Warm up with this flavorful Italian Sausage Soup recipe, perfect for cozy nights and easy meals packed with savory, comforting ingredients. This hearty soup blends spicy Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and rich broth into a deliciously satisfying dish that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your bowl with layers of bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dinner party starter, this Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting classic that hits all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Italian Sausage Soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Rich and Hearty: The combination of sausage and veggies creates a filling meal that satisfies hunger instantly.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can tweak the spices and veggies to suit your taste or whatever’s in your pantry.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Perfect for chilly nights, it offers a warm embrace in every spoonful.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, saving you time and effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Italian Sausage Soup is its reliance on straightforward, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role—from the hearty meatiness of the sausage to the vibrant colors and nutrients from the vegetables, every element enhances the final dish.
- Italian Sausage: Use either spicy or sweet Italian sausage for the perfect savory foundation.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth when sautéed.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the soup with aromatic warmth and complexity.
- Carrots: Provide a slight natural sweetness and pleasant texture contrasts.
- Celery: Contributes a refreshing crunch and subtle earthiness to balance the richness.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Bring acidity and a vibrant red color that brightens the soup.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base, making the soup rich without heaviness.
- Beans (Cannellini or Great Northern): Add creaminess and protein for extra heartiness.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that deepens the savory profile of the soup.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat that awakens the palate.
- Fresh Spinach or Kale: Stirred in at the end for a burst of color and nutrition.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing to impart a fruity richness and help infuse flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
Variations for Italian Sausage Soup
Feel free to make this Italian Sausage Soup your own by swapping or adding ingredients to suit your dietary needs or flavor cravings. Here are some easy ideas to get creative.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra crushed red pepper or use hot Italian sausage for more heat.
- Low Carb: Skip the beans and toss in extra leafy greens or zucchini noodles.
- Cheesy Boost: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or add a dollop of ricotta before serving.
- Extra Veggies: Include bell peppers, zucchini, or potatoes for additional texture and flavor.
How to Make Italian Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Remove the sausage from casings and crumble it into the pot. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a bit to carry the flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic and cook another minute to release its aroma.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 4: Stir in Beans and Greens
Add rinsed and drained beans to the soup, followed by fresh spinach or kale. Cook for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Ladle the hearty Italian Sausage Soup into bowls, ready to warm you up. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan or a crusty slice of bread alongside.
Pro Tips for Making Italian Sausage Soup
- Drain the Sausage Wisely: Leave some rendered fat for flavor but avoid greasy soup by draining excess.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil added at the end brightens the soup beautifully.
- Don’t Overcook Greens: Stir them in last to keep their texture and vibrant color intact.
- Beans for Creaminess: Cannellini beans add a creamy texture without dairy, perfect for a richer soup.
- Simmer to Develop Flavor: Don’t rush—letting the soup simmer enhances every ingredient’s taste.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup
Garnishes
Top your soup with freshly grated Parmesan, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and a light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil for that glossy finish and flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crusty Italian bread or garlic knots to soak up the savory broth, or pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve in rustic bowls with toasted bread on the side, or ladle into hollowed-out bread bowls for an inviting, rustic touch at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Italian Sausage Soup in airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen, making leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing, and leave some headspace for expansion.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking the greens.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative, but it lacks the rich flavor of Italian sausage, so consider adding extra seasoning and herbs to compensate.
Is this soup spicy?
It depends on your sausage choice; using spicy Italian sausage and crushed red pepper flakes will add heat, but you can easily make it mild by using sweet Italian sausage and skipping the pepper flakes.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely. Simply skip any cheese garnish, and the soup remains delicious and hearty without dairy.
What kind of beans work best?
Cannellini or Great Northern beans are ideal because they add creaminess and absorb the soup flavors well, but you can also try kidney or navy beans.
How long does it take to cook this soup?
From start to finish, the Italian Sausage Soup takes about 45 minutes, including prep and simmer time, making it an efficient weeknight meal.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage Soup is pure comfort in a bowl — warm, rich, and packed with flavor that makes any night feel cozy and special. Once you try this recipe, it will surely become one of your favorite go-to meals for a quick, hearty dinner. So grab your ingredients, stir up a pot, and enjoy every delicious, soul-satisfying spoonful!
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Italian Sausage Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Warm up with this hearty Italian Sausage Soup, a quick and easy one-pot meal packed with spicy or sweet sausage, fresh vegetables, beans, and greens. Perfect for cozy nights or a comforting dinner, this flavorful soup blends savory and fresh ingredients for a rich, satisfying dish that can be customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Meat and Oils
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet), casings removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups chicken broth
Beans
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Extra virgin olive oil drizzle
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Remove the sausage from casings and crumble it into the pot. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a bit to carry the flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic and cook another minute to release its aroma.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir in Beans and Greens: Add rinsed and drained beans to the soup, followed by fresh spinach or kale. Cook for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the hearty Italian Sausage Soup into bowls, ready to warm you up. Optionally garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, chopped herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with crusty bread or garlic knots for a complete meal.
Notes
- Drain the sausage wisely to keep good flavor without greasy soup.
- Use fresh parsley or basil added at the end to brighten the soup.
- Don’t overcook the greens; add them last to retain texture and color.
- Cannellini beans add creamy texture without dairy, enhancing richness.
- Allow the soup to simmer well to develop deep, layered flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg