Italian Sausage Soup

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Hearty, savory, and loaded with comforting flavors, this Italian Sausage Soup is a bowl full of warmth that hits all the right notes. With tender chunks of sausage, rich tomato broth, and a medley of vegetables and pasta, it’s a satisfying meal that doesn’t take much to pull together. This soup brings the charm of Italian kitchens right into your home, and once you try it, it’ll become one of those go-to dishes you crave during colder months.

The beauty of this soup lies in its layers of flavor. As the sausage browns and mingles with garlic, onions, herbs, and crushed tomatoes, the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that makes it nearly impossible to wait for the first spoonful. It’s a rustic, homestyle meal that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a cozy weekend lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Soup

This soup is everything you want when you think of comfort food. It’s hearty without being heavy, packed with nourishing ingredients like carrots and spinach, and can easily be adjusted to fit what you have on hand. The sausage gives it a rich, savory base that you just can’t get from plain ground beef or chicken. Plus, it reheats like a dream, which makes it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

It’s also very customizable. Whether you want to use spicy sausage for an extra kick, throw in some beans, or swap the pasta for rice or tortellini, this soup is flexible enough to make your own.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use for Italian Sausage Soup?

You want to use Italian sausage, and both sweet (mild) or hot versions work depending on your preference. Pork sausage is traditional and adds more richness, but you can substitute it with turkey or chicken sausage if you’re looking for something lighter. Make sure to remove the casings if you’re using links and break it up while browning so it mixes well with the rest of the ingredients. Look for sausage that has a good blend of fennel, garlic, and herbs—those flavors build the soul of this soup.

Ingredients for the Italian Sausage Soup

This recipe comes together with simple ingredients that work in harmony to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying soup.

• Italian sausage: The hero of the dish, giving the soup its signature bold flavor and richness.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and enhance the aromatic base.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and texture.
• Garlic: Infuses the soup with unmistakable aroma and flavor.
• Crushed tomatoes: Forms the savory and slightly tangy broth base.
• Chicken broth: Helps create a comforting and well-balanced liquid for the soup.
• Dried Italian herbs: A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme to elevate the Italian flavor.
• Pasta (like ditalini or small shells): Adds heartiness and makes it a filling meal.
• Fresh spinach: Stirred in at the end for a burst of color and nutrients.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning everything just right.
• Grated Parmesan: Optional but highly encouraged for serving—it adds salty richness.

How To Make the Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed if needed) and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain, but leave a little bit of the grease for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add a splash of olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onions and carrots until they soften and start to caramelize, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and dried Italian herbs to the pot. Return the browned sausage and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in your pasta of choice and simmer until the pasta is cooked to al dente, about 10 minutes more. Keep an eye on the liquid levels and add more broth if needed.

Step 5: Add the Spinach and Season

Once the pasta is done, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper to your liking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Serving and Storing This Italian Sausage Soup

This hearty soup easily serves 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for families or gatherings. Serve it hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a warm slice of rustic bread for dipping.

To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re making it ahead or freezing it, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating to avoid it getting too soft. Frozen soup lasts up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Italian Sausage Soup?

Crusty Garlic Bread

The classic companion to any soup. Use French or sourdough bread and give it a buttery garlic finish.

Caesar Salad

Crisp, creamy, and refreshing—the tanginess of Caesar dressing complements the soup beautifully.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Add a little green to the table with caramelized sprouts roasted until crispy.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Breadsticks

Extra cheesy and indulgent, these make a fun and filling addition.

Marinated Olives

A salty, herby snack to nibble on in between bites of soup.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze—light and zesty.

Baked Zucchini Chips

Crunchy, baked, and seasoned—they’re great for scooping up soup or munching on the side.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If this cozy Italian Sausage Soup warmed your heart, try these other comforting favorites from Mia Plates:

• Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup when you want lasagna in a bowl.
• Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup for a veggie-packed option.
• Boilermaker Tailgate Chili when you need a chili with a punch.
• Creamy Beef and Shells for pasta lovers who crave cozy dishes.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta if you love smoky flavors in your bowl.

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And if you make this soup, I’d love to know how it turned out! Did you make it spicy or keep it mild? Add any beans or extra veggies?

Let’s swap ideas and make this dish even better together. Ask questions or drop a comment below.

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