Warm up your kitchen with this hearty Italian sausage soup recipe. Bursting with flavors from aromatic herbs, savory sausage, and fresh vegetables, this dish is both comforting and nutritious. Ideal for chilly evenings or as a family-friendly meal, this soup will soon become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
– 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini)
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6 people and takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 bowl):
– Calories: 320
– Protein: 18g
– Fat: 14g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fiber: 3g
This nutritional information is for one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
4. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Return the sausage to the pot and add the diced tomatoes.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
8. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
9. Stir in the fresh spinach and Italian seasoning, cooking until wilted.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option or use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions. You can also swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, like zucchini or kale.
Serving and Pairings
This Italian sausage soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside garlic bread or a cheesy panini.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This soup freezes well; just ensure it cools completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- Adjust the seasoning gradually to avoid over-salting.
- Use fresh ingredients for better flavor.
- Don’t skip the garlic; it adds essential flavor.
- Let the soup sit for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
Helpful Tips
- Use a combination of sweet and spicy sausage for depth of flavor.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream before serving.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
- Experiment with herbs like basil or parsley for garnish.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
What type of sausage should I use?
Italian sausage is traditional, but you can use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans based on your preference.
Is this soup gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring the broth is gluten-free.
How do I thicken the soup?
For a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry or blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.
Conclusion
This Italian sausage soup recipe is not just easy to make; it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy the comforting blend of sausage, vegetables, and pasta, and make this a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta such as ditalini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the Italian sausage.
- Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Return sausage to the pot, add diced tomatoes, and pour in chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil and add the pasta, cooking according to package instructions.
- Stir in fresh spinach and Italian seasoning, cooking until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
