Description
Hearty Italian sausage soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending robust flavors from savory sausage, tender vegetables, and rich broth. Warm spices and rustic ingredients create a satisfying meal that invites you to savor each spoonful of this traditional Italian-inspired classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans or chickpeas (drained and rinsed, optional for protein boost)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (chopped)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 zucchini (diced, optional for extra veggies)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells) (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
- Fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)
- Crusty Italian bread (for dipping, optional but delicious!)
Instructions
- Create a robust flavor foundation by browning the Italian sausage in a spacious pot. Crumble the meat thoroughly while cooking, allowing rich caramelization to develop depth. Drain excess fat, preserving a thin layer for enhanced taste.
- Introduce aromatic vegetables into the caramelized sausage base. Gently sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they soften and become translucent. Quickly incorporate garlic and dried herbs, releasing their intense fragrance through brief, careful heating.
- Transform the mixture into a hearty soup by flooding the pot with diced tomatoes and robust broth. Integrate beans and season with salt and pepper. Allow the liquid to reach a gentle bubble, then reduce heat for a slow, contemplative simmer that melds flavors harmoniously.
- Enhance the soup’s texture by introducing pasta and zucchini. Carefully monitor the cooking process, ensuring pasta achieves perfect tenderness. Fold tender leafy greens into the bubbling mixture, watching them delicately wilt and infuse the soup with vibrant color and nutrition.
- Finalize the culinary creation by removing the bay leaf. Portion the steaming soup into inviting bowls, crowning each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a scattering of fragrant herbs. Accompany with rustic Italian bread for a complete, comforting meal.
Notes
- Choose lean Italian sausage to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier soup option without compromising rich flavor.
- Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or zucchini noodles for celiac or low-carb dietary needs.
- Enhance vegetable nutrition by adding extra colorful vegetables like bell peppers or butternut squash for increased vitamins and minerals.
- Control sodium levels by using low-sodium broth and adjusting salt gradually to maintain delicious taste while supporting heart-healthy cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg