Think You Know Italian Soup? This Hearty Italian Sausage Soup Recipe Will Change Your Mind

Is it possible that the most comforting bowl of soup you’ll ever taste doesn’t require hours of simmering or a long list of obscure ingredients? This robust Italian Sausage Soup recipe, a beloved staple in many Italian-American households, delivers maximum flavor with surprisingly simple steps, proving that authentic taste doesn’t have to be complicated.

Packed with savory sausage, tender vegetables, and a rich, herb-infused broth, this one-pot wonder is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a versatile dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for feeding a crowd on a chilly evening. Follow our easy guide to create a restaurant-quality Italian Sausage Soup recipe right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

This Italian Sausage Soup recipe combines savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and rich broth for a deeply comforting and aromatic meal.

• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 to 3 carrots, trimmed, peeled, and sliced
• 1 cup trimmed and cubed zucchini (about 2 small zucchini)
• 2 packed cups fresh spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
• 1 (14.5 oz) can great northern beans with liquid
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup cooked small pasta such as ditalini
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Timing

Context: This Italian Sausage Soup recipe comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a quick yet hearty weeknight meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Sausage

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and add it to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the sausage until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Tip: For deeper flavor, allow the sausage to develop a light brown crust on some pieces. This fond on the bottom of the pot will add richness to your Italian Sausage Soup recipe.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

Add one diced onion, two chopped carrots, and two chopped celery stalks to the pot with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5-6 minutes.

Add three minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This builds a flavorful foundation for your soup.

Step 3 — Deglaze the Pot

Pour in ½ cup of dry red wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid is reduced by half.

This step is crucial for incorporating all the caramelized flavors into the broth of your Italian Sausage Soup.

Step 4 — Add Broth and Tomatoes

Stir in 6 cups of chicken broth, one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), and one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil.

For a richer soup, you can use a combination of chicken and beef broth.

Step 5 — Simmer the Soup

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the Italian Sausage Soup simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Taste the broth and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Step 6 — Add Pasta and Beans

Stir in ¾ cup of dried ditalini pasta (or another small shape) and one 15-ounce can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

Tip: To prevent the pasta from becoming too soft, cook it just until tender and serve the soup immediately.

Step 7 — Final Seasoning and Serve

Turn off the heat. Stir in 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach and let it wilt in the hot soup for 1-2 minutes. Finish by stirring in ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Taste and adjust seasoning one final time. Ladle the hot Italian Sausage Soup into bowls and garnish with more Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley.

Nutritional Information

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey Sausage — A leaner protein option that still delivers savory, herby flavor with less fat.
• Chicken Sausage — Offers a milder taste and lower calorie count while keeping the Italian seasoning profile.
• Plant-Based Sausage — A vegan-friendly swap that mimics the texture and spiciness of traditional sausage.
• Cauliflower Rice — Replaces pasta or potatoes for a lower-carb, veggie-packed version of this Italian Sausage Soup recipe.
• Zucchini Noodles — Adds freshness and reduces carbs while maintaining a satisfying, soup-friendly texture.
• Coconut Milk — A creamy, dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle sweetness and rich consistency.
• Low-Sodium Broth — Cuts down on salt without sacrificing the deep, savory base of the soup.
• Nutritional Yeast — Provides a cheesy, umami flavor for dairy-free or vegan variations.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Italian Sausage Soup recipe with a crusty loaf of garlic bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls for dipping.
• Serve it as a hearty main course on a chilly evening, perfect for warming up after a long day.
• For a complete Italian meal, accompany it with a simple side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh parsley.
• This soup is ideal for casual family dinners or for serving a crowd at a cozy gathering.
• Consider serving it in deep, rustic bowls to highlight its rich, comforting appearance.

This Italian Sausage Soup recipe is versatile enough for both weeknight meals and special occasions, making it a reliable favorite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using lean sausage, which lacks the necessary fat to build a rich flavor base. Fix: Opt for high-fat Italian sausage to render flavorful drippings for sautéing your aromatics.
• Mistake: Not browning the sausage thoroughly, resulting in a pale, steamed texture. Fix: Cook the sausage in a single layer until well-browned and caramelized for maximum depth.
• Mistake: Overcooking the vegetables until they turn to mush in the broth. Fix: Add delicate veggies like spinach or zucchini in the last few minutes of cooking to retain texture.
• Mistake: Adding beans or pasta too early, causing them to absorb all the liquid and become bloated. Fix: Stir in pre-cooked beans and al dente pasta just before serving to maintain perfect consistency.
• Mistake: Using a bland, low-sodium broth and under-seasoning the entire pot. Fix: Choose a robust stock and remember to season in layers, tasting after each addition.
• Mistake: Skipping the deglazing step, leaving flavorful browned bits stuck to the pot. Fix: After browning the sausage, pour in a splash of wine or broth to scrape up the fond.
• Mistake: Boiling the soup vigorously after adding dairy, which can cause it to curdle. Fix: Stir in cream or cheese off the heat and gently warm through without boiling.
• Mistake: Not allowing the soup to rest before serving, which prevents the flavors from melding. Fix: Let your Italian Sausage Soup recipe sit for 10-15 minutes off the heat for a more harmonious taste.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Italian Sausage Soup completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully. Store in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Leave about an inch of headspace for expansion.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

For best results, add any delicate pasta or greens fresh when reheating your Italian Sausage Soup recipe.

Conclusion

This hearty and flavorful Italian Sausage Soup recipe is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. We hope you love it as much as we do! Give this Italian Sausage Soup recipe a try and be sure to leave a comment with your review. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

Italian Sausage Soup

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A hearty and flavorful Italian sausage soup featuring browned sausage, fresh vegetables, beans, and spinach simmered in a savory broth.

• Author: Sophie Lane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Soup
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 to 3 carrots, trimmed, peeled, and sliced
• 1 cup trimmed and cubed zucchini (about 2 small zucchini)
• 2 packed cups fresh spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
• 1 (14.5 oz) can great northern beans with liquid
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup cooked small pasta such as ditalini
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

1. Peel and mince the garlic.
2. Trim, peel, and slice the carrots.
3. Trim and cube the zucchini.
4. Rinse and tear the spinach leaves into bite-sized pieces.
5. Heat a stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, stirring and breaking up large pieces, until evenly browned, about 15 minutes.
6. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly.
7. Add the beef broth, stewed tomatoes, sliced carrots, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
9. Stir in the great northern beans with liquid and the zucchini. Cover and simmer for another 15 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.
10. Remove from heat and stir in the spinach. Cover and let stand about 5 minutes to wilt the spinach.
11. If desired, stir in cooked small pasta just before serving.
12. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

This soup can be customized by adding small pasta like ditalini for extra heartiness. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice finishing touch. The soup is great for any season and can be made ahead and reheated.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage in this Italian Sausage Soup recipe?

Yes, you can substitute with turkey sausage or a mild pork sausage if you prefer. Just ensure it is removed from its casing and browned well to build flavor for the soup.