Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Imagine sinking your spoon into a steaming bowl of Italian Sausage Soup where savory broth melds with tender vegetables and perfectly seasoned sausage for a truly comforting experience. This hearty Italian Sausage Soup brings the rustic flavors of Italian cuisine right to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The rich tomato base, aromatic herbs, and zesty sausage create a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to an Italian countryside kitchen. You’ll learn how to balance the savory components, create the perfect broth consistency, and customize this versatile soup to your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Sausage Soup is a game-changer for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. The beauty lies in its incredible depth of flavor that develops in just one pot, making it seem like it’s been simmering all day when it actually comes together in under an hour. The contrast between the tender bites of Italian sausage and the soft vegetables creates a textural experience that keeps each spoonful interesting.

What makes this sausage soup recipe stand out is its remarkable versatility. You can adjust the spice level, swap vegetables based on what’s in season, or make it heartier with extra pasta or beans. It’s also a complete meal in itself, packed with protein, vegetables, and optional carbs that will satisfy even the hungriest family members.

The soup’s flavor actually improves over time, making it perfect for meal prep or when you need delicious Italian soup leftovers that taste even better the next day. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to enjoy, thanks to its familiar Italian flavor profile and comforting warmth.

Ingredients

For this hearty Italian Sausage Soup, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or hot, based on preference)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced (about 1.5 cups)
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz/227g) tomato sauce
• 6 cups (1.4L) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup (100g) small pasta like ditalini or orzo (optional)
• 1 can (15 oz/425g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Italian Sausage Soup requires attention to a few critical details that elevate it from good to exceptional. First, don’t skip browning the sausage properly. Cook it until it develops a deep golden crust before breaking it apart. This caramelization creates foundational flavor compounds that infuse the entire soup with that distinctive Italian sausage taste. If using link sausages, remove the casings first to allow the meat to break down evenly into bite-sized morsels.

The aromatic base (onions, carrots, celery, and garlic) needs proper time to soften and release flavors. This “soffritto” creates the backbone of authentic Italian flavor, so allow 7-10 minutes for these vegetables to cook down before adding liquids. If you’re in a hurry, resist the temptation to rush this step – it’s essential for developing depth of flavor.

Finally, pasta timing matters significantly in this zesty Italian soup. If serving immediately, add the pasta directly to the simmering broth about 10-12 minutes before serving. However, if planning leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls at serving time. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much broth and becoming overly soft when stored – keeping your soup’s texture perfect through multiple meals.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into smaller chunks with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until nicely browned and no longer pink. The caramelization adds tremendous depth to your Italian Sausage Soup, so don’t rush this step! Transfer about half the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate (you’ll add it back later for texture contrast) while leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Create the Aromatic Base
Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion to the pot with the remaining sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Now add the carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. This layering of flavors creates the perfect foundation for your hearty sausage soup.

Step 3: Build the Soup
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Add the chicken broth, dried herbs, bay leaf, and diced zucchini. Return the reserved sausage to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and let cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add Remaining Components
If using pasta, add it to the simmering soup now and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Finally, add the chopped spinach or kale and stir until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove bay leaf and taste the Italian Sausage Soup, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle your steaming Italian Sausage Soup into warm bowls. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a scatter of chopped fresh herbs. Serve with crusty Italian bread for the perfect meal that warms from the inside out.

Variations

Transform this classic Italian Sausage Soup to match your dietary needs or simply to try something new. For a creamy variation, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk during the final 5 minutes of cooking. This creates a luxurious, silky texture while tempering any spice from the sausage, making a rich Tuscan-inspired version that’s perfect for special occasions.

For a lower-carb option, omit the pasta and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or cauliflower florets. This vegetable-forward Italian soup still delivers on flavor while keeping carbs in check. It’s equally satisfying and actually allows the sausage flavor to shine even more prominently.

Make a spicier Calabrian-style soup by using hot Italian sausage and adding 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the dried herbs. For extra authenticity, stir in a tablespoon of Calabrian chili paste during the final few minutes of cooking for a distinctive southern Italian heat that builds pleasantly with each spoonful.

Storage and Serving

Your Italian Sausage Soup will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually deepens and improves overnight as the ingredients continue to meld. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until steaming hot, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the original consistency. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months – just omit pasta from the recipe and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

Serve this robust soup as a complete meal with a simple side salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. For a true Italian experience, offer crusty ciabatta or garlic bread on the side for dipping into the flavorful broth. You can also transform this soup into a more substantial dinner by ladling it over a scoop of creamy polenta or serving it alongside a plate of antipasti featuring olives, Italian cheeses, and cured meats. For an extra touch of authenticity, place a small bowl of additional grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes on the table for guests to customize their bowls.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Sausage Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything except pasta, beans, and greens to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add beans during the last hour, pasta during the last 30 minutes (if using), and stir in greens just before serving.

What’s the best type of Italian sausage to use?
Both sweet (mild) and hot Italian sausage work wonderfully. Sweet sausage creates a family-friendly soup, while hot adds a pleasant kick. For the best of both worlds, use a 50/50 combination. Always choose high-quality sausage with visible herbs and spices for the most authentic flavor.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or 8 oz of chopped mushrooms sautéed with 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds for that classic Italian sausage flavor profile. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Will this soup freeze well?
Yes, it freezes excellently without the pasta. Prepare the recipe omitting pasta, cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat, and add freshly cooked pasta.

What if my soup is too thick or thin?
For a thicker soup, remove 1 cup of soup (ensuring it contains beans), blend until smooth, then return to the pot. For a thinner consistency, simply add more broth or even a splash of water until you reach your desired texture.

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