Hearty and Flavorful: The Ultimate Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Italian sausage soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your liking, and it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables. This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating a truly outstanding Italian sausage soup that will impress your family and friends.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple and doesn’t require any fancy cooking skills.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of Italian sausage, vegetables, and herbs creates a rich and complex flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe by adding different vegetables, beans, or pasta.
* **Hearty and satisfying:** This soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
* **Freezes well:** Italian sausage soup freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it later.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Italian sausage:** We recommend using Italian sausage, both sweet and hot versions work well. If you want a leaner option, use chicken or turkey Italian sausage. You’ll need about 1 pound.
* **Olive oil:** Used for sautéing the vegetables and sausage. About 2 tablespoons.
* **Onion:** One medium-sized yellow onion, diced.
* **Carrots:** Two medium-sized carrots, peeled and diced.
* **Celery:** Two stalks of celery, diced.
* **Garlic:** Four cloves of garlic, minced.
* **Chicken broth:** The base of the soup. Use about 6-8 cups, depending on how thick you like your soup. Low sodium is recommended to control the salt level.
* **Canned diced tomatoes:** One 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
* **Tomato paste:** Adds richness and depth of flavor. Use about 2 tablespoons.
* **Italian seasoning:** A blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor. Use about 2 teaspoons.
* **Red pepper flakes:** Optional, for a touch of heat. Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, depending on your preference.
* **Fresh spinach:** Adds nutrients and color. Use about 5 ounces, roughly chopped.
* **Cannellini beans:** Also known as white kidney beans. One 15-ounce can, rinsed and drained. You can substitute with other beans like great northern or kidney beans.
* **Small pasta:** Optional, such as ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni. Use about 1/2 cup. If adding pasta, you may need to increase the amount of broth.
* **Salt and pepper:** To taste.
* **Grated Parmesan cheese:** For garnish.
* **Fresh parsley:** Chopped, for garnish.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large pot or Dutch oven:** To cook the soup.
* **Cutting board:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Spoon or ladle:** For stirring and serving the soup.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make the best Italian sausage soup:

**Step 1: Brown the Sausage**

Remove the sausage from its casings (if using links). In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Leave any rendered fat in the pot – it will add flavor to the soup.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes**

Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.

**Step 4: Simmer the Soup**

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. You can simmer it for up to an hour or more for an even richer flavor.

**Step 5: Add the Sausage, Beans, and Pasta (Optional)**

Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add the cannellini beans (rinsed and drained). If you’re using pasta, add it now as well. Stir to combine.

**Step 6: Cook Until Pasta is Tender (If Using)**

If you added pasta, cook the soup until the pasta is tender, following the package directions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.

**Step 7: Add the Spinach**

Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. The spinach will add a vibrant green color and a boost of nutrients to the soup.

**Step 8: Season to Taste**

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste it before adding salt, as the sausage and broth may already be salty.

**Step 9: Serve and Garnish**

Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Italian Sausage Soup

* **Use Good Quality Sausage:** The flavor of the sausage is crucial to the overall taste of the soup. Choose a high-quality Italian sausage that you enjoy.
* **Don’t Skip the Browning:** Browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables is essential for developing the flavor of the soup. Don’t rush this step.
* **Simmer for Longer:** Simmering the soup for a longer time allows the flavors to meld together and create a richer, more complex taste. If you have the time, simmer it for an hour or more.
* **Adjust the Thickness:** If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch or flour mixed with water. Add it slowly, stirring constantly, until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans to thicken the soup.
* **Add a Splash of Cream (Optional):** For an even richer and creamier soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. This is optional but adds a luxurious touch.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like spicy food, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** To make a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Different Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or kale.
* **Different Beans:** You can substitute cannellini beans with other beans like great northern beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas.
* **Different Pasta:** Use any small pasta shape you like, such as ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni. You can also use gluten-free pasta.
* **Add Potatoes:** For a heartier soup, add diced potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or Russet) along with the other vegetables.
* **Use Different Greens:** Instead of spinach, you can use kale, Swiss chard, or escarole.
* **Spicy Sausage Soup:** Use all hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Serve with crusty bread:** A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
* **Serve with a side salad:** A simple green salad complements the richness of the soup.
* **Serve with a dollop of ricotta cheese:** A dollop of ricotta cheese adds a creamy and tangy element to the soup.
* **Serve with a drizzle of olive oil:** A drizzle of good quality olive oil adds extra flavor and richness.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually meld together even more as it sits.
* **Storage:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezing:** This soup freezes very well. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Fiber: 5-7g

## Italian Sausage Soup Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings (sweet or hot)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, diced
* 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
* 2 stalks celery, diced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 6-8 cups chicken broth
* 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
* 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
* 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
* 1/2 cup small pasta (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove from pot and set aside.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
5. Return the sausage to the pot. Add the cannellini beans. If using pasta, add it now.
6. If you added pasta, cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Stir in the spinach until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve hot.

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Italian sausage soup! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

## Variations for Italian Sausage Soup

Here are some other ingredients to add in order to make it unique:

* **Kale:** Add kale instead of spinach for a more earthy flavor and more vitamin K.
* **Potatoes:** Use Yukon gold or red potatoes for creamy texture.
* **White Beans:** Add extra white beans to make the soup extra creamy and extra healthy.
* **Cream:** Add a quarter cup of heavy cream for a more creamy and rich soup.

Enjoy this soup any time of the year and enjoy this italian sausage soup recipe.