Easy Italian Sausage Soup

This Easy Italian Sausage Soup brings together comforting flavors in a simple one-pot dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this soup is packed with rich Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and tender noodles. It’s an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients makes each bowl rich in taste and nutrition.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or changing the type of pasta.
• One-Pot Wonder: Simplify cleanup with this easy recipe that cooks everything in one pot.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it great for leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy Italian Sausage Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space to cook all ingredients evenly while allowing for easy stirring.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for scraping the bottom of the pot to release stuck bits, enhancing flavor.
• Chopping board and sharp knife: Ensures safe and efficient preparation of vegetables, making prep quick and effortless.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 3 large carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 2 ribs celery (finely chopped)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)

Seasonings and Broth

• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Pasta and Greens

• 1½ cups dry ditalini pasta
• 1 cup fresh, chopped spinach
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Easy Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables and Sausage

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook and stir the sausage, carrots, celery, onion, and bell pepper over medium-high heat until the sausage is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt; cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Incorporate Broth

Add the low-sodium chicken broth to the pot. Use your wooden spoon to scrape any stuck-on bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Simmer with Vegetables

Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until vegetables are nearly tender. Stir occasionally during this time.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Stir in the ditalini pasta. Cover again and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring often until pasta reaches al dente texture.

Step 6: Add Spinach

Finally, stir in the chopped spinach. Taste your soup and adjust seasonings if needed. If desired, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Now you have a delightful bowl of Easy Italian Sausage Soup ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Easy Italian Sausage Soup

Serving Easy Italian Sausage Soup can be a delightful experience with the right accompaniments. This soup is hearty and flavorful, making it perfect for a cozy meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness to each bowl.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Baguette: Serve slices of warm sourdough or a crispy baguette on the side for dipping.

Add a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup while adding crunch.

Include Cheese Options

• Shredded Mozzarella: Offer shredded mozzarella cheese for those who love extra cheesy goodness in their soup.

Serve with Crackers

• Whole Grain Crackers: Light and crunchy whole grain crackers are perfect for adding texture alongside the soup.

Provide Extra Seasoning

• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a kick, offer red pepper flakes as an optional topping.

How to Perfect Easy Italian Sausage Soup

Perfecting your Easy Italian Sausage Soup can elevate it to a restaurant-quality dish. Here are some helpful tips for achieving the best results:

• Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality ground sausage for better flavor. Fresh sausage enhances the overall taste of the soup.

• Adjust Seasonings: Always taste before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preference.

• Add Veggies Gradually: For optimal texture, add heartier vegetables first and softer ones like spinach later in the cooking process.

• Cook Pasta Separately: If you prefer not to have mushy pasta, consider cooking it separately and adding it just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Italian Sausage Soup

Complementing your Easy Italian Sausage Soup with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of soup.

2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess that pairs well with the soup’s flavors.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide color and nutrition to balance the meal.

4. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese offers a comforting side that goes wonderfully with the soup.

5. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and herbs can serve as a filling accompaniment.

6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic makes for a refreshing appetizer that complements the warmth of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Italian Sausage Soup, it’s vital to avoid common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture.

• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the vegetables and sausage brings out their flavors. Always cook them together until softened before adding liquids.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early can lead to mushy noodles. Wait until the vegetables are tender before incorporating it into the soup.
• Not adjusting seasonings: Tasting is key! Adjust salt and spices after cooking to match your flavor preferences.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth is a significant part of the soup’s base. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels while ensuring rich flavor.
• Neglecting fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach adds vital nutrients and brightness. Always add it at the end for the best texture and taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing it for storage.

Freezing Easy Italian Sausage Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Easy Italian Sausage Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, covered loosely, in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Italian Sausage Soup.

Can I use turkey instead of ground sausage?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that still provides delicious flavor.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include veggies like zucchini, green beans, or kale for added nutrition and variety.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

You can substitute ground sausage with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I prepare Easy Italian Sausage Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day after flavors meld. Just store properly as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

Easy Italian Sausage Soup is not only quick to prepare but also versatile. You can customize it with different proteins and vegetables based on your preferences. Give this hearty dish a try; it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Easy Italian Sausage Soup

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Easy Italian Sausage Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen. This comforting one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, combining rich flavors from ground sausage with an array of fresh vegetables and tender pasta. The vibrant colors and savory aroma will entice everyone at the dinner table, making it an ideal option for family gatherings or friendly get-togethers. With a quick preparation time and easy cleanup, you can enjoy a satisfying bowl of goodness without any hassle.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
• 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1½ cups dry ditalini pasta
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

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Instructions

1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey (or chicken) with the carrots, celery, onion, and bell pepper until browned and the onion is translucent (about 5 minutes).
2. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt; cook for an additional minute.
3. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on medium-low for about 10 minutes until vegetables are nearly tender.
5. Stir in ditalini pasta and continue cooking for about 10 minutes until al dente.
6. Add chopped spinach at the end; taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: One-Pot
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 760mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 45mg