Italian Sausage Soup is a heartwarming dish, rich in flavors and packed with nourishing ingredients. This soup is a perfect blend of savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and aromatic spices, making it a favorite comfort food.
It’s simple to prepare and ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or even special gatherings. Below, you’ll find a detailed recipe that serves six people, along with useful tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious.
1. Italian Sausage Soup Recipe (6 Servings)
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 (14-ounce) cans beef broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can great Northern beans, undrained
- 2 small zucchini, cubed
- 2 cups spinach – packed, rinsed, and torn
Instructions
Cook the Sausage
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. If there’s excess grease, drain it before proceeding.
Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the cooked sausage and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic turns bitter quickly.
Simmer the Broth and Vegetables
Pour in the beef broth and add the Italian-style stewed tomatoes, along with the sliced carrots. Stir in the salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the carrots to soften.
Add Beans and Zucchini
Stir in the great Northern beans (including the liquid from the can) and the cubed zucchini. Let the soup continue to simmer for another 10 minutes. The zucchini should be tender but not mushy.
Incorporate the Spinach
At the very end, add the torn spinach and stir it into the soup. The spinach will wilt quickly in the hot broth, so cover the pot and let it sit for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This dish is hearty and flavorful on its own, but pairing it with a side can make it even better.
2. Tips for Perfect Italian Sausage Soup
Choose High-Quality Sausage
The sausage is the star of this dish. Opt for fresh, flavorful Italian sausage, whether mild or spicy, to suit your taste. If possible, use sausage from a local butcher or a trusted brand for the best results.
Enhance the Flavor with Herbs
While the recipe keeps things simple, adding a pinch of dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning can elevate the taste. A bay leaf during simmering adds depth to the broth.
Adjust the Thickness
If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them. This will create a creamier texture without the need for cream or flour.
Don’t Overcook the Zucchini
Zucchini cooks quickly, so adding it towards the end prevents it from turning too soft. It should retain a slight bite for the best texture.
Make It Spicier
If you like a bit of heat, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the sausage.
3. What to Eat With Italian Sausage Soup
This soup is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can make the meal even more enjoyable. Here are some great options:
Crusty Bread: A warm slice of Italian or French bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
Garlic Bread: The garlicky, buttery flavor of toasted bread enhances the soup’s taste.
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the heartiness of the soup.
Pasta: Serving this soup with a side of buttered noodles or a small portion of pasta makes for a filling meal.
Cheese and Crackers: A plate of mild cheese and crispy crackers complements the soup beautifully.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Leftover Italian sausage soup is just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat the soup, simply pour it into a pot over medium heat and warm it up, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick after being refrigerated, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. For frozen soup, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
Italian Sausage Soup is a dish that never fails to impress. The combination of tender sausage, flavorful broth, and fresh vegetables creates a comforting, well-balanced meal. If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive recipe, this Italian Sausage Soup is a fantastic choice. Try it once, and it will surely become a regular in your meal rotation!
