Name: Italian Sausage Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot), casing removed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup sliced carrots; 1 cup chopped fresh spinach; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow); Salt and black pepper to taste

Hey y’all! If you’re craving something cozy, delicious, and soul-warming, this Italian Sausage Soup is your new best friend. Packed with juicy Italian Sausage, tender veggies, savory broth, and a touch of pasta, it’s the ultimate comfort food for weeknights, family dinners, or when hosting friends. The flavors just get better as it simmers, making every spoonful a joy. Ready to fill your kitchen with amazing smells and your bellies with happiness? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Hearty and filling — a complete meal in a bowl.
One-pot wonder — easy prep and minimal cleanup.
Bursts with classic Italian flavors in every bite.
Flexible and easily customized to your preferences or dietary needs.
Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) Italian Sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
6 cups (1.5 L) low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 (15 oz/425 g) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup (90 g) small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or shells)
2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian Sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer sausage to a plate and drain excess fat, if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies begin to soften. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup Base

Return sausage to the pot. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in drained cannellini beans, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Pasta

Add the pasta to the simmering soup. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until wilted. Remove pot from heat, then stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!

Notes

If soup gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen before serving.
Browning the sausage deeply adds layers of flavor to the soup base.
For spicier soup, use hot Italian Sausage and extra red pepper flakes.

Variations

Vegetarian Italian Sausage Soup: Swap sausage for plant-based Italian sausage and use veggie broth.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or omit pasta and add extra beans.
Creamy Version: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy texture.

Required Equipment

Large Dutch oven or soup pot (at least 6-quart)
Wooden spoon
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Ladle

Storage Instructions

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze in single-serve containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Note: Pasta may absorb liquid and become softer over time; consider cooking pasta separately for freezing.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks for dunking.
A simple mixed greens salad with Italian dressing makes a fresh side.
Pair with a glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine for a classic Italian dinner experience.

Pro Tips

Use a mix of hot and sweet Italian sausage for deeper, more complex flavors.
For extra depth, add a parmesan rind to the pot while simmering (remove before serving).
Taste and adjust salt at the very end, as sausages and cheese vary in saltiness.