Warm up with this delightful Italian sausage soup recipe, perfect for cozy evenings. The rich flavors of Italian sausage meld beautifully with fresh vegetables and tender pasta, creating a satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this soup is a family favorite that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the comforting aromas as it simmers and watch it disappear from the pot!
Ingredients
– 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 cup pasta (small shells or elbow)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 bowl, approximately 1.5 cups) contains:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fat: 15g
– Fiber: 4g
This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a large pot, heat over medium heat and crumble the Italian sausage, cooking until browned.
2. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and bell pepper to the pot; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, bringing to a simmer.
4. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
6. Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
9. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
10. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. Additionally, use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or replace pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
Serving and Pairings
This comforting soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread, a fresh green salad, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to leave out the pasta before freezing, as it may become mushy.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the vegetables can make them mushy; add them at the right time.
- Using too much salt can overpower the flavors; season gradually.
- Not browning the sausage well can lead to less flavor.
- Forgetting to adjust the seasoning at the end can result in a bland soup.
- Adding too much pasta can make the soup thick; adjust as needed.
Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality sausage for the best flavor.
- Fresh herbs can enhance the taste; try basil or parsley.
- Let the soup sit for a while before serving to deepen the flavors.
- Add a splash of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
- Experiment with different vegetables based on seasonal availability.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like shells, elbows, or ditalini work great in this soup, as they hold the broth well and add texture.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables can be a convenient substitute. Just add them in along with the broth and adjust the cooking time slightly.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure the sausage is gluten-free as well.
How can I spice up the soup?
To add more heat, include red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños for a kick.
Conclusion
This Italian sausage soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Easy to make and adaptable, it’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it up hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the warmth it brings to your table!
Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup small pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat over medium heat and crumble the Italian sausage, cooking until browned.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and bell pepper to the pot; sauté until soft.
- Stir in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, bringing to a simmer.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping.
