Italian sausage soup is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with savory sausage, tender vegetables, and a rich, comforting broth. Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a quick and satisfying meal, this soup is easy to make and full of bold Italian flavors. Whether served as a starter or a main course, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and flavorful – The Italian sausage infuses the broth with deep, savory flavors.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
- Customizable – Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
- One-pot dish – Simple cooking and easy cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, diced
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Tomato paste
- Chicken or beef broth
- Cannellini beans or kidney beans (optional)
- Baby spinach or kale
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Directions
- Brown the sausage – In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté vegetables – Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add tomatoes and broth – Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Stir to combine.
- Season the soup – Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer – Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add beans and greens – Stir in the beans and baby spinach or kale. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the greens are wilted.
- Serve – Ladle into bowls, top with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve with crusty bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Creamy Version – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer texture.
- Pasta Addition – Add cooked pasta like ditalini or orzo for extra heartiness.
- Low-Carb Option – Skip the beans and use more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Vegetarian Version – Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
- Extra Spicy – Use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, but Italian sausage adds more flavor due to its seasoning. If using ground beef, add extra Italian seasoning.
Do I need to drain the sausage after browning?
If there’s a lot of grease, draining it can help keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients except greens to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the greens before serving.
What’s the best type of sausage to use?
Mild or spicy Italian sausage works best. You can use pork, chicken, or turkey sausage.
Can I add rice to this soup?
Yes, cooked rice can be stirred in before serving, but it will absorb some broth.
What can I serve with Italian sausage soup?
It pairs well with garlic bread, a side salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 4-5 chopped fresh tomatoes in place of canned diced tomatoes.
How can I make this soup thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or mash some beans to thicken the broth.
Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Yes! Kale holds up well in soups and adds a slightly firmer texture.
Is this soup spicy?
It depends on the sausage and if you add red pepper flakes. Use mild sausage if you prefer a non-spicy version.
Conclusion
Italian sausage soup is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer it spicy, creamy, or loaded with veggies, this soup is highly adaptable and always delicious. Make a big batch and enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl throughout the week!
PrintItalian Sausage Soup
This Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish, loaded with savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and a rich, herb-infused broth. Whether served with crusty bread or topped with Parmesan cheese, this easy one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, Comfort Food
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells) (optional)
- 1 zucchini (diced, optional for extra veggies)
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans or chickpeas (drained and rinsed, optional for protein boost)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (chopped)
For Serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
- Fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)
- Crusty Italian bread (for dipping, optional but delicious!)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the Italian sausage (if needed, add 1 tbsp olive oil) and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove excess grease if necessary, leaving 1-2 tbsp for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics & Veggies
- Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
- Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice) and broth.
- Add salt, pepper, and beans (if using). Stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta & Add Greens
- Add the pasta and zucchini, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the spinach or kale and let cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs.
- Serve with crusty Italian bread for dipping.
Notes
- No Pasta? Swap for potatoes or extra beans for a hearty alternative.
- Spicy Version? Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end for a richer texture.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze without pasta for up to 3 months.