Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is a delightful dish that combines hearty flavors with fresh ingredients. This comforting soup is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a gathering with friends. With its easy preparation and vibrant tastes, you’ll find this recipe to be a staple in your kitchen. The addition of spinach not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a lovely color to the soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a satisfying meal on its own.
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 35 minutes, you can enjoy this delicious soup without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of Italian sausage and herbs creates a rich taste that warms the soul.
- Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge and can be easily reheated for leftovers.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather these essential tools before you start preparing your Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups as it allows for even heat distribution and ample space.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables quickly.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes it easier to slice through vegetables, ensuring safety and efficiency in preparation.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving up generous portions of soup without spills.
Ingredients
For this delicious Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Protein
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed or 1 pound ground Italian sausage)
Vegetables
- 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)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Liquids
- 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
Pasta
- 1 ½ cups Ditali pasta or another small pasta (dry)
Greens
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach (chopped)
Garnishes
- 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. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate, draining any excess fat from the pot while 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 softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Return the sausage to the pot. Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Stir in pasta and cook while stirring often until 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 soup into bowls. Top with freshly grated Parmigiano cheese and sprinkle fresh basil on top. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Serving your Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe can elevate the dining experience, making it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative serving ideas that complement this hearty dish.
Use Fresh Herbs
- Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a fragrant touch and enhances the soup’s Italian flavors.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley can add a fresh, bright flavor and color contrast.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Baguette Slices: Serve warm baguette slices to soak up the delicious broth.
- Garlic Bread: This classic addition provides a delightful crunch and flavor enhancement.
Add a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad pairs well with the warmth of the soup, providing a refreshing contrast.
- Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens offer a healthy balance to the richness of the soup.
Top with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmigiano cheese can take your soup to the next level, adding creaminess and depth.
- Mozzarella Balls: Adding small mozzarella balls gives a fun texture and an extra cheesy bite.
How to Perfect Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Perfecting your Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is all about enhancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out just right.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor profile and nutritional value of your soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your palate for optimal flavor.
- Cook Pasta Separately: For best results, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving helps meld flavors together beautifully.
- Add More Greens: Feel free to add kale or Swiss chard alongside spinach for extra nutrients and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
To create a complete meal around your Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe, consider these delightful side dishes. Each one complements the flavors of the soup perfectly.
- Garlic Bread – Ideal for dipping into the savory broth; simply toast slices with garlic butter.
- Caprese Salad – A light blend of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil that provides freshness against hearty soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies bring out sweetness and pair wonderfully with the rich flavors of the soup.
- Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative that adds bulk without overpowering the dish’s essence.
- Stuffed Peppers – Filled with rice or quinoa and spices, they make an excellent companion to this filling soup.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil offers a refreshing starter before enjoying your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture.
- Skipping the browning step: Not browning the sausage properly can lead to a bland flavor. Always brown the sausage until it’s fully cooked before adding other ingredients.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Sauté them just until they are soft but still have a bite.
- Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can leave your soup flat. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper levels to enhance flavors.
- Using high-sodium broth: High-sodium chicken broth can overwhelm the dish. Opt for low-sodium broth for better control over seasoning.
- Not letting it simmer: Skipping the simmering phase limits flavor development. Allow the soup to simmer so all ingredients meld together beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until hot, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium heat in a pot, 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 substitute! It will provide a leaner option while maintaining flavor.
How can I customize this Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe?
You can add different vegetables like zucchini or kale for variety, or swap out pasta types based on your preference.
What type of broth works best?
Low-sodium chicken broth is ideal, but vegetable broth can also work well if you prefer a lighter soup base.
How do I store leftovers from this Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for later enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and proteins. Give it a try on your next cozy night in!
Easy Italian Sausage Soup
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of our Easy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe, a delightful one-pot meal that bursts with vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients. This heartwarming soup, featuring savory Italian sausage and a colorful array of vegetables, is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. With its quick preparation time of just 35 minutes, you can easily whip up this flavorful dish on busy weeknights. The addition of fresh spinach not only enhances the nutritional profile but also adds a beautiful touch of color. Enjoy a bowlful of this hearty soup, topped with freshly grated cheese and garnished with herbs for an irresistible finish.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken sausage (or turkey)
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 ribs celery, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1.5 cups Ditali pasta (dry)
- 1.5 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmigiano cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, crumble the ground chicken sausage and cook until browned. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper; sauté until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Return the sausage to the pot; add chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil then simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in pasta; cook until al dente as per package instructions.
- Add chopped spinach just until wilted.
- Serve in bowls topped with grated cheese and fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg