Italian Sausage Soup

Hey, food friend! If you’re craving a bowl of something hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, you’ve got to give this Italian Sausage Soup a try. It’s the kind of soup that’ll warm you up from the inside out—filled with rich, savory sausage, tender veggies, and a delicious broth that’s begging for a slice of crusty bread for dipping. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests, this one’s a winner every time. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Italian Sausage Soup

There’s so much to love about this soup—let me count the ways!

Full of Flavor: Italian sausage brings that bold, zesty flavor we all crave. Pair it with a medley of veggies and herbs, and you’ve got a stew-like soup that’s rich and satisfying.

Comfort in a Bowl: The savory broth, combined with tender sausage and veggies, makes this soup so comforting, it feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to pull this one off! The steps are simple, and the end result is absolutely delicious. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Customizable: Want to make it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes. Looking to make it lighter? Use chicken sausage instead of pork. This recipe is so versatile, you can adapt it to suit your tastes.

Meal Prep Friendly: This soup is perfect for leftovers! You can store it in the fridge for a few days or even freeze it for later. The flavors only get better over time.

Ingredients

This soup comes together with some pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

Italian Sausage

The heart and soul of this soup. You can use spicy or mild sausage depending on how much heat you want. Either way, it’ll give the soup that unmistakable Italian flavor.

Onion

Sweet and savory, the onion forms the base of the soup’s flavor. It adds a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the sausage.

Garlic

A little garlic goes a long way to bring a savory, aromatic depth to the soup. It’s essential for that comforting, homestyle flavor.

Carrots

Carrots add a touch of sweetness and color to the soup, balancing out the savory sausage and creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

Celery

Celery brings a subtle crunch and fresh flavor to the mix. It’s one of those ingredients that gives the soup great texture while letting the other flavors shine.

Potatoes

The potatoes give this soup that hearty, comforting vibe. They absorb the broth and become tender, adding a creamy texture to every bite.

Spinach (or Kale)

For some green goodness! Spinach wilts beautifully into the soup and adds a lovely freshness. If you prefer a heartier green, kale works wonderfully here too.

Chicken Broth

The broth is the base of the soup, so make sure to choose a flavorful one. You can use homemade or store-bought—either way, it’ll absorb all the delicious flavors from the sausage and veggies.

Diced Tomatoes

A little bit of tomato adds acidity and brightness to the soup, cutting through the richness of the sausage and giving the broth a little extra depth.

Herbs and Seasonings

We’ll be using a combination of Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper to make sure every spoonful of soup is full of delicious, herby flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get to making this delicious soup! It’s easier than it sounds, I promise.

Brown the Sausage

In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This will give the soup that flavorful sausage base.

Sauté the Veggies

Once the sausage is browned, add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies start to soften and the onions are translucent.

Add Garlic

Stir in the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant. This is when the kitchen starts to smell so good!

Add Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir everything together, scraping up any bits of sausage stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor!

Season the Soup

Add in your Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, so the flavors can develop.

Add Potatoes

Now, toss in your diced potatoes and continue simmering the soup for another 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. This is when the soup starts to become the perfect hearty comfort food.

Add Greens

Stir in the spinach (or kale) and let it wilt into the soup. It’ll only take a few minutes. If you’re using kale, it might take a little longer to soften.

Taste and Adjust

Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your taste.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy with a slice of crusty bread for dipping! You’ve got a comforting, filling meal ready to go!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup

This soup is so hearty and filling, it’s perfect on its own, but if you want to take it to the next level, here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it:

Crusty Bread: You have to serve this soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping into that savory broth.

Green Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great contrast to the richness of the soup. The fresh, crisp greens balance out the warm, comforting soup.

Parmesan Cheese: Grate some fresh Parmesan over the soup just before serving. The salty, nutty cheese adds a delicious finishing touch to each bite.

Garlic Bread: If you really want to go all out, serve some garlic bread on the side. It’s the perfect accompaniment to soak up every last drop of soup.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you make this soup even better:

Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage. It’ll give the soup a nice kick!

Use Different Greens: If you’re not a fan of spinach, try using kale or Swiss chard instead. They’re both hearty greens that hold up well in soups.

Use Sweet Potatoes: If you want to mix it up, swap the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. They’ll add a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sausage.

Make Ahead: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get better after a day or two! It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes into the broth. Alternatively, if you want a lighter soup, add more broth.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
A1: Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner option, and it’ll still give the soup lots of flavor.

Q2: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A2: Yes! Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q3: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A3: You can definitely make a vegetarian version! Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra beans or lentils to make it hearty.

Q4: Can I add beans to this soup?
A4: Yes! White beans or cannellini beans would be a delicious addition. They’ll add extra protein and make the soup even heartier.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q6: Can I freeze this soup?
A6: Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Q7: Can I use frozen spinach?
A7: Yes! If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen spinach works great. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.

Q8: Can I add pasta to this soup?
A8: Definitely! You can add small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or ditalini. Just cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup before serving to prevent it from getting mushy.

Q9: Can I use a different kind of sausage?
A9: Yes! Feel free to use any kind of sausage you like—chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage. The flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!

Q10: Can I make this soup spicier?
A10: Yes, to make it spicier, you can add red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or use spicy sausage. It’ll give the soup that extra kick!

Conclusion

And there you have it—a comforting bowl of Italian Sausage Soup that’s packed with flavor, hearty veggies, and all the warmth you need. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner for yourself, this soup is a winner. So, gather up your ingredients, get that pot simmering, and enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness! You deserve it!

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