Here is everything you love about Italian cuisine in a hearty, soul-satisfying soup! Italian Sausage Soup is loaded with vegetables and pasta in an apple vinegar-infused tomatoey broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this soup is both nourishing and bursting with flavor, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This Italian Sausage Soup is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and protein from the sausage, ensuring a satisfying meal.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices, fresh herbs, and apple vinegar adds depth to the broth that elevates this soup to a whole new level.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is easy enough for beginner cooks but delicious enough to impress seasoned chefs.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main course or pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that suits various occasions.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup stores well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or casual gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Below are some tools that will help you create this delicious Italian Sausage Soup effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or heavy soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or heavy soup pot: This tool ensures even heat distribution while cooking the soup, essential for developing rich flavors.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot, allowing you to mix ingredients thoroughly without damaging your cookware.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup into bowls without making a mess, ensuring everyone enjoys every last drop.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or mild, beef, turkey or chicken)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 large carrots or 3 medium carrots (chopped)
- 3 stalks celery (chopped)
- 1 large red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 large green bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 medium zucchini (quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
Broth Components
- 1/2 cup dry red apple vinegar
- 6 cups chicken broth (or as needed)
- 2 cans (each 15-ounce) tomato sauce (or 1 28-ounce can)
- 1 can (15-ounce) diced fire-roasted tomatoes (undrained)
Seasoning & Pasta
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (or to heat tolerance)
- 1 1/2 cups dried small pasta (such as shells, ditalini, mini penne, elbow or orzo, regular or whole-grain)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Italian Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Brown the sausage in a Dutch oven over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink.
- Break it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion; reduce heat to medium and cook for 3-4 minutes until softening.
- Incorporate chopped carrots and celery; continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
Step 3: Add Remaining Vegetables
- Stir in both bell peppers; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add zucchini next and cook until all vegetables are very tender.
Step 4: Create the Broth
- Mix in minced garlic and dry red apple vinegar; bring mixture to a boil.
- Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Return cooked sausage to the pot; bring back to a boil then reduce heat to low.
- Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Add Pasta
- Stir in dried small pasta; cook another 10 minutes until pasta is fully cooked.
Step 7: Final Touches
- Mix in chopped parsley; season with salt and black pepper according to taste.
- Serve hot topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
This delightful Italian Sausage Soup is sure to become a favorite at your table! Enjoy each bowl filled with warmth and wonderful flavors!
How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup
Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty dish that warms the soul and satisfies hunger. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve slices of warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping into the flavorful broth.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each bowl with chopped fresh parsley or basil for an aromatic touch.
Accompanied by Salad
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar for a refreshing contrast.
In a Bread Bowl
- Use hollowed-out bread bowls as a fun way to serve the soup, making it a complete meal.
With Grated Parmesan
- Offer freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top to add richness and depth to each serving.
As a Meal Prep Option
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for easy reheating throughout the week.
How to Perfect Italian Sausage Soup
To make your Italian Sausage Soup even more delightful, keep these tips in mind.
Choose quality sausage: Selecting high-quality beef, turkey, or chicken sausage will enhance the flavor of your soup.
Balance flavors: Adjust the acidity by adding more apple vinegar or tomato sauce according to your taste preferences.
Add seasonal vegetables: Feel free to incorporate seasonal veggies like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
Cook pasta separately: For better texture, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it just before serving.
Let it sit: Allowing the soup to rest for a while can deepen the flavors before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage Soup
Pairing Italian Sausage Soup with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options:
Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this classic is perfect for scooping up soup.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing bite.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring added warmth and flavor alongside your soup.
Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese makes for a comforting side that pairs well with hearty soups.
Stuffed Peppers: Filled with grains and veggies, these can be a filling side that complements the soup’s flavors.
Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables can provide variety and contrast to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Italian Sausage Soup is a delightful recipe, but there are common pitfalls you should be aware of to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.
- Using the wrong type of sausage: Selecting a sausage that doesn’t have the right flavor profile can affect the overall taste. Stick to beef, turkey, or chicken Italian sausage for the best results.
- Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the sausage properly can lead to a less flavorful broth. Always brown your meat thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy and lose their vibrant color. Be mindful of cooking times, especially for bell peppers and zucchini.
- Not seasoning enough: Soups need proper seasoning to enhance flavors. Taste as you cook and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Neglecting pasta cooking time: Adding pasta too early can lead to overcooked noodles. Add it towards the end of cooking for the perfect texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Italian Sausage Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers as soup may expand when frozen.
Reheating Italian Sausage Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding Italian Sausage Soup that might help you with your cooking experience.
How do I make Italian Sausage Soup vegetarian?
You can replace the sausage with plant-based alternatives or omit it altogether. Add more beans or lentils for protein.
Can I use different vegetables in Italian Sausage Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute any seasonal vegetables like spinach, kale, or potatoes based on your preference.
How long does Italian Sausage Soup last?
In the refrigerator, it lasts about 4 days. If frozen, it can be kept for up to 3 months.
What is the best way to serve Italian Sausage Soup?
Serve hot in bowls topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Can I adjust the spice level of Italian Sausage Soup?
Yes! You can increase or decrease crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage Soup is not only hearty and comforting but also versatile enough for customization. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Italian Sausage Soup
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with this hearty Italian Sausage Soup. Bursting with vibrant vegetables and tender pasta, this savory tomato-based broth is elevated with a splash of apple vinegar for a unique twist. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead, this easy-to-make soup promises to satisfy your hunger while delivering a wholesome experience. Whether served as a main course or alongside crusty bread, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your household.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately six servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef, turkey, or chicken sausage
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 large carrots (chopped)
- 3 stalks celery (chopped)
- 1 large red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 large green bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 medium zucchini (quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup dry red apple vinegar
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans tomato sauce (15 ounces each)
- 1 can diced fire-roasted tomatoes (15 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1–2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1½ cups small pasta (such as shells or ditalini)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown the sausage over medium heat until cooked through. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in the same pot; sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes.
- Add chopped carrots and celery; cook until tender (about another 3–4 minutes).
- Stir in bell peppers and zucchini; cook until all vegetables are soft.
- Mix in minced garlic and apple vinegar; bring to a boil.
- Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Return sausage to the pot; boil then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in pasta; cook an additional 10 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1⅓ cups (300g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider incorporating seasonal greens like spinach or kale into the soup. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.