Warm, comforting, and bursting with robust flavors, Italian Sausage Soup is a beloved classic that brings together savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a rich broth. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly evenings or any time you’re craving a satisfying meal. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step directions, nutritional information, and tips to make the perfect Italian Sausage Soup.
Ingredients
To create a flavorful Italian Sausage Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, according to preference)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup water
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
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1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
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1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta or other small pasta
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2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Note: Feel free to customize the vegetables and pasta types based on your preferences or what you have available.
Directions
Follow these steps to prepare a delicious Italian Sausage Soup:
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Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
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Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
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Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and water. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Incorporate Beans and Sausage: Once boiling, add the cannellini beans and the cooked sausage back into the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked ditalini pasta and continue to simmer until the pasta is al dente, following the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes).
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Add Spinach and Season: In the last few minutes of cooking, add the chopped fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
The following nutritional information is an approximation per serving (based on six servings)
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Calories: Approximately 385 kca
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Protein: 19 grams
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Carbohydrates: 23 grams
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Fat: 24 grams
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Fiber: 5 grams
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Sodium: Varies depending on broth and sausage used
Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Serving Size and Yield
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Servings: 6
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Serving Size: Approximately 1 1/2 cups
Preparation and Cooking Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
Tips and Variations
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Sausage Options: For a lighter version, consider using turkey or chicken Italian sausage.
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Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or kale for added nutrition and flavor.
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Grain Alternatives: Instead of pasta, you can use rice, quinoa, or omit the grains for a low-carb option.
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Spice Level: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your liking.
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Make-Ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of broth if it has thickened.
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Freezing: If planning to freeze, it’s best to omit the pasta and add it fresh when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Health Benefits
This Italian Sausage Soup is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:
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Protein-Rich: The Italian sausage and cannellini beans provide a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
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Fiber-Filled: Vegetables and beans add dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and providing a feeling of fullness.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Ingredients like spinach, carrots, and celery contribute essential vitamins (such as A and C) and minerals (like potassium and iron) to your diet.
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Balanced Meal: With a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, this soup offers a well-rounded meal option.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement your Italian Sausage Soup, consider serving it with a side of warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth. A simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan shavings can provide a fresh contrast to the hearty soup. If you’re hosting a full Italian-inspired meal, consider starting with a classic antipasto platter featuring cured meats, cheeses, olives, and roasted peppers. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of the sausage and tomatoes, enhancing the dining experience. For dessert, a light treat like biscotti with espresso or a scoop of refreshing lemon sorbet will balance the richness of the meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Italian Sausage Soup is an excellent make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, warm it gently over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between to ensure even heating. If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to omit the pasta before freezing, as it can become mushy upon reheating. Instead, cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup when serving. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy thawing, and when ready to eat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Italian Sausage Soup turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes. Overcrowding the pot when browning the sausage can lead to steaming rather than searing, which affects the depth of flavor, so cook in batches if needed. Adding pasta too early can cause it to overcook and become mushy; instead, add it toward the end of the cooking process. Over-seasoning with salt before the soup has simmered is another common mistake, as sausage and broth already contain sodium—taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Using low-quality sausage can result in bland flavors, so opt for fresh, high-quality Italian sausage from a butcher or reputable brand. Lastly, skipping the final garnish of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs can mean missing out on an extra layer of flavor, so be sure to include them for the best experience.
Why This Recipe Works
Italian Sausage Soup is a perfect balance of rich, hearty flavors and nourishing ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for families and food lovers alike. The combination of well-seasoned sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a savory broth creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. The inclusion of beans provides extra protein and fiber, making it a wholesome and filling meal. The use of pasta adds a comforting texture, while fresh spinach introduces a pop of color and additional nutrients. The recipe is highly adaptable, allowing for ingredient swaps based on dietary preferences or pantry availability. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or prepare it in advance for meal prep, this soup is an excellent choice for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
Italian Sausage Soup is a timeless dish that embodies the warmth and heartiness of Italian cuisine. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and delicious flavors make it a favorite for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, and even special gatherings. By following this detailed guide, you can create a restaurant-quality soup right in your own kitchen, ensuring each spoonful is filled with rich, savory goodness. Whether you serve it with a slice of warm bread, a crisp salad, or simply enjoy it on its own, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Try it today, and experience the comforting, homemade taste of authentic Italian flavors in every bite!
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Italian Sausage Soup Recipe – Easy, Flavorful & Comforting
Ingredients
-
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, according to preference)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 medium onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 carrots, sliced
-
2 celery stalks, chopped
-
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
-
4 cups chicken broth
-
1 cup water
-
1 teaspoon dried basil
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
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1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
-
1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta or other small pasta
-
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
-
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Note: Feel free to customize the vegetables and pasta types based on your preferences or what you have available.
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare a delicious Italian Sausage Soup:
-
Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
-
Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
-
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and water. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a boil.
-
Incorporate Beans and Sausage: Once boiling, add the cannellini beans and the cooked sausage back into the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked ditalini pasta and continue to simmer until the pasta is al dente, following the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes).
-
Add Spinach and Season: In the last few minutes of cooking, add the chopped fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.
