creamy version, stir in the heavy cream and let it warm through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- For a low-carb/keto version, skip the pasta and use extra vegetables or cauliflower rice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze the soup without pasta for up to 3 months; add fresh pasta when reheating.
- To make it spicier, use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian