Easy Italian Sausage Soup

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by Amelia

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Easy Italian Sausage Soup

This Easy Italian Sausage Soup is a delightful dish that delivers rich flavors and comforting warmth, perfect for any occasion. With just one pot and a short prep time, you can whip up this nourishing soup loaded with hearty ingredients. Each bowl is brimming with savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and tender noodles, making it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.

Easy Italian Sausage Soup
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup on the table in no time.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy easy cleanup thanks to cooking everything in just one pot.
  • Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Italian sausage and fresh veggies creates a robust flavor that will please any palate.
  • Versatile Options: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or using different pasta shapes.
  • Healthy & Hearty: Packed with nutrients from the vegetables and protein from the sausage, this soup is both filling and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy Italian Sausage Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven: This allows for even cooking and provides ample space for all the ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring even mixing of flavors.
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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

For the Noodles 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

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 Seasoning

Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Cook for an additional minute to release the flavors.

Step 3: Incorporate Broth

Add the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot well to remove any stuck-on bits.

Step 4: Simmer the Vegetables

Bring to a simmer. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes until vegetables are nearly tender. Stir occasionally.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

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

Step 6: Finish with Spinach

Stir in the chopped spinach. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. If desired, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan before serving.

With these simple steps, you’ll create a warm bowl of Easy Italian Sausage Soup that’s sure to become a family favorite!

How to Serve Easy Italian Sausage Soup

This Easy Italian Sausage Soup is not just a hearty meal; it’s also versatile when it comes to serving options. You can enhance the dining experience with a few simple additions.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

  • Basil or Parsley – Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley gives an aromatic touch and brightens the flavors.

Offer Crusty Bread

  • Garlic Bread – Serve slices of warm garlic bread on the side for a delightful crunch that pairs well with the soup.

Add a Salad

  • Mixed Greens – A simple salad of mixed greens dressed lightly in vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

Serve with Cheese

  • Grated Parmesan – Offering freshly grated parmesan cheese allows guests to sprinkle some on top, enhancing the flavor.

Pair with Appetizers

  • Stuffed Mushrooms – These bite-sized treats complement the soup perfectly, adding variety to your meal.

How to Perfect Easy Italian Sausage Soup

To ensure your Easy Italian Sausage Soup turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.

  • Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and texture, making your soup taste homemade.

  • Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go! Adjust salt and spices according to your preference for a more personalized flavor profile.

  • Cook Pasta Separately – For best results, cook the ditalini pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent overcooking.

  • Let It Rest – Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Italian Sausage Soup

Pairing your Easy Italian Sausage Soup with complementary side dishes elevates the meal. Here are some excellent choices.

  1. Garlic Bread – This classic side is a must-have, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

  2. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing offers a crunchy contrast.

  3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition, making them a healthy choice.

  4. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing flavor burst.

  5. Stuffed Peppers – These can be filled with rice or quinoa for a hearty addition that complements the soup well.

  6. Cheesy Biscuits – Soft and cheesy biscuits are ideal for sopping up every last drop of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Easy Italian Sausage Soup, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

  • Bold seasoning choices: Not adjusting seasonings can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust salt and spices before serving.
  • Bold overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender yet firm veggies by following the timing in the recipe.
  • Bold ignoring pasta cooking time: Adding pasta too early may result in mushy noodles. Follow the recommended cooking time for al dente pasta.
  • Bold using low-quality broth: A weak broth can ruin the flavor of your soup. Choose a high-quality low-sodium chicken broth for the best results.
  • Bold skipping fresh ingredients: Using frozen or canned spinach instead of fresh can impact the soup’s freshness. Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and flavor.
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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store your Easy Italian Sausage Soup in an airtight container.
  • It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy Italian Sausage Soup

  • Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
  • Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
  • The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Italian Sausage Soup

  • Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals, stirring between, 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.

What can I substitute for ground sausage?

You can use ground turkey or beef as a leaner option while still maintaining flavor.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add zucchini, green beans, or any of your favorite veggies to enhance nutrition and taste.

How do I make this soup spicier?

To increase heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or using spicy ground sausage instead of mild.

Is this Easy Italian Sausage Soup gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta, this soup can be made gluten-free while remaining delicious!

How long does it take to make Easy Italian Sausage Soup?

From prep to table, it takes about 45 minutes – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Italian Sausage Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or alternative proteins. It’s an ideal dish for any day of the week — don’t hesitate to give it a try!

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

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Easy Italian Sausage Soup

Easy Italian Sausage Soup


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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6

Description

This Easy Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting, one-pot dish that brings together savory flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying. It features hearty ground sausage—substituted here with lean turkey or chicken—combined with vibrant vegetables and tender pasta. Each bowl showcases a delightful medley of textures and tastes, enhanced by aromatic herbs and spices. Whether served as a main course or paired with crusty bread and a fresh salad, this soup is sure to warm your heart and please your palate.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey or chicken sausage
  • 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

Instructions

  1. In a large soup pot, heat the ground sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Add carrots, celery, onion, and red bell pepper; cook until vegetables soften.
  2. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt; cook for an additional minute.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom to release any flavorful bits.
  4. Bring to a simmer; then reduce heat to medium-low and cover for about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Stir in ditalini pasta; cover again and cook for about 10 minutes until al dente.
  6. Mix in the chopped spinach before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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