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Italian Sausage Soup wraps up everything comforting about Italian cooking in one pot. This hearty soup has become a fixture at my table for family dinners and cozy nights. Whether I am feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, its mix of savory sausage, fresh veggies, and tender pasta never fails to hit the spot.
I fell for this soup the first time I made it on a chilly evening when I needed something warming and filling. It quickly earned a spot in my regular rotation and now my kids ask for it all winter.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage: Delivers bold savory flavor with classic Italian spices like fennel and a bit of heat from red pepper flakes so choose a sausage you love
- Onions: Provide sweetness and depth to start the soup off right look for firm onions with dry skins
- Garlic: Boosts the aroma and adds memorable warmth pick plump cloves for the best flavor
- Beef broth: Forms the rich base tying together all the flavors opt for a low sodium version if you like to control the salt
- Diced tomatoes: Add brightness and gentle acidity use high-quality canned or in-season fresh
- Great Northern beans: Give the soup a creamy texture and welcome protein and fiber check that they are firm and not mushy
- Carrots: Lend natural sweetness and color peel for a smoother texture
- Spinach: Adds leafy freshness plus iron and vitamins look for bright green leaves
- Zucchini: Contributes mild flavor and body choose small to medium zucchini for tenderness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Sausage:
- Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat breaking it into bite-sized crumbles as it cooks. Once it is fully cooked transfer the sausage to a bowl and leave a couple spoonfuls of fat in the pot for extra flavor
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add diced onion to the pot and cook for about five minutes until glassy and softened. Stir in chopped garlic and cook for just one minute until the garlic is highly aromatic. This step builds a deep flavor foundation
- Simmer the Broth:
- Return the sausage to the pot with beef broth diced tomatoes and drained beans. Stir in generous pinches of dried basil and oregano plus salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle boil then lower the heat and let it simmer for ten minutes so flavors meld
- Add the Vegetables:
- Add sliced carrots zucchini and a handful of spinach gently stirring the vegetables into the broth. Simmer for another ten to fifteen minutes until the veggies are just tender not mushy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the finished soup into big bowls while hot. Top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Crusty bread for dipping completes the meal
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Great Northern beans are my secret favorite ingredient here. They soak up the broth and turn creamy without falling apart. My youngest loves helping add the beans and spinach at the end and that teamwork makes every pot feel a bit more special
Storage Tips
This soup keeps well for up to four days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. If freezing leave out any pasta and add it fresh when reheating so it does not turn mushy. The flavors only get better after a day or two so it makes a smart meal prep choice
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have beef broth on hand use chicken broth or even vegetable broth. No Great Northern beans Try cannellini or navy beans. Swap spinach with kale or even chopped Swiss chard for a heartier green. Gluten free pasta or zucchini noodles work well for those avoiding wheat
Serving Suggestions
A big handful of fresh basil or parsley over the top just before serving brightens every bowl. For a classic finish pass extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes table side. I love pairing it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for that full Italian comfort experience
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Cultural Roots
Italian Sausage Soup pulls together Italian American pantry staples into one family-friendly meal. While you will not find this exact soup in old world Italy the flavors and techniques echo centuries of Italian home cooking and adaptation. It is a celebration of resourcefulness and gathering around the table
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What type of sausage works best?
Use either mild or spicy Italian sausage, either pork or turkey. Opt for uncooked sausage to infuse the broth as it browns.
- → Can pasta be substituted for another ingredient?
Yes! Try zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or omit pasta altogether for a lower-carb, gluten-free version.
- → How do I add more vegetables?
Add bell peppers, celery, or kale for extra color and nutrients. Stir them in with the carrots and zucchini during simmering.
- → Is it possible to make ahead and reheat?
Absolutely. The dish keeps well in the refrigerator; reheat gently on the stovetop and add fresh spinach just before serving.
- → What garnishes pair well?
Top with grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and presentation.
- → Can I use canned beans?
Yes! Rinse and drain canned Great Northern or cannellini beans before adding during the simmer.